Observe accessible foundation walls, piers, beams, columns and framing for displacement, cracking, rotation, corrosion, deterioration and altered load paths. Record direction, location and associated conditions when they can be observed.
A crack is an observation; identifying structural cause or adequacy may require engineering analysis. Use referrals when the visible pattern, displacement or safety implication exceeds the scope of a general inspection.
Do not minimize a condition simply because it appears old. The report should explain what was observed, why it matters and whether monitoring, repair or specialist evaluation is appropriate.
Reporting method
1 Condition2 Significance3 Limitation4 Next action