An expert assessment is a more in-depth process than a visual inspection (pre-acceptance inspection, building condition certificate, pre-purchase inspection). An expert assessment is necessary in the event of a specific problem in the building, such as:
1- Air infiltration, heat loss, cold floors.
2- Mold, humidity, condensation, water infiltration.
3- Shears in the masonry.
4- Hidden defects in the structure or building envelope. etc
5- Foundation subsidence, cracks, load-bearing wall ;
Expertise by a building expert
In order to verify and analyze the deficiencies and to enable him to give his opinion on the necessary corrective measures to be taken, the engineer may:
1- Practice exploratory holes;
2- Use sophisticated equipment (hygrometer, infiltrometer, infrared camera, laser);
3- Perform a watering test;
4- Ask for an additional laboratory analysis (pyrite, mold, soil bearing capacity, concrete capacity, etc.);
Following the visit, the engineer transmits his findings and recommendations with a detailed report supported by photos, plans and diagrams (depending on the mandate).
Onesta Tips
Onesta's building expert offers expertise for the following components or problems:
1- Hidden defect : expert assessment and counter-assessment, testimony in court, detailed report with digital photos, articles of the Construction Code and explanatory diagrams.
2- Exterior cladding: masonry , acrylic coating, aggregate coating, vinyl siding, aluminum siding, wood siding, etc.
3- Roof and roofing: asphalt shingles, asphalt and gravel, elastomer, metal roof, pitched roof, flat roof, cathedral roof, attic, ventilation, condensation , insulation.
4- Water infiltration: location of water infiltration using a hygrometer and infrared camera and watering tests to identify the source.
5- French drain: examine the video from the drain camera, and analyze the deficiencies of the French drain (drain incorrectly installed, crushed or clogged, etc.)
6- Foundation and level survey: subsidence, cracks, crumbling of concrete , foundations in concrete block and cemented stone (rubble), piles, flooding.
7- Humidity and condensation : water infiltration, rot of the wood in the structure, mold, moisture in materials, ventilation in the attic.
8- Insulation: heat loss, condensation, mold, vapor barrier, air barrier, basement insulation, wall and ceiling insulation , attic insulation.
9- Masonry and facades : Weep holes, steel lintels, brick bulges, mortar joints, shearing in the masonry, sealing flashings.
© The wooden structure has suffered damage caused by moisture and carpenter ants