Originally Posted By: dedwards This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Depends on what the S.E. finds as the root cause of the problem. We report the visual indications of the problem, let the S.E. determine the source, cause and the possible remedies. If we say it is the footing and it turns out to be that and more or something totally different we become liable for going beyond the scope of the home inspection (and the SOP) and troubleshooting. Unless someone is trained specifically in that discipline it should be deferred to the experts. I know for myself I would be violating my own Pre-inspection Agreement contract so I would not have a leg to stand on.
Originally Posted By: pdacey This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Judging just from the picture you can not conclude that it is a footing problem. It could very well be a roof problem. The roof may be pushing the top of the columns out.
Originally Posted By: tbrown1 This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hello everyone
I agree that one can’t tell if the leaning columns is due to improper or settling footers, roof pressures, swales diverting surface water toward middle columns or what. May be a combination of these or other factors. Best left to a licensed structural engineer. We have enough problems just following our own stds. of practice.
Originally Posted By: gbeaumont This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
It may well be that an SE says that the columns need to be rebuilt on better footings but that is his call not a home inspectors. (thats why they get the big bucks  )
Tim Brown wrote:
Best left to a licensed structural engineer. We have enough problems just following our own stds. of practice.