Structural inspection
A specialized inspection by a structural engineer, usually ordered if the general inspection spots foundation cracks or framing problems. More detailed and more expensive.
Your Room opens on this part of the sale, with the offer and everything before it already ticked.
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See how it worksWhere this comes up: under contract
Part 1 of 4
Why a seller cares
When a general inspector sees a foundation crack or sagging framing, a structural engineer is the next call. Their letter either closes the question or prices it, and it carries weight with lenders that an inspector's note does not.
Part 2 of 4
A simple example
The inspector flags a horizontal crack in a basement wall. The buyer's engineer visits, measures, and writes a letter: cosmetic, no movement, monitor.
| What the engineer says | What follows |
|---|---|
| Cosmetic, no movement | The item closes; the letter goes in the file |
| Movement, repair recommended | A quote, usually in the thousands, and a negotiation |
| Active failure | A repair before closing, or a buyer who walks |
An engineer's letter turns a scary crack into a decision.
Part 3 of 4
What people get wrong
That a crack means a failing foundation. Most are settlement cracks the engineer signs off in a paragraph.
Part 4 of 4 · where to read next
Where it appears in the sale
What a definition is, and what it isn't
Keighbor is a software company, not a law firm, brokerage, or tax adviser. This is general information, not legal, tax, financial, or real estate advice about your sale. Your situation may differ. Before acting on a contract, disclosure, title, tax, or pricing question, ask an appropriately licensed professional in your state.
Written and researched by Keighbor Research · drawn from the reference glossary · how we research and check what we publish
In your Room, this word explains itself where it appears.
Your Room defines structural inspection in the step you meet it in, beside the document or the date it belongs to. Free to set up, with an agent or on your own.
Organize my saleFree to set up. Pay once when you list: $89 or $189. 7-day refund.