On this page we list answers to some of the questions frequently asked by our customers and provide other useful information about the foundation and structural inspections we perform. Should you require any further details about the process, have any quesions that are unanswered below, or would simply like some clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us using one of the methods provided on our contact page.
Modular/Manufactured Homes: Often when a modular or manufactured home is resold or refinanced, the bank may require a foundation inspection. HUD issued a guide book called Permanent Foundation Guide for Manufactured Houses that the engineer and inspector will use to determine if the house meets all of the requirements. The engineer or inspector will check the perimeter and the underside of the house to ensure the home has a proper foundation. The letter, which is unique to each house will either indicate that the house meets the HUD guidelines or that it lacks a required element. If the house does not meet the guidelines, suggestions will be made for possible solutions. Once the house meets the guidelines, the house can be reinspected and a letter stating that the house meets the guidelines will be issued.
Conventional Homes: Conventional homes may have developed cracks or drainage issues that an engineer may need to address before the sale of a house. This may involve entry into the home, a walk around the perimeter, or access to the basement or crawl space . The letter, which is unique to each house, will give a description of the problem and list possible avenues for repair.
The engineer will use the floor plan and the pier plan to design a proper foundation to support the house using either the Permanent Foundation Guide for Manufactured Houses for modular or manufactured houses or the Residential Building Code for conventional houses.
Typically, we can inspect the property within 5 buisness days. The foundation letter may take an additional 2-3 business days. If possible, we would like to schedule the time for your inspection in advance.
The inspector will walk around the perimeter of the house, as well as take pictures of the house and its foundation. For a modular or manufactured house inspection, the inspector will require access to the crawl space only. For a conventional house, it may be necessary for the engineer to enter the home.
Typically, for a manufactured or modular home, as long as the crawl space and the property are accessible, there is no need for a representative to be availabe at the time of the inspection. For a conventional house, however, a representative (home owner, buyer, realtor) should be present, especially if entering the home is essential.
Please make sure that all animals are properly restrained. We do not want any harm to come to either animals or our inspectors! Some dogs will feel very protective of what they consider their territory and may act aggressively toward the inspector. Please let us know if you have a dog that we need to be aware of.
Please let us know and we will inform you in advance of the day and time we plan to conduct an inspection. It may be difficult and cause the neighbors' suspicion if we attempt to climb the gate. In the event we are denied access, we will leave the property and charge an extra fee for re-inspection.
Please let us know and we will inform you in advance of the day and time we plan to conduct an inspection. In the event we arrive at the property and are denied access, we will leave and charge an extra fee for re-inspection.
You may contact us using one of the methods provided on our contact page. We're always happy to answer any questions or concerns you might have.