Realtor insists nothing is wrong

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

Originally Posted by srinner

anyone have IRC stating this is wrong?

Steve, it's not a code issue, it's a framing quality issue. It's a matter of what was acceptable framing practices when this home was built. This was never acceptable framing practice.

The realtor is probably right. It could easily have been this way for 30 years and might hold up for another 30... or maybe not, but the realtor is wrong... it's not "OK". It's an unacceptable framing practice and may fail catastrophically. Recommend correction by a qualified contractor designed by an SE if you think appropriate and move on.

[ldapkus]

There are 2 ways of reporting this:
1. Soft report (for future referrals from your realtor)- defer to a contractor who will make repairs according to local practices/standards.
2. Thorough report- defer to an engineer who is educated and trained in these matters and who will design plans for a contractor to make acceptable repairs.
It's that simple.

[Jeffery L. Haynes]

A GC would be practical since they are going to have to give an estimate anyway and its a way to compare pricing and solution to the problem.

An engineer would work but he is not going to give an estimate (most likely not) which now means your client is going to have to call a GC anyway and get prices based upon the strict requirements that your SE wrote up........SE's do not always use the most practical method to correct an issues......they often apply overkill to any project.

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Sorry to disagree Linas.

A "harsher" recommendation does not make your report more thorough, in fact, it makes your report less accurate.

The design standards for common footings and dimensional lumber have already been engineered, and simply need to be implemented.

Would you recommend an electrical engineer to "evaluate" a panel that needs replacement? I would hope not, but based on your comment it appears you would consider it more thorough to do so.

[Gary Farnsworth]

Just ask the RE if he/she wants to buy and live in the home themselves. How do they want to inform "their" client? Do they want them as a customer in the future? No brainer here.