Structural Inspection vs. Home Inspection: Which Is Right for You?
Dig deep into the foundational differences between structural and home inspections
Highlights
A structural inspection focuses on the load-bearing structural components of a home.
A home inspection offers a surface-level review of a home’s overall condition.
The two types of inspections are performed by different licensed professionals.
Potential home buyers often get both inspections done before closing on a deal.
A couple of inspections can save you from dealing with big problems in the long run, but not all inspections serve the same purpose. While some people may think that a structural inspection and a home inspection are identical and interchangeable, they have several noteworthy differences. Whether you’re ready to buy a new home or you’re considering a major addition to your existing house, learn how structural inspections and home inspections differ in scope and benefits.
Main Differences Between Structural Inspections and Home Inspections
A structural inspection zeroes in on the structural integrity of a home. A structural engineer looks closely at load-bearing elements to assess whether there are possible safety hazards. By contrast, a home inspection is more general in scope, offering a surface-level evaluation of a home’s overall condition. A home inspection looks at the structure, but not to the level of detail of a structural inspection.
These are the main differences between what a structural inspection is and what a home inspection is. They are performed by different professionals, can take different amounts of time, and can cost different amounts of money.
| Differences | Structural Inspection | Home Inspection |
|---|---|---|
| Area of focus | Structural integrity | General condition |
| Level of detail | Specific | Broad |
| Who to hire | Structural engineer | Home inspector |
| Time it takes | 1 – 3 hours | 2 – 3 hours |
| Typical cost | $300 – $3,000 | $200 – $500 |
What Is a Structural Inspection?
The terms “foundation inspection” and “structural inspection” are sometimes used interchangeably. Structural engineers have specific training on how to assess for issues relating to load-bearing walls, foundations, and other structural elements of a building. They look at a building’s ability to carry its design load safely and effectively.
This includes factoring in environmental factors, like if a home is located in an area at risk of earthquakes or hurricanes. The structural integrity of homes in hilly areas or in regions with different climates will have different requirements. Structural engineers can identify possible weak points and offer suggestions for how to address them.
A typical foundation inspection costs anywhere from $300 to $3,000, depending on the size and complexity of the property. Larger houses will cost more and take more time for a structural engineer to inspect properly. Expect about an hour of work for every 1,500 square feet.
Main Focus Areas
A licensed structural engineer will focus on the load-bearing elements of a home to assess its overall structural integrity. As they inspect the structure of the building, they may look for:
Signs of foundation issues, like settling, water ingress, heaving, or cracking
Wide cracks and other major defects to exterior walls, especially around door and window frames
Visible issues with load-bearing walls, such as cracking or warping
Structural damage to studs, joists, and beams caused by rot or termite infestation
Bulging or warping of the home’s floors and walls
The ability of the roof’s structure to withstand high winds or heavy snow loads
When To Get a Structural Inspection
There are several common reasons why you may order a structural engineer inspection of your home (or future home).
Before you buy a home, identify possible structural issues that may otherwise be costly to repair after taking possession of the property.
When building a new custom home, a structural engineer can review the plans for the foundation and structure of the building to ensure they are sound. They can also review the plot of land for suitability, including environmental impact.
After a natural disaster like a flood, earthquake, or major storm, the structural integrity of your home may be compromised. Check to see what, if anything, needs to be repaired or replaced.
If you notice possible warning signs that something may be amiss with your home’s foundation or other structural elements, like cracks around windows or uneven floors, a structural inspection can settle the matter and provide guidance on what steps to take next.
When planning additions or alterations to your home, a structural inspection can confirm the home’s ability to support the additional load. Include the structural engineer cost as part of the overall budget for your home improvement project.
What Is a Home Inspection?
Whereas a structural inspection digs deep into the structural integrity of a building, a standard home inspection is much broader in scope. It looks at the overall condition of the home at more of a surface level.
This is largely a surface inspection, so don’t expect a home inspector to look behind walls or under floors. It is non-invasive but can help reveal hidden problems. Depending on what they find, they may suggest hiring a specialist to investigate further, like finding a structural engineer to inspect the foundation. Structural issues are one of the most common things that fail a home inspection.
A typical home inspection costs about $200 to $500. Again, this depends on the size, history, and complexity of the property.
Main Focus Areas
The home inspection report you receive will generally include information about the following areas and aspects of the property:
Apparent structural soundness
Signs of water damage
Roofing system
Electrical system
HVAC system
Plumbing
Floors, walls, and ceilings
Kitchens and bathrooms
Windows and doors
Major appliances and fixtures
When To Get a General Home Inspection
The situations in which you want to find a home inspector can be similar to hiring a structural engineer. Common scenarios include:
Listing your home for sale
Buying a home, including new construction
Starting home renovation projects
Two years after a new home is built
Appraising the value of a home
Which Inspection To Get and Why
A general home inspection is a good place to start, identifying possible areas of concern that may justify further investigation. If the home inspection raises concerns about the foundation or framing of the house, a structural inspection is warranted.
Some local home inspection companies may offer both types of inspections. Even if the home inspection doesn’t sound the alarm, a structural inspection is a worthwhile investment to ensure your home is in good condition.