R-

I think you answered your question to me........

""Why would you assume that the designer undersized the posts? "

I didn't necessarily assume the designer undersized the posts......

designers & engineers make mistakes and contractors do sometimes cut
corners. Rather than just telling him how to straighten or replace
the posts I thought it prudent to dg a little deeper as to why they're
bowed.

I haven't seen that many bowed posts in my experience, so w/o seeing
this installation (or pictures) it seemed reasonable to ask if they
were maybe overloaded.

It could have been a boot legged install

(I know he said "my new house, maybe new to him but not new)

Also I've seen new houses (custom design & engineered) with grossly
undermized members & major deflection issues, so it does happen.

wrt to my use of COULD, I really meant "he possibly could".

I know I could (definitely) straighten them, if for no other reason but
to prove it could be done.

but in his situation I'd make sure the member was correctly sized &
then replace the bowed posts with straight one........

quickest & cheapest way

cheers
Bob