Structural Surveys
Structural Surveys
Our specialist structural surveys are catered to a multitude of different branches of the built environment. To begin it is best to understand what a Structural Survey is.
What is a Structural Survey?
A structural survey primarily considers the property’s structural integrity; general building conditions like cosmetic problems, boundary concerns, and problems with the grounds are not taken into account. The engineer will conduct a detailed examination into the sources of any issues using their understanding of construction materials, their properties, and their performance. The engineer will conduct research to learn more about the property’s structure, if it’s possible
Types of Structural Surveys
Full Structural Survey:
It is a thorough examination of a property’s structural integrity. It offers specific and individualised information on any problems with the structure and its surroundings as well as instructions on the necessary maintenance and repairs.
Your Full Structural Survey report will be comprehensive, sufficienty detailed and include in-depth images all throughout.
These structural surveys are perfect for giving you a thorough picture of the property you are buying and helping you in determining whether or not the purchase price is reasonable because they can contain estimated costs to correct any issues if requested as part of the service.
Specific Structural Survey:
It is a thorough examination of a specific portion of the property. This determines the structural integrity in a specific area. For example you may have cracks in a specific portion of the property or might be worried about movement of the structure such as an outhouse or a garage.
You may want a structural engineer to confirm is a Wall is load bearing and what the recommendations and steps are to achieve this.
It offers local and focused information on any problems with the specific part of the structure and its surroundings as well as instructions on the necessary maintenance and repairs.
This Structural Survey is followed up with a report which is concise and focused on the problem in the specific area of concern
Summary Structural Survey
The Summary Structural Survey gives you a one page report in the form of a letter stating the findings and recommendations of the Structural inspection
When do I need a Structural Survey?
If you are worried about a structural issue with your property it is best to have a structural engineer look at it as soon as possible. There can be health and safety issues related to structural issues in properties. e.g. a loose fixing holding a handrail or balcony, cut rafters or truss members or movement in floors or walls which may lead to instability in structures.
We recommend the better safe than to be sorry approach if you are concerned about a structural issue. Structural issues can grow with time and sometimes ending up costing a lot more to fix if left untreated.
In some instances e.g. after a building survey for a home report, structural surveys are frequently requested as part of the home report findings, if the surveyor has identified a specific problem that requires more research.
However, if you are purchasing a house or own one and are certain that it is sound save for a specific structural concern, you may only want to order a specific structural survey or a summary Structural survey. These investigations will focus on Specific Defects as explained above.
Costs of Structural Surveys -
This depends on the level of involvement of the structural input required in the survey. Including time spent on site, visual or intrusive inspection, number of visits, detail of report required, is any calculation or analysis required to asses the problem before commenting, etc.
Full Structural Survey –
Estimated cost – From £1250
Specific Structural Survey –
Estimated cost – From £650
Summary Structural Survey –
Estimated cost – From £325
How long Does it take for a Structural Survey to be completed -
This depends on the specific requirement of the asset in question.
Full Structural Survey –
Estimated time for survey – 2 to 6 hours for a standard property depending on the level of involvement.
Specific Structural Survey –
Estimated time for survey – 30mins – 2hrs Dependent on nature of the inspection and the level of involvement.
Summary Structural Survey –
Estimated time for survey – 15mins to 1 hour for a standard property depending on the level of involvement
When can I expect my report for the Structural Survey?
Reports for structural surveys are typically furnished within 2 to 3 working days from the site visit. Our engineers will advise on the requirements and the expected timescales as this depends on a project by project basis.
Do you cover my area for a Structural Survey?
We cover both England and Scotland as part of our nation-wide service. We have recently completed surveys from Aberdeen in the North to Harrow in London.