What is the difference between structural engineers and commercial building inspectors?

If you are a landlord or owner of a commercial building, it is important to understand the differences between specialists you will eventually need to hire to upkeep and maintain your property. Here at Focus Building Inspections, we are commercial building inspectors, but our work is often mistaken for other jobs, such as structural engineers. So what is the difference between structural engineers and commercial building inspectors? How do they compare?

What does a structural engineer do?

A structural engineer has a specific field of expertise. They are trained in understanding how to design and build buildings that have stability and security in their foundations and bones. A structural engineer is not the same as a contractor, inspector or architect. However, there may be overlap in the job descriptions. Structural engineers have the training best suited for looking for issues with load-bearing walls, foundation and other areas dealing with the structure of a building...It’s best to contact a structural engineer when the structural integrity... is called into question” (Hayman Engineering). 

What is a commercial building inspector?

Commercial building inspectors come in and perform comprehensive visual inspections on buildings, where they search for damage, potential hazards, and anything else that may be amiss that can help a landlord, owner, potential buyer, or tenant understand the true condition of the building. Inspectors are generalists, meaning they know a lot about all the different aspects of a building and the proper codes and regulations, but they are not specialists in any one area. This means that while they can help diagnose if a building has structural problems, they would not be the ones to fix it. However, they may be able to refer reputable structural engineers to clients.  

Should I use a structural engineer or a commercial inspector?

In most cases, a commercial inspector is the first call. An inspector will perform an inspection that can let you know if there is an issue to be fixed, and can recommend further help to you. Then, call a structural engineer. A reason to hire a structural engineer first and not a commercial inspector would be if you are looking to do renovations that could change the structural integrity of the building, like removing walls, or if your building has experienced storm damage or is an older building that has a history of structural problems that need to be check up on every few years.

Do you need a commercial inspector? 3 Reasons to choose Focus Building Inspections:

1. We’re qualified and experienced. Each member of our inspection team are CCPIA- accredited (Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association) and we use the ASTM (American Standard for Testing and Materials) Property Condition Assessment standard E-2018-15 for our baseline assessment of all of our building inspections.

2. Our reports are intuitive and simple to read and decipher. Like everything we do, they’re made with the client in mind. We’re also always available for follow-up questions or help after any inspection.

3. Our clients testify to our work and integrity, like this review below:

   “Working with Focus Building Inspections is amazing as they are professional and efficient. Our customers are 100% satisfied! Our realtors love working with Lance and his team because he is so supportive of the entire real estate community and is always looking for ways to help!”—Kelly Kilmer, Managing broker of Re/Max Results Tulsa & Publisher of Tulsa Real Producers Magazine

Sources

https://cbsmn.com/what-is-a-structural-engineer-inspection-everything-you-need-to-know/