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What's Wrong With This Picture? Twisted Main Support Beam

By
Home Inspector with U.S. Inspect, LLC

Answer: Questionable Installation; Structural Evaluation Needed.

If that beam is as twisted as the picture makes it look, it was a very good decision to have a home inspection scheduled before proceeding with this purchase. This issue can now be dealt with before the closing.

What you’re looking at is a main support beam, laminated veneer construction (commonly refered to as LVL), of a 2006 built townhome. Interior wall cracks were noted by the inspector prior to entering the crawlspace. Looking closely you will see several concerns, none of which appear to have been installed professionally. The inspector advised me later he wasted little time exiting this crawlspace, and escorting his buyers outside to look at this picture. A structural evaluation will most likely be next on the list for the buyers.

Thank you Josh Green, U.S. Inspect employee building consultant inspecting homes in the northern Colorado to southern Wyoming area. Great picture!

Comments (2)

Tony & Darcy Cannon
Aubrey and Associates Realty - Layton, UT
The C Team

Bill, That really looks like a disaster waiting to happen!  Wow, I don't know how that would've gotten past a building inspector! 

Mar 20, 2012 08:56 AM
Chris Smith
Re/Max Chay Realty Inc., Brokerage - New Tecumseth, ON
South Simcoe, Caledon, King, Orangeville Real Esta

Bill, good for the buyers that they had someone like you find this...  This does not look that old and could have cause much damage and inconvenience.

Apr 14, 2012 03:39 AM