A structural engineer can be a valuable asset to those interested in purchasing foreclosed property. Foreclosed homes may have maintenance and repair issues caused by years of neglect. Over several years, these problems may escalate to the point that they become a threat to the entire structure. In some cases these problems are obvious and sometimes they?re largely hidden.
Sellers in Florida are obligated to disclose problems that are not obvious, especially if they could affect the value of the property. Foreclosed homes however, are usually owned by a bank. Banks don?t usually visit these homes, so they have no knowledge of such problems. As a result they sell the properties ?as is.? In such cases home inspectors and structural engineers can help.
Structural engineers have education and experience understanding and analyzing structures and materials. They understand what makes a structure stable and what problems could undermine that stability. They will examine the walls, beams, foundation and other structural components to find evidence of deformation or deterioration that might affect the whole structure.
Both home inspectors and structural engineers have a place when working with foreclosed property. Home inspectors are limited to examining the property and describing what they see. Engineers can go further in that they can not only examine the structure, but also diagnose any problems they find and offer solutions.
Home inspectors reduce the risks associated with buying a home. Foreclosed homes can be an even greater risk, and most savvy buyers would not consider such a purchase without a professional inspection. Inspections can detect potentially expensive problems that might have gone undetected. Knowledge of these issues will allow the negotiation needed to cover the extra costs.
Always inspect any potential purchase carefully. Inspect both the property and structure. Look for defects such as walls that lean, floors that slope, doors and windows that bind, cracks in the foundation or walls or a porch that slopes toward the house. These may be symptoms of deeper problems. You will need the opinion of a structural engineer to understand the scope and severity involved.
The purchase a foreclosed home may be perceived by some as a high risk investment. But, with the help of a professional home inspector and a structural engineer, most of the risk involved can be avoided. These professionals can help both home buyers and investors achieve peace of mind in an uncertain market. - 23309
Sellers in Florida are obligated to disclose problems that are not obvious, especially if they could affect the value of the property. Foreclosed homes however, are usually owned by a bank. Banks don?t usually visit these homes, so they have no knowledge of such problems. As a result they sell the properties ?as is.? In such cases home inspectors and structural engineers can help.
Structural engineers have education and experience understanding and analyzing structures and materials. They understand what makes a structure stable and what problems could undermine that stability. They will examine the walls, beams, foundation and other structural components to find evidence of deformation or deterioration that might affect the whole structure.
Both home inspectors and structural engineers have a place when working with foreclosed property. Home inspectors are limited to examining the property and describing what they see. Engineers can go further in that they can not only examine the structure, but also diagnose any problems they find and offer solutions.
Home inspectors reduce the risks associated with buying a home. Foreclosed homes can be an even greater risk, and most savvy buyers would not consider such a purchase without a professional inspection. Inspections can detect potentially expensive problems that might have gone undetected. Knowledge of these issues will allow the negotiation needed to cover the extra costs.
Always inspect any potential purchase carefully. Inspect both the property and structure. Look for defects such as walls that lean, floors that slope, doors and windows that bind, cracks in the foundation or walls or a porch that slopes toward the house. These may be symptoms of deeper problems. You will need the opinion of a structural engineer to understand the scope and severity involved.
The purchase a foreclosed home may be perceived by some as a high risk investment. But, with the help of a professional home inspector and a structural engineer, most of the risk involved can be avoided. These professionals can help both home buyers and investors achieve peace of mind in an uncertain market. - 23309
About the Author:
High construction costs and tight deadlines are common on commercial building projects. Florida Engineering Solutions delivers structural engineering design, quality service, quick turnaround and innovative thinking. Contact the professional structural engineers at FES for your next commercial project. Mary Smith is a freelance writer.
