Do I legally need a structural engineer report?
The simple answer to this is you do not legally need a structural survey of a property, but obtaining one could well pay dividends later on in terms of expectations, your budget and programme on either a purchase or renovation.
Mortgage lenders, insurance companies, or buyers may also request a structural report. For example, if a home survey reveals cracks in the walls, a structural engineer’s assessment may be necessary to determine whether they’re cosmetic or a sign of something more serious. In these cases, having a professional report is not just useful, but it is a requirement to satisfy the lender or buyer and enable them to proceed with a sale or refurbishment.
If a property has previously been altered or extended, but the required statutory approvals were obtained at the time, then another form of structural survey is required. In such circumstances, then the lenders’ or buyers’ main need is reassurance that the altered or extended structure is safe. Furthermore, local Building Control may request similar confirmation retrospectively that the new structure and the existing building are structurