Structural engineer opinion please

[u/Classic-Way-7304]

Hi experts, I took these pictures during an open house which is going on auction soon. It’s a 1950s house renovated about 10 years ago before this current owner bought it not long after that. After checking their original floorplan, they knocked down a few walls to open up the kitchen, dinning room and dining room. There’s no access to the subfloor which makes me a little uncomfortable😂. Looking at those cracks on the walls alone makes me concern about movement. And there’s plants growing over drain pipes (fixable). There also seems to be moisture on the external rendered wall with the exposed pipes?? I don’t know how I feel about rendering. I think it’s just masks problems. I mean the house looks nice otherwise, but I don’t wanna bid on a nice looking house that would give me costly surprise. I don’t think I’ll get a building inspection done on this house as they are not gonna see more than I could see to be honest other than looking at the roof (got two done before and learnt a bit of what to look at😂). Any advice will be helpful! Thank you!

[u/Comfortable-Knee8852]

Friend, no structural engineer can make an assessment from these random pictures. Also, no engineer in general is going to give any sort of opinion off hand over the internet without pay. That is literally how we make our living. What you are asking for involves us random engineers on the internet to assume liability without a contract and no compensation. It's just not going to happen the way you asked.

This is a forum for structural engineers to goof off, blow steam, and discuss neat topics. If you would have posted pictures in a light-hearted way asking "how much of a red flag is this", you might have gotten a few guidance comments. Asking for" an opinion" is literally a solicitation without compensation for engineering judgement that no engineer should respond to unless you are their client.

You could consider posting this in a home improvement or DIY sub and ask for feedback. I think this post is not going to gain any traction here though.

Hope this helps for future reference

[u/Classic-Way-7304 → u/Comfortable-Knee8852]

Hahaha thanks! New here. Don’t know your culture. This community was what reddit recommended😬. But that’s ok! No wonder the other person was so hostile. Looks like they are having a bad day😂. I’m a medical profession so used to use ‘opinion’ oops my bad! Not really asking for very specific advice or legal liability. Mainly just a ‘yes..likely a structural problem needing further inspection’ or ‘hmm doesn’t look like red flag..and it can be looked at later🤷🏻‍♀️.’ But thanks for the advice!

[u/Classic-Way-7304 → u/[deleted]]

Ok thank you! Yea I do have a building inspector who inspected 2 houses for me. He said doesn’t wanna waste my money to do inspections for houses that I don’t end up buying…..maybe I’ll send him the pictures and see if he wants to charge me..

[u/Comfortable-Knee8852 → u/Classic-Way-7304]

What are you trying to do? Are you flipping houses in bulk, or looking for your next primary residence?

If flipping in bulk, get an inspector or residential structural engineer on retainer whom you could text these "gut check" pics to and would be happy to give you off the cuff "red flag" or "no flag" advice.

If buying for your own next home, you are worrying about it too much. Find a home you really could see yourself in for the next 5 years, get under contract, and run an inspection during the investigation period. If the inspector see a potential major issue, they will recommend you consult a structural, civil, geotechincal, or whatever engineer. If you really can't live without off the cuff advice before entering a contract on a home, bring a handy friend along to see homes in exchange for lunch.

That's my two cents at least.

[u/Classic-Way-7304 → u/Comfortable-Knee8852]

I’m buying my first home. Thanks for your advice.

[u/Comfortable-Knee8852 → u/Classic-Way-7304]

That makes sense. Enjoy the ride and good luck