FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1.  How much does a structural inspection cost performed by a professional engineer?

Professional engineers qualified to practice and provide engineering advice consistent with their professional experience are required by law in Queensland to be registered with the Board of Professional Engineers Queensland.  Depending on their experience professional senior structural engineers with a minimum of 10 years postgraduate experience are costed at approx $200-$230/hr for inspection and design report consultation rates.  The time costs to complete and inspection and provide written report advice with inspection photos and measurements is estimated prior to starting an inspection assessment.  Typically a detailed report with 3-4 written pages of inspection content and recommendation may use 4 hours to travel  / inspect / prepare a detailed report advice and issue.  Its best inform the engineer about your concerns and request a fee estimate to complete a report.  Details that should be relayed to the engineer for requesting an accurate quotation are provided on the Contact page information.

Q2.  What will a structural engineering report do that my pre-purchase building inspection report won't do?

Building inspectors are not allowed to provide advice past their level of expertise as noted in the first answer above.  Structural engineers are often called out to look at houses at various levels of significant structural distress or with some maintenance concerns that need attendance.  They are also involved in the design of repairs and remedial activities that may be suitable to prevent future damage or correct existing damage.  They are in the best position to review the existing foundation design from the approved design drawings and detect problems before they may fully develop.  They also help provide home owners with realistic expectations on the future conditions and the risk factors which may cause an adverse performance.

Q3.  Will getting a structural inspection report help me sell my home?

If there is some seemingly minor defects present, building inspectors are now very quick to refer the buyers to obtain the advice of a structural engineer.  For many buyers this is enough incentive to just look elsewhere.  If the defects are repairable or within the performance limits accepted by the current Australia design standards for house foundation design, having professional qualified advice outlining these conditions available for review helps to reduce unnecessary fears of the unknown.  The report will allow the owner to potentially remove / repair defects or maintenance concerns prior to a buyer's building and pest inspections which should reduce the level of concerns these later contract inspections may identify.

Q4.  How is payment processed for inspection services?

Following the issue of the final report and recommendations payment is required within 7 days.  The most popular payment method is via the clients on-line banking via EFT.  Cheque payment is also acceptable.

Other questions can be added below or sent directly to our email office should further explanations be helpful to you.

Q5.  If I send in my defect photos and questions will my home be identified?

If you specifically request that your defect photo not be added into the list of defect articles displayed here this can accommodated.  Our review advice may then be sent directly via a return email only.  Typically a close-up photo of the defect (part of the side of a house) will not reveal the house involved and publishing the defect along with some suggested remedial actions will help other local home owners detect and address similar concerns that may be affecting their property.  Its best to try and help others avoid defects and poor maintenance before it causes problems later on if possible.

Q6. How to I contact Structural Inspections+1 for more advice or an inspection booking

See the Contact Us tab on the top of page menu table bar, next to FAQ.