Structural Surveys
We provide specialised structural surveys for a wide range of assets for the built environment. It is important to start by comprehending what a structural survey is.
What is a Structural Survey?
A structural survey focuses solely on the property’s structural integrity; it ignores other building conditions such aesthetic issues, boundary issues, and external garden area issues. The engineer will use their knowledge of building materials, their qualities, and their performance to undertake a thorough investigation into the causes of any concerns. If it is practicable, the engineer will carry out a study to find out more about the building’s structure.
Types of Structural Surveys
Full Structural Survey:
It involves a careful analysis of the structural soundness of a building. It provides detailed information on any issues with the building and its environs, as well as advice on how to carry out the required upkeep and repairs.
Your Full Structural Survey report will be thorough, appropriately granular, and filled with rich photographs.
These structural assessments are ideal for providing you with a complete image of the property you are purchasing and assisting you in assessing whether or not the purchase price is appropriate because, if asked as part of the service, they can include projected costs to rectify any faults.
Specific Structural Survey:
It is a focused investigation of a certain area of the structure. This establishes a specific area’s structural integrity. For instance, you might notice fractures in a particular area of the land or be concerned about the movement of a building like a garage or an outhouse.
If a wall is load bearing, you might want a structural engineer to confirm this and to advise you on the best course of action.
it provides instructions on the essential upkeep and repairs, as well as localised information on any issues with the particular area of the structure and its surroundings.
A brief report that focuses on the issue in the particular area of concern follows this structural survey.
Summary Structural Survey:
The Summary Structural Survey provides you with a one-page letter-style report outlining the conclusions and suggestions of the structural assessment.
When do I need a Structural Survey?
It is essential to have a structural engineer take a look at your property as soon as possible if you are concerned about a structural issue. Property structural problems may lead to health and safety concerns. An unstable building may be caused by, among other things, a loose fixture holding a handrail or balcony, cut rafters or truss members, or movement in the floors or walls.
If you are worried about a structural problem, we advise you to take the better safe than sorry stance. If structural problems are not addressed, they may worsen over time and sometimes end up costing much more to fix.
If the surveyor has found a specific issue that needs further investigation, for example after a building assessment for a house report, structural surveys are commonly requested as part of the home report results.
However, you might only wish to request a specialised structural study or a summary structural survey if you are buying a house or own one and are confident that it is sound aside from a particular structural risk. These investigations will concentrate on the previously mentioned Specific Defects.
Costs of Structural Surveys -
This is based on how much structural input is necessary for the survey. Time spent on the site, visual or intrusive inspections, visits, the amount of detail needed in the report, whether any calculations or analyses are needed to evaluate the issue prior to 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 the Highlands in the North to far South in London.
