Over the years my house has had some settling. Never enough to effect the doors or windows, but some fine ?

Question

cracks here and there around the house. We are thinking about selling, but before we put it up on the market I want to make sure everything is okay. I have heard some settling on a pier and beam home is normal, so I haven't been too concerned with it. But to give any potential buyer peace of mind, I would like to have a professional come and take a look at it. Who would I call for something like that? The house has really high ceilings and has like a loft area upstairs. Thanks.

Answer 1

Corona -

Normally, as part of the house buying process, the buyer (especially if a mortage company is financing) will have a home inspector come out.  If you have something as bad as structural damage, the inspector will immediately find it.  I doubt though that you have such damage.  Like you said, you may have some fines cracks, especially with the drywall in high corners around the ceiling.  Normally, most people will fill these and then paint over, like any through paint job.  I think that would be appropriate in your case as well.

good luck

Answer 2

If you want to fork out the bucks for it, a structural engineer would be the person to call.  I don't know if I would call one as the seller.  Let the buyer hire one, and agree to split the cost of the engineer if any substantial concerns arise.  If not, the expense is theirs.  Hope this helps.

Answer 3

It's not unusual to find small cracks and separations, especially in homes with vaulted ceilings.

If you have any friends or family with a similar home, take a look around next time you're there and you'll likely see the same.

I wouldn't worry about it unless a home inspector found it to be excessive. In that case, I'd agree to split the cost of a structural engineer's inspection.

Answer 4

Call any local independent home inspector. They cost a pretty penny but I would make the potential buyer at least split the cost