Your Home Inspector Found Something. Now What?
Your home inspector did their job and flagged a crack, a sloped floor, or a foundation concern. That report tells you something is worth a closer look - it does not tell you whether the deal is in trouble. A licensed Professional Engineer is the only person who can answer that, and you usually need the answer before your due diligence period runs out.
Frequently Asked Questions
- My home inspector recommended a structural engineer. Do I really need one?
- If the inspector wrote 'recommend evaluation by a licensed structural engineer,' yes - and the cost of skipping it is much higher than the cost of the evaluation. Home inspectors are trained to identify and defer; structural engineers are licensed to diagnose. Lenders, underwriters, and most contracts will require the PE-stamped follow-up before closing if the inspector flagged structural language.
- What's the difference between a home inspector and a structural engineer?
- A home inspector gives a broad visual survey of the whole house - roof to crawl space - in a single visit. A licensed structural engineer (PE) evaluates load paths, foundation behavior, and structural conditions, and is the only professional whose sealed report a lender, insurer, or permitting office will accept for structural decisions. The home inspector finds the symptom; the PE diagnoses the cause.
- How fast can I get a structural engineer out after my home inspection?
- We schedule most post-inspection visits within 2-3 business days because we know due diligence periods are short. The PE-stamped report follows 1-2 business days after the site visit. Tell us the closing date when you call and we'll prioritize the visit if needed.
- How much does a structural engineer cost after a home inspection?
- Most post-inspection evaluations in the Raleigh-Durham Triangle are a flat fee that covers the on-site visit by a licensed PE plus the sealed report. Call (984) 370-3255 with the property address and we'll give you a same-day quote.
- Will the seller pay for the structural engineer?
- Usually the buyer pays for the engineer's evaluation - it's part of your due diligence. But buyers routinely use the PE report to negotiate seller credits or repairs that more than cover the cost of the engineer. If the inspector was wrong and the home is fine, the report still protects you.
- What does the structural engineer's report actually say?
- A plain-English findings section (what we saw), an engineering opinion (whether it's active, cosmetic, or requires repair), a recommended scope (specific repairs if needed), and the PE's stamp and signature. It's the document Realtors, attorneys, lenders, and contractors all reference for the rest of the transaction.
- Can the engineer tell me if I should walk away from the house?
- We give you the structural facts; the decision is yours and your Realtor's. What we can tell you is whether the issue is cosmetic, active and worsening, or a defined repair with a known cost. With that information, the walk-or-stay decision becomes a math problem instead of a guess.