Reduce Foreclosure Risk ? Hire a Structural Engineer

Structural engineers can be an invaluable asset to buyers wishing to purchase foreclosed property. Years of neglect may have allowed small maintenance and repair problems to escalate. In some cases these problems may even threaten the entire structure. Buyers need to be fully aware of all the problems a foreclosed property may contain.

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 a thorough understanding of what makes a structure stable and what problems could undermine that stability. They will perform a thorough examination of the walls, beams, floors, foundation and other components of the structure to find any evidence of deterioration or deformation that might affect the 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.

When visiting the foreclosed property, inspect the structure and property carefully. Consider calling a structural engineer if you find walls that lean, floors that slope, windows and doors that bind, cracks in the walls or foundation or porches that slope toward the house. These may be signs of larger problems.

The purchase of a foreclosed home should not be a high risk venture. Many of the risks involved can be understood and averted with the help of a professional home inspector and a structural engineer. These experts are highly trained and independent and can offer you the peace of mind you need to purchase a home or to make a safe investment,

From light commercial building design to large construction projects, Florida Engineering Solutions can design and support your project from beginning to end. Our professional structural engineers understand the high cost of construction and offer quick turnaround to meet tight deadlines. Contact FES when you need a structural engineering firm for your next project. Mary Smith is a freelance writer.