10 MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why get an inspection by a Structural Engineer?
What are the most common reasons for a Structural Inspection?
What are the fees for a residential inspection?
What happens during a Structural Inspection?
How do I schedule an Inspection?
Does ATLANTA STRUCTURAL do the repairs or recommend contractors?
How long has ATLANTA STRUCTURAL been in business?
How do I check out an Engineer or Engineering Company?
Does ATLANTA STRUCTURAL come back to check repairs?
Why get an inspection by a Structural Engineer?
Request an inspection by an Engineer if:
• there is an obvious structural problem,
• if a Home Inspector recommends a structural concern be evaluated,
• if you are renovating and making structural changes,
• or, if you are having an addition constructed.
Many structural problems are discovered or dealt with when a home is changing owners. Repairs can be expensive and problems can affect the value and ability to sell a home. If you are purchasing a house, ATLANTA STRUCTURAL recommends having a complete Home Inspection prior to having specific structural problems evaluated. The Home Inspector may find several reasons why you decide not to purchase the home that will make a Structural Inspection unnecessary. The Home Inspector should also make you aware of any additional structural concerns that should be evaluated more thoroughly. Do not request a Structural Inspection on an entire home as it is too expensive and is rarely necessary. Have specific concerns evaluated.
Consider engaging a Structural Engineer if you are renovating your house. In many cases, changes to the existing structure are made, such as removing a load-bearing wall. If you are building an addition, an Engineer can design the structural components, such as footings, walls, joists, beams, and rafters.
What are the most common reasons for a Structural Inspection?
• To evaluate cracks in foundation walls, floor slabs, or the exterior veneer.
• To evaluate humps, dips, or slopes in the floor or roof framing.
• For advice on water seepage into basements and crawl spaces as well as exterior grading and drainage problems.
• To consult with an Engineer for a renovation or addition project.
• To design structural components such as beams, columns, footings, and retaining walls.
• For expert witnessing in a lawsuit or arbitration case.
What are the fees for a residential inspection?
ATLANTA STRUCTURAL’s inspection fees are based on the time required to complete the job, subject to a $300 minimum. The vast majority of our jobs fall in the $300 to $450 range, which includes the site inspection and written report with a Registered Professional Engineer’s Seal.
ATLANTA STRUCTURAL does not permit billing for inspection services. All fees are paid at the time of the inspection. Cash, checks, and major credit cards are accepted.
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What happens during a Structural Inspection?
A registered Structural Engineer that is Code Certified will visit the site to evaluate specific requested concerns.
When a structural problem is evaluated, the Engineer will explain what’s happening and why, how common and how big of a problem it is, and what if anything needs to be done. A very thorough report with a Professional Engineers seal will follow in 24 to 48 hours. The report typically includes the Purpose for the inspection, a Description of the structure, the Observations related to the concerns, Conclusions explaining causes and severity, as well as any Recommendations for repairs.
The client, or a representative of the client, should be present for the inspection to provide access, describe the concerns, as well as to hear the Engineer’s comments about the problem and any repair options.
ATLANTA STRUCTURAL reports are not the check box style that a lot of Home Inspectors use. Structural reports are customized for each job and are stamped with a Georgia Professional Engineer seal. Reports are completed within about 24 to 48 hours, but often are emailed in the morning following the inspection. Do not expect the report on the same day as the inspection.
How do I schedule an Inspection?
Call (770) 973-1611 to schedule an inspection.
If the inspection is related to the sale of a home, call as soon as the Home Inspection is complete because most Purchase and Sale Agreements limit the time period for inspections.
Field inspection jobs are typically scheduled for 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Other times may be available, but early mornings and late afternoons are typically spent performing office functions such as writing reports and working with office staff.
Does ATLANTA STRUCTURAL do the repairs or recommend contractors?
ATLANTA STRUCTURAL provides consulting, design, and inspection services but does not contract to do any type of construction or repairs.
In many cases, clients ask us to refer them to contractors that can complete the recommended repairs. When applicable, ATLANTA STRUCTURAL may provide the names of contractors that do the type of work needed, but it is up to the client to obtain estimates and to verify references and qualifications.
How long has ATLANTA STRUCTURAL been in business?
ATLANTA STRUCTURAL was formed in 1997 and has completed over 2500 inspections.
How do I check out an Engineer or Engineering Company?
A technique to verify if an Engineer is properly registered with the state of Georgia is to search the Georgia Secretary of State web site. Go to https://secure.sos.state.ga.us/myverification/, click on the License Verification menu selection. Select "Engineers & Land Surveyors" for Profession. Select "Professional Engineer" for License Type. Enter the last name of the Engineer (such as Hunter). Click on the “Search” button for the results. Find the applicable person (such as Alan S Hunter) and click on the License Number for the available information.
To verify an Engineering Company is properly registered, go to https://secure.sos.state.ga.us/myverification/Search.aspx?facility=Y. Add Select "Engineers & Land Surveyors" for Profession. Enter part of the company name (such as ATLANTA STRUCTURAL). Click on the “Search” button for the results. Find the applicable company (such as Atlanta Structural Consulting & Inspections, Inc.) and click on the License Number for the available information.
Does ATLANTA STRUCTURAL come back to check repairs?
If requested, ATLANTA STRUCTURAL will inspect and report on recommended repairs. This final step provides peach of mind as well as closure for a structural problem. Furthermore, if a mortgage lender required the repairs, a sealed letter is commonly required before they will release the funds.
Clients receive a report of any deficiencies or a letter with a Professional Engineers seal stating that the repairs were completed according to the recommendations.
The fee for inspecting repairs is based on the time required to evaluate them and prepare the report, but is not subject to the $300 minimum.
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