How much is a structural home inspection?

Author: Judson Padberg  |  Last update: Sunday, June 15, 2025

A structural inspection cost will be between $300 and $3,000, depending on the size of your home, Angi explains.

How much does a home structural inspection cost?

A structural engineer home inspection costs $350 to $900 and takes 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the home's size. During a house inspection, a structural engineer performs a visual inspection to confirm the building's structural integrity and then reports the findings.

What does "structural" mean in a home inspection?

A structural inspection is a visual inspection done by a structural engineer to confirm the structural soundness of a home or building's weight bearing elements such as framing, foundation, beams, columns, posts, or trusses.

Is a structural inspection worth it?

A structural inspection is beneficial because it can: Determine the structural integrity of the home. Identify any work that needs to be done. Help you negotiate a price on your home.

What is considered major structural damage to a house?

Licensed home inspectors primarily look at the four pillars which are the foundation, floor, walls and roof. Cracking, sagging, shifting or missing features on any of the pillars may be considered structural damage if the ruin is severe.

The Truth About HOME INSPECTION REPORTS! What They Leave Out...(Homebuyers SHOULD WATCH This Video!)

How much does it cost to fix structural damage to a house?

Basic Structural Damage – $5,000 for minimal structural repairs like small cracks, shallow foundation cracks, or loose stones. Average Structural Damage – $10,000 for more advanced structural repairs, including major crack repair or foundation repairs with underpinning.

How long does it take to get a structural report?

The answer to how long does a house survey take to come back depends on the type of survey you commissioned. Home Surveys Level 1 and 2 typically take between 3 and 5 days while full structural surveys can take up to 10 working days.

How much do surveyors charge per hour?

An experienced surveyor will typically charge $84-100 per hour. While the average price for a survey is usually under $400, there are many factors that could raise that price to well over $700. Before settling on a company, buyers should always do their research.

What are the three types of structural analysis?

There are three approaches to the analysis: the mechanics of materials approach (also known as strength of materials), the elasticity theory approach (which is actually a special case of the more general field of continuum mechanics), and the finite element approach.

Can I do my own structural calculations?

To satisfy building control, it is strongly advised to use a professional structural engineer for calculating the structural loads, unless you have undertaken professional training yourself.

How much does it cost to get a structural engineer out?

You should consult directly for accurate rates. For hourly rates, expect to pay between £90 and £200. A basic project usually ranges from £350 to £450, while complex projects can reach up to £10,000 in cost. For a detailed structural engineer report, costmay range from £500 to £2,000.

What to do if your house has structural issues?

The house was inspected and appraised but structural issues were never reported. Hire a professional: Get a licensed structural engineer to assess the extent of the damage. A thorough evaluation will help determine the severity of the issue and the required repairs.

Is it worth paying for a home inspection?

An inspection is a crucial way to gather information before finalizing a home purchase, which might well be the largest financial investment you'll ever make. It's worth paying a small amount of money for an inspection now to potentially save you substantial money — and headaches — in the future.

When to call a structural engineer?

Small fine cracks are typically not an issue when it comes to foundations. However, if you are seeing cracks even ¼” (or larger) in size, bowing foundation walls or movement of any kind, you might want to have a structural engineering inspection performed to analyze the condition.

Is a structural survey worth it?

Do I need a survey when buying a house? Yes, we advise that you need a survey when buying a house. It identifies potential issues, such as structural problems, which could impact the property's value and your decision to purchase. You might use the unbiased information from the survey to renegotiate the price.

What is a full structural report?

What is a Full Structural Survey? A 'Full Structural Survey' is exactly the same as a Level 3 Building Survey. It is an in-depth inspection of the condition of a property.

Who do you call for structural issues?

You should hire a licensed foundation repair contractor or a structural engineering firm to do this inspection.

Will homeowners insurance cover structural problems?

The majority of homeowners insurance policies do not cover any type of structural damage unless it has been covered by a specific event. For instance, if you added a rider to your policy to protect you against earthquake damage, your policy might cover structural damage due to the earth moving.

What is the most costly repair on a house?

The 10 Most Expensive Home Repairs
  • Siding Repairs. ...
  • Storm Damage. ...
  • Foundation Repairs. ...
  • Heating and Cooling Equipment. ...
  • Sewer Line Repair. ...
  • Roof Repairs. ...
  • Driveway Repair. ...
  • Termite Damage. Termites can eat through wooden floors, rafters, and walls, costing thousands of dollars to replace.

Can you live in a house with structural damage?

Is it Safe to Live in a House with Foundation Problems? Living in a house with foundation problems is generally considered safe, though this depends on the extent of the issues. Minor concerns, such as cracks or gaps, usually do not pose an immediate risk but indicate the need for a professional inspection soon.

Is structural damage expensive to fix?

Location: Geographic location can significantly influence labor and material costs. Foundation repair costs in areas with high seismic activity, such as California, or in coastal regions prone to hurricanes, like Florida and Texas, may be higher due to increased demand for specialized expertise and materials.

How do you test for structural damage?

To assess structural damages in a building, you first look for signs of cracks, leaning walls, or sagging ceilings. Then, you might use tools like levels or measuring tapes to check for any unevenness. Finally, you may need to hire a structural engineer to do a detailed inspection and recommend repairs.

Are structural cracks covered by insurance?

Generally, foundation cracks or settling aren't covered by your homeowners policy. Your home's foundation is protected under your policy's dwelling coverage, but only for certain perils/events.

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