Structural Engineer, Contractor, or Home Inspector- who to call?
I purchased a 40 year-old home four years ago and I’ve recently started some DIY projects. I pulled down some 70′s style wood paneling and ceiling tiles and found hairline cracks in the ceiling (appears to be drywall) and a bigger crack in drywall. The stair moulding has separated from the wall. A web search mentions that these could be ‘settlement cracks’ but I want it checked out before I start any major renovation projects. Who is the best person to evaluate this- an engineer, a contractor or home inspector?
a Licensed Contractor would be the least expensive way… ask him over to give you a bid for some work you plan on doing… ask him if there seems to be a problem related to those cracks… he’ll be happy to write you a bid and give you info about it… you don’t actually have to hire him.
If he feels there is a big problem, then look into an engineer, or hire the contractor, if you think he can repair it.
For an Engineer or Home Inspector to come out, it will cost you money.
Most likely, it is just settleing cracks… nothing to worry about… unless those cracks are large, and if they extend into the foundation.
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