Originally Posted by
Jack Feldmann
Jerry,
I think you are missing my point. I really don't see why we should call in an engineer just because someone "might" not do the repair correctly, even though they are qualified to do it (licensed contractor).
Jack,
I'm not missing your point, but I think you are missing mine.
I stated, as you did, any contractor *should* know how to fix that.
However, as we all see, every day, contractors DO IT WRONG more often than they do it right.
Thus, the likelihood of it being done wrong is much greater than it being done right.
I always explained it this way to my clients: As a General Contractor, *I* could repair it better than good, better than an engineer will likely say it needs to be done. HOWEVER, they are many contractors out there who, like the one which did it in the first place, *have no idea what is right*. *IF* I recommend you have a contractor repair it, what is the likelihood that it will be done right?
Typically my clients would respond with something like: I understand, not much chance of that, is there?
I would then continue: Exactly, so, by me recommending a structural engineer design appropriate repairs, the issue a followup letter stating that the repair was done in accordance with the repair design not only covers you in getting the repair done right, but you now have an engineer who has signed off on the repair. Keep that letter, you will likely need it when you go to sell. The cost for the structural engineer is now protecting you twice.
(I pause for a bit)
Then I add: Or, you could just hire a contractor and cross your fingers, you just might luck out.
See, I explain why they should do what I recommend, explain what could happen if they don't, and let them decide.
*I* was "the home inspector", *not* the one trying to save their pennies and waste their dollars.
For some reason, many, many, home inspectors report items based on what it might cost their client.
A home inspector should report items based on *I DON'T GIVE A CRAP WHO PAYS FOR THIS OR WHAT IT COSTS*, here's the problem, "Git R Dun".