Another service David L. Jacobson & Associates, Ltd. offers is residential structural inspection for homeowners. As homeowners are generally not familiar with working with a Licensed Structural Engineer, we have compiled a partial list of typical homeowner questions we have been asked; we hope this will help you before you pick up the phone to schedule an appointment, but we will be very happy to answer any other questions or concerns you may have.
How long has David L. Jacobson & Associates, Ltd. been in business?
A:
David L. Jacobson & Associates, Ltd. was incorporated in 1988. Mr. Jacobson has been a licensed Structural Engineer since 1975 and a licensed Professional Engineer since 1979.
We do not provide “free estimates” as a contractor might. Inspections are charged hourly, with a minimum fee depending on the distance from our office in Schaumburg and the complexity of the structure.
A valid credit card is required to confirm the appointment. No charges will be put on the credit card until the inspection is done. Payment by check at the time of the inspection is acceptable.
Will Mr. Jacobson be the one to come out to my home to do the inspection?
A:
A Licensed Structural Engineer does the inspections. Mr. Jacobson is usually the one to come out. Sometimes another engineer or inspector will accompany him.
Will a written report be provided? What sort of information will be in it?
A:
The report is not just a standard checklist such as you might get from a typical home inspection. Each report is prepared for each individual building that is inspected. It takes longer than a preprinted form because every structure is unique. Approximately ten working days after the inspection has been done, the engineer will send the written report to you. If the report is needed sooner, it is advisable to let us know when we schedule the appointment. If it is mandatory that you get the written report the next day or within three working days, expedited service is available for an additional fee.
The report will explain if there is a problem with the building that was inspected or if there is nothing to be concerned about. If there are deficiencies in the structure that require attention, they will be noted, explained, and a possible solution concept will be offered to resolve the problem. If there are more extensive problems with the building and further analysis becomes necessary to figure out what is wrong and how to fix it, there will probably be some additional cost. The report will be signed by a Licensed Structural Engineer.
Does David L. Jacobson & Associates, Ltd. do the work if repairs are recommended?
A:
No. We are not contractors and have no affiliation with any contractors. The decision as to who will do the repairs is yours alone. That way we can remain completely unbiased as we have nothing to gain from any contractor you choose.
In order to protect our client's interest, we believe a Licensed Professional should assess the problem and prepare a specification to give the contractors for bidding the work. Different contractors will have their preferred method(s) of repair and will promote that method, which may or may not be the best solution for the problem.
Will David L. Jacobson & Associates, Ltd. recommend a contractor?
A:
We have many contractors in our database, and, depending on what work is required, we can refer our client to a contractor who is experienced in the required work. We have no interest in which contractor you choose other than that your work be done properly.
Under our strict policy of confidentiality, we do not provide client names. Please refer to the section on our website that gives our qualifications. Feel free to call us with any questions you may have.
Are homeowners the only ones who call for residential inspections?
A:
Homeowners, that is people who have concerns about their own home (new problems, remodeling, etc.) and hope to stay in it, people who are selling their homes, or people who want to buy a home are the majority of people who want the opinion of a Structural Engineer with regard to residential inspections. But many other calls we receive requesting residential structural inspections are from realtors, lending institutions, contractors with concerns, attorneys, insurance companies, developers, or future homeowners who are in the process of building a new home, and home inspectors who need a professional assessment of their findings.
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