What We Look For (And What We Don’t): Do You Have Good Bones? What a Structural Inspection Reveals

Everyone wants to know: does this house have good bones? And what they really mean is, “Will it fall apart on me?” That’s fair. But let’s be honest: I’m not an engineer running stress tests on your roof load. I’m a trained home inspector looking for symptoms—the visible stuff that tells me what might be going wrong underneath.

My Job Is to Spot the Signs—Not Solve the Math

I look at how the house is behaving. Are floors sloping? Are door frames out of square? Are there cracks at window corners or stair-step patterns in brick? Those are red flags that suggest movement or shifting. But without removing finishes, testing soil, or analyzing load paths, I can’t tell you exactly *why* it’s happening—or how to fix it.

What I can do is point out what’s visible, explain what it might mean, and help you decide if a licensed structural engineer should take a deeper look. Their job is different from mine—and yes, it usually starts at $750 just to show up. That’s why I don’t push every buyer to get one. Wait and see what I find first.

What I’m Looking For—And What I’m Not

✅ I’m looking for: sloping floors, out-of-plumb walls, cracks in walls and foundations, door alignment issues, exposed truss damage, and signs of overloading.
❌ I’m not looking to: verify framing code, pull permits, engineer a fix, or determine root structural loads. That’s a job for the PE with a calculator and a tape measure.

When "Good Bones" Doesn’t Mean Perfect

Many older homes settle unevenly over time—but are still structurally sound. If I don’t see signs of recent movement, water intrusion, or active shifting, I’ll say that. Minor sloping in a 1950s ranch may be normal. But fresh cracks or doors that won’t latch are things I call out.

In attics and basements, I look at the framing itself. Are trusses intact? Any cracks, bowing, or poor repairs? Have braces been cut or altered? Are beams undersized or sagging? All of this goes in your report—with photos, notes, and recommendations.

FAQs: What to Expect From a Structural Inspection During a Home Inspection

Do you evaluate framing?

Yes—where visible. I look at attic and crawlspace framing, visible bracing, roof trusses, and signs of modification or failure. But I don’t open walls or confirm design compliance.

Should I get a structural engineer?

Maybe. If I see major red flags—active movement, major sagging, or advanced foundation distress—I’ll recommend it. But you don’t need one unless something I find points in that direction.

Do you report minor sloping or cracking?

Yes. Any signs of movement, even if minor, are included in the report with photos and notes. These help you monitor over time—or bring in pros if needed.

Can you tell me if the house is safe?

I can tell you what I see today—and whether there are concerns. I can’t predict future failure or unseen issues. Think of this as a first diagnosis, not the final treatment plan.

→ Next up: Post 15: Electrical System Overview — What We Inspect and Why It Matters

← Previously: Post 13: Foundation, Crawlspace & Basement — Uncovering Structural Clues

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