NABIE
Building Inspections
The Professional Engineers Approach
Buying a home or building is probably the biggest investment anyone will
ever make.
The protection of a thorough inspection is needed - and only the highest quality
inspection will do!
Here's how to find it!
The Good Sense Of A
Home Or Building Inspection
It simply doesn't make sense to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars without a careful look at what you're getting for your money. But a careful examination of a building is not as easy as it sounds. What do you look for? How do you judge the quality of construction?
Few of us have the expertise to make an adequate evaluation. The emotional experience of buying a home often blinds us to the facts of the conditions of the home. It takes a Licensed Professional Engineer who specializes in home and building inspections to provide a sound and independent evaluation.
The Benefits Of A
Home Or Building Inspection
A quality inspection will save money and aggravation.
Before buying a home or building, it is critically important to identify problems that may exist and repairs that will have to be made. This enables you to plan financially. And it avoids expensive surprises-a leaky roof or unstable foundation.
A quality inspection can provide a basis for planning and budgeting the next 5 to 10 years of ownership.
At the very least, an inspection provides peace of mind. It's comforting
to know that the home or building you're buying is safe and sound, and the
largest investment of your life is a sensible one, based on being
well-informed.
Are Inspectors All The Same?
No! Some are well qualified. Some are not. You should be aware of some of the differences. Some inspectors have little or no prior training or experience. Others have been general contractors or licensed tradesmen.
Several professional and trade associations have been formed and some have
developed voluntary standards of practice. Unfortunately, there is little
or no policing of this compliance. Some associations also "certify" inspectors
based on minimal qualifications and training.
The P.E. (Professional Engineer) designation is the only one regulated by
state governments to assure proper education, training and experience to
serve the public. To obtain a state license to practice professional engineering,
an individual must satisfy at least the following requirements:
1. Four years of college level engineering education.
2. Four years of professional engineering experience.
3. Sixteen hours of successful completion of examination, administered by the State Board.
By law, in practically all states, a Licensed Professional Engineer is the only one who can legally render an opinion on the structural stability of an existing building.
Why Is A Professional Engineer Needed?
A Professional Engineer who is well-versed in all aspects of structural and mechanical components of the building can recognize clues that signal unseen problems. Because the inspection is normally based only on visible evidence, the inspector must have the best experience available. Interpretation of visible evidence is often the only way to identify hidden problems.
What Should A Home Or Building Inspection Include?
A complete inspection includes an examination of your building from roof-top to basement.
A qualified Professional Engineer will evaluate the structural integrity of the building and its foundation. The inspection would include an examination of the heating, plumbing, and electrical systems.
A skillful inspection would also evaluate interior and exterior finishes and provide a basis for maintenance planning.
What Services Should You Expect Beyond The Inspection?
The inspection alone is only part of a professional service. To be of maximum benefit to you, the inspection results must be communicated clearly and effectively. A quality inspection is followed by a thorough written report, prepared uniquely for the property.
The professional services of an engineer also include high personal standards and adherence to a code of ethics. A Professional Engineer guarantees complete confidentiality.
The code of ethics for Professional Engineers also requires inspectors to
avoid conflicts of interest, prohibits them from being involved in any real
estate transaction that could benefit them financially as a result of their
inspection work, and "hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the
public in the performance of their professional duties."
| Choosing a Professional Engineer |
By choosing a professional engineer to inspect your future home, you can be assured that your inspector is licensed and has undergone stringent educational requirements as well as extensive work experiences.
1. The Professional Engineer often brings 10 years or more training and experience to each inspection. A Professional Engineer is committed to his career.
2. The Professional Engineer's experience assures the ability to evaluate unusual conditions not covered in brief training programs. These are often the most important considerations in a building inspection.
3. The Professional Engineer who specializes in building inspections brings a vast amount of engineering "know-how" to the inspection process.
4. The Professional Engineer who specializes in building inspections is truly a Consulting Engineer in the service of the public.
5. The Professional Engineer depends on his good standing with the State Board of Registration for his chosen career. You can count on his best efforts at every inspection.
6. The Professional Engineer is ethically bound to serve only the best interests of his clients, no interest in any other aspects of the transaction are permitted.
7. The Professional Engineer is proud of his ability and his license. He can willingly provide proof of his registration.
The National Academy of Building Inspection Engineers (NABIE)
NABIE is a non-profit, professional society which accepts as members only State registered Professional Engineers specializing in the practice of building inspections. The purpose of NABIE is to lead and advance the integrity, value and understanding of the practice of professional engineering as it applies to the inspection, investigation and evaluation of buildings and homes. In 1990, NABIE became an affinity group of the 70,000 member National Society of Professional Engineers. NABIE can be contacted by writing to 650 Brighton Avenue, Portland, ME 04102, (207) 828-1977.
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