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During a recent home inspection, significant structural concerns were identified within the crawlspace that are contributing to visible settlement throughout the home. These findings highlight the importance of proper framing design and adequate load transfer in maintaining long-term structural stability.
The crawlspace framing consists of floor joists commonly referred to as 2×12s; however, their actual dimensions are approximately 1½ inches by 11 inches. Several of these joists were observed to be over-spanned, with measured spans reaching approximately 19 feet 7 inches without intermediate support. This span exceeds acceptable structural limits for this joist size and configuration. As a result, multiple joists are exhibiting active structural failure, including areas where spans are closer to 16 feet between the pony or stem wall and the foundation. In addition to excessive spans, the joists are spaced at approximately 19½ inches on center and lack adequate load-transfer supports. Without proper load-sharing components, each joist is forced to carry weight independently rather than distributing loads across the framing system. Compounding this issue, several support components within the crawlspace—particularly studs within the pony or stem walls—were found to be structurally compromised. These conditions increase stress on individual joists and accelerate deflection and overall structural distress. The impact of these deficiencies is evident inside the home. Measurable settlement was observed on the first floor, most notably in the guest bathroom adjacent to the garage. In this area, settlement has led to wall separation, fixture misalignment, and displacement of door frames. Signs of movement were also present on the upper level of the home. Cracking was observed in multiple upstairs locations, including ceiling corners and the stairwell, with evidence of prior repairs such as caulking and repainting. Additional indicators include framing movement, wall and ceiling cracking, and cosmetic repairs consistent with ongoing settlement originating from the crawlspace. Taken together, the over-spanned joists, lack of load-transfer support, and failing crawlspace support components represent a systemic structural deficiency rather than isolated defects. Addressing these conditions is critical to preventing continued settlement and further damage. Consultation with a qualified structural engineer and a licensed general contractor is recommended to evaluate the structure and develop an appropriate repair plan.
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   Just did an inspection in Saratoga Springs Utah, most if not all the trusses were structurally compromised, the attic had a lot of mold, and there were a few webbing boards of a truss that were compromised from termite damage. These findings were very strange for the area the home was located.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17nyfHkdR4/?mibextid=wwXIfr We won Orem's best Inspector company in 2019, now we are Provo's best Inspector Company in 2025!!!  I recently performed an inspection in the town of Santaquin, Utah. The home was relatively new—only five years old—and from the exterior it appeared to be in excellent condition. But once I began examining it more closely, the problems became clear.
The foundation had cracked in multiple areas, leaving it in several separate pieces rather than as a single, continuous structure. The floor joists were structurally compromised, and in the attic I found several trusses that were broken and many others that showed signs of significant weakening. The mechanical systems added to the concern. The furnace was undersized for the home’s square footage, and corrosion was already visible in the heat exchanger. Although the home had numerous serious issues, all of them were repairable. The real question was simply who would be responsible for the cost of correcting them. Paragon Inspections began long before its official founding date in August 2016. The company is owned and operated by Ryan Herring, a Veteran U.S. Army Engineer and Firefighter (Ret.), and a certified Utah home inspector serving all of Utah, including Utah County, Salt Lake County, Davis County, Weber County, Tooele County, Summit County, Wasatch County, and every rural and metropolitan area in between. Today, Paragon Inspections is recognized for providing some of the most thorough residential inspections, commercial inspections, and environmental testing services in Utah. Before launching Paragon Inspections, Ryan completed a year-long unpaid internship with Crossroads Engineering, under Garth Haslem. This hands-on training refined the knowledge Ryan gained from years in construction trades, property maintenance, structural repair, and building systems. The internship introduced him to advanced techniques for identifying structural deficiencies, safety hazards, environmental risks, and system failures in both residential and commercial buildings. This foundation was