Structural Engineers Richmond

Making structural alterations to a property in Richmond prior to moving in – or planning major renovations to your present home in Richmond – can affect its structural stability.

You will need a qualified and experienced structural engineer to:

Carry out a full structural engineering inspection 

Supply a detailed structural survey report 

Supply structural drawings, load bearing assessments and calculations                                                                          – includes General Arrangement plans in 2D CAD.

Our engineer’s structural reports Richmond provide:

ALL the information and recommendations to satisfy almost any purpose, for both residential and commercial properties, as required by:

•         Mortgage lenders
•         Property owners
•         Homeowners
•         Property developers

We will highlight where elements of a property may be considered partially or fully unsafe, based on a visual inspection of a particular area of concern.

A structural engineers survey is a legal requirement under Building Control Part A, which sets out the design standards and guidance for the structural stability and safety of all buildings, and for preventing the structural integrity of other buildings from being affected.

What is a structural engineer and what do they do?

Structural engineers are mainly involved with:

•         Designing and constructing buildings and structures
•         Improving the structural integrity of existing buildings
•         Repair, conversion and extension of residential and commercial buildings
•         Assessing the stability of a property affected by subsidence, fire, flooding or explosion to   advise upon the necessary remedial action.

A structural engineer has a critical role is to ensure buildings and structures are:

•         Safe and capable of withstanding forces and elements, to which, they will be exposed

Our structural engineers Richmond service includes:

•         A full engineers survey report to satisfy most requirements including, mortgage lenders.
•         Site inspection, usually a visual survey unless advised otherwise.
•         Verbal advice and discussion of the building survey during site visit.
•         Written report by a chartered or near chartered engineer
•         Structural Drawings and Calculations to meet the requirements of Building Regulations PART A
•         Email and phone support for queries related to the technical report.

An initial structural engineer’s report will detail critical defects such as:

•         Cracks in walls
•         Damage caused by water
•         Subsidence / movement of foundations 
•         Description of the structural defects and the suspected causes.
•         Advice on how to remediate.
•         Estimated costs associated with fixing structural problems (by request).

Structural engineers look for these common defects: 

Cracks in walls, ceilings and floors: have a number of different causes which can all be identified by structural surveys. The associated risks can vary substantially, depending on the size, exact location and frequency of the cracks.

Hairline cracks in a new ceiling below a timber roof: can often be caused by thermal expansion and contraction of the timber over time due to fluctuations in the natural moisture content.

Larger vertical cracking to a masonry gable wall: can sometimes indicate movement of the walls below, or the pulling away of a wall due to insufficient tying of the structure. Cracks with ongoing movement may pose a larger risk than historical cracks that have settled and remain stationary.

Subsidence or movement of foundations: can often cause cracking and structural damage to the building above.

 Movements are caused by a number of reasons, including:

•         Fine particle loss in the soil
•         Foundations cast onto poor ground – leading to localised movements.
•         Tree roots penetrating weaknesses in foundations

 Structural Inspections Richmond for the Home Buyer

Detailed, impartial information provided by structural engineers Richmond  can be crucial to help you finally decide whether to purchase a property. Key information relating to any major or minor repair work required can be used to renegotiate the final price. Alternatively, the seller might be asked to fix the issues before the sale is completed.

Structural Reports Richmond for the Home Seller

Prospective buyers are almost certain to be put off by known or visible structural defects, particularly longstanding issues such as, damp, or subsidence, which can seriously affect the value of your home and ability to sell.

If you plan to buy, sell or structurally alter a property and are unsure about the condition or have specific concerns, it is always strongly recommended to carry out a structural engineers survey.