What Should I Do When an Inspector Discovers Structural Damage?

Home inspections are most often done as a part of the process of selling a house, though they certainly aren’t limited to just that process. Regular home inspections can bring to light serious issues such as structural damage that might otherwise go unattended. Structural damage is a very serious problem that requires your immediate attention as a homeowner.

File an Insurance Claim

Home repairs can be incredibly expensive, especially when it comes to structural damage. Structural damage can often be tied to foundation damage, which may be covered by your homeowner’s insurance. Whether or not your insurance will cover the cost of repairs will depend on your policy and the cause of the damage. This is part of why it’s so important to clearly understand what your insurance policy covers. If your foundation was damaged due to a covered foundation problem, file an insurance claim.

Find a Contractor

Structural repairs are not something you should attempt to fix yourself unless you have the proper training, experience, and licensing. Instead, find an experienced contractor who specializes in fixing the problem you’re facing. When you find different contractors you want to take a closer look at, be sure to look at their reviews. They can give you an idea of what you might expect from that contractor. If you’re concerned about the validity of the reviews you’re reading, try using houzz.com. Houzz automatically prevents fake reviews from appearing on their site. This can help you feel more confident about whoever you decide to hire.

Prevent Future Damage

Once the structural repairs have been completed, take steps to prevent future structural damage to protect your home. It’s especially important to protect your foundation from water damage, since that’s a common cause of damage. Prevent damage from plant roots by ensuring that the plants are an appropriate distance away from your home. It’s also smart to prevent pest damage as well. Treat the outer surfaces of your home regularly, especially if they are made from wood. Keeping plants and wood piles away from your home will help with this as well. You may also find it beneficial to hire a pest control company if you find your own efforts aren’t enough to protect your home.

If your home inspector discovers structural damage, it’s important to act quickly to repair it. File an insurance claim to help offset the costs of repairs, find a contractor, and take steps to prevent future damage to the repairs. This will help protect your home’s structural integrity for years to come.

We can provide you with quality inspections so you can take care of your issues promptly. Start by requesting an inspection!