reinforced through extensive certifications, including: Certified Utah Asbestos Inspector (ASB-8832), DAQ-Certified Asbestos Inspection Company (ASB-856), AHERA-Certified Building Inspector, HAZWOPER 40-Hr Certified, NACHI Certified Home Inspector, HomeMedic Master Inspector, HomeMedic Certified Asbestos/Mold/Radon, Certified Termite and Bed Bug Detection, Certified Gas Detection, Certified Fire Safety Specialist, and Certified Meth Detection Specialist. These credentials allow Paragon Inspections to perform federal-level asbestos inspections, advanced environmental assessments, and comprehensive building evaluations throughout Utah. This depth of training and experience formed the backbone of the company and shaped Paragon’s commitment to high-accuracy inspections for Utah homeowners, homebuyers, sellers, investors, and commercial property owners. Comprehensive Residential Home Inspections in UtahParagon Inspections provides full-scope residential inspections covering: Structural (interior/exterior), subflooring, electrical, plumbing, gas lines, chimneys, roofing, fireplaces, appliances, water heaters, furnaces, boilers, thermal heating, AC units and swamp coolers, solar panels, landscaping, windows, attics, crawlspaces, insulation, garage doors, irrigation systems, drainage, air ducts, wells, septic systems, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, egress, fire safety, railing and banister safety, doors and frames, foliage concerns, and pool/spa inspections. Clients also receive free supplemental inspections with every comprehensive home inspection, including: Termite inspection, bed bug inspection, pest inspection, mold inspection, asbestos inspection, meth inspection, thermal imaging, gas detection (CO & combustible), and rover inspection. Commercial, Business & Industrial Inspections Paragon Inspections also performs full commercial inspections for Utah businesses, lodging facilities, warehouses, industrial properties, and commercial buildings. Inspection coverage includes all major systems: Structural integrity, roofing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC systems, thermal heating, AC units, solar systems, fire safety, egress, ADA and safety features, drainage, air ducts, windows, wells, septic systems, landscaping, insulation, and more. Commercial inspections include free add-ons such as termite, bed bug, and pest inspections; mold, asbestos, and meth inspections; thermal imaging; and full gas-detection scanning. Environmental Testing Services Offered Throughout Utah Testing services (additional fee):
pH, total hardness, hydrogen sulfide, iron, lead, copper, manganese, chlorine, mercury, sulfate, zinc, fluoride, sodium chloride, total alkalinity, nitrite, nitrate, ammonia, nitrogen, coliform bacteria, E-coli, and more. What Clients Can Expect During a Paragon Inspection? Paragon Inspections encourages clients to attend their inspection whenever possible. The inspection generally takes 2–4 hours, depending on age and square footage. Clients are invited to walk room-to-room with the inspector, ask questions, review findings, and gain a clear understanding of the property. A summary conversation occurs at the end of the inspection. Reports are delivered within two business days, with expedited options available. Reports may be emailed, mailed, or hand-delivered if requested. Why Paragon Inspections Leads Utah’s Inspection Industry? Paragon Inspections was built on experience, service to country, hands-on construction expertise, and rigorous environmental training. The company combines structural knowledge, environmental safety education, and certified inspection standards to provide Utah’s most detailed, comprehensive home inspections and commercial property assessments. Serving all of Utah, Paragon Inspections continues to grow through accuracy, honesty, transparent reporting, and advanced environmental testing—helping families, investors, and businesses make confident decisions. I went to Salt Lake City for a home inspection for a client who was purchasing a home that was built in 1890. It would turn out that the exterior of the home was coated in plaster, which is a great heat conductor; meaning the HVAC system would not be very effective or efficient. Since I knew this, I wanted to see how much heat the home could be losing from the interior. I pointed my thermal imaging device at the home and found there to be three softball size areas that exceeded over 200 degrees Fahrenheit(!)- one spot even reached a temperature of 293.3 degrees Fahrenheit! I knew immediately what it was: it was an electrical fire. I ran and turned the electricity to the home off, then call 911. I informed the dispatcher what was happening and continued to monitor the temperature, which was slowly dropping since I had shut off the power to the house. If I hadn't used the thermal imaging camera, the home would have burned down. Moral of the story: You never know when a home inspector could not only save you $$, but can save your life.     |
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