
This 2-hour seminar gives home inspectors practical, real-world guidance on understanding how residential structures work and how to assess them in the field. Learn the fundamentals of loads and load paths, how structural capacity is affected, and how to apply a clear cause-extent-repairability framework during inspections. The course explores common structural issues such as foundation cracks, water damage, cut joists, insect damage, undersized beams, and floor movement, along with when to recommend further evaluation by a structural engineer. Ideal for inspectors who want to strengthen their structural knowledge, improve reporting confidence, and better understand the limits of a home inspection.
Earn 2 CE Credits
Interactive Q&A Session
Certificate Provided
Thursday, March 5, 2026
6pm-8pm CT
Online via Zoom
This webinar focuses on the visual inspection of residential structures, emphasizing real-world field conditions, reporting considerations, and risk awareness for home inspectors.
Topics include:
How residential structures work: loads, load paths, and structural capacity fundamentals
Typical construction details (rafters vs. trusses, framing types, footing and foundation basics)
Using the cause–extent–repairability framework during structural assessments
Field procedures for identifying and documenting structural “hotspots”
Common structural issues: sinking slabs, cut joists, insect damage, water intrusion, foundation cracks, undersized beams, and floor movement
When to recommend further evaluation by a structural engineer and understanding inspection scope limits

Mike the co-owner of Berkey Engineering. He is an experienced project engineer who has worked on a $600 million expansion of Sears Tower and also has experience with small projects. He joined Berkey Engineering in March 2023 to help the family business expand. Mike has a master’s degree in Structural Engineering from Stanford University and enjoys playing frisbee with his twins and participating in chess tournaments in his free time.
Principal Engineer and Owner of Berkey Engineering
Structural Engineer with experience on major projects including the Sears Tower expansion, Cornell’s business school building, and historic restoration of the Shaw Memorial in Boston
Extensive experience working on single-family residential projects in the Chicago area
Former Project Engineer at Silman (Boston) and Thornton Tomasetti (Chicago)
Structural Engineer at RCL Engineering Group
Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in multiple states and Structural Engineer (SE) in Illinois and California
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