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phamENG, misspoke in between the work duties[bigsmile], and no proof reading. I was assigning 3-4 hours for the travel plus actual two hours on site to observe condition. Remaining I thought should be available for doing the analysis and it didn't seem enough.

It is probably better to firm with the proper service fee and let them go away if they don't like. That is the only way clients will really realize what it takes for engineering. On the other hand, wasn't that a very risky proposal? For $900 it will be less than half a day's worth of calcs and...

Thanks all guys. All these warnings, tips have been very helpful understanding the risks involved as well as how to manage those if I take this job.

phamENG, point well taken.

I appreciate your hint. But can you elaborate on the potential problems? The way I see it, if I make the inspection, I will keep project scope narrow to the cracks in the interior walls and elements immediately adjacent. If these are small cracks isolated in one or two walls, they are less...

I agree it may have come out wrong. I believe I can recognize cracks from structural issues as I see those. I have "mostly" seen those that are non structural in nature. I shouldn't have implied "never" seeing those because I have, and those were gapping ones. The musing about where and what to...

I totaly agree on the visual observation and specific time/day language, but I am not sure if I understand what you are getting at, by above. Any example? I also have to figure out what kind of cracks are considered structural. I have seen cracks in drywall in my decades of practice (my house...

That may be correct. But is it not appropriate just to report the results of the inspection and provide opinion on whether the cracks seem structural or non structural? If the floors and ceilings are level, the exterior of the house is in level with interior etc, that would mean the...

Hello........I have to perform a Structural Inspection for a house as part of the selling process where the seller wants to provide the report to the buyer. Any tips on how to prepare the report and what language to include with findings and recommendations.....any exclusions to make...

That's very correct and thanks for pointing out. Did you just have one door issue or other doors, windows too. And any cracks in any or all walls? Since this would be my first such project, it would really be helpful to understand how such reports are written and what is covered or excluded...

It is construction from the 70s I believe, in the Brentwood, CA. So this is not from the initial settling down of things. And yes there could be drywall cracks at window corners etc that are non structural. I have some in my house for many years. I should be able to report those to be of non...

Hello.....I would like to get thoughts on the issues that could come up during a house inspection project for interior drywall cracks, being requested by a seller. Work would constitute inspecting the cracks, and figuring out the reasons and writing a report that can then be shared with the...

I have not looked in to the specifics of discrimination issues with professional consulting and am not sure whether "profession" is a protected class or not. When I was renting my property to a tenant, that definitely was a consideration. Lawyers are more inclined to sue the landlord.......and...

Have you actually said that to them? What if they sue you for discrimination then....... :)

It's amazing to have such great discussion above. But not remember the basic question! The question is, how long does the liability stays with an SE for the design he has done, the report she has written etc.? Statute of Limiyations, anybody? And if you terminate the insurance along the way...

Thanks very much for everyone who chimed in. A lot of good information and tips. It looks like at my small level, Sole Proprietorship should be good enough. While it seems some people have been successful without carrying any insurance, I would sleep better at night carrying E&O, at least to the...

How did you protect yourself from potential liability for 15 years? How did you get peace of mind?

That's good to know. I didn't realize there are more suits from schedule issues. If it is any help though, when I was talking to the insurance agent re quotes, he did mention the suits related to schedule issues are also covered, same as E&O.

I guess I need to learn the tax things too. I was actually under the impression that an S corp means double taxation. The corp pays the taxes on its profits. When you take those profits out, you pay taxes again as personal income. Is that wrong? Plus, when you pay yourself a salary, don't the...

That's interesting. I guess I need to look up some contract language for my startup. I have not ventured in to how will I write a contract. While I may have to talk to a lawyer for drafting one, is there some resource where I can see how to write a contrate? And specially how is the language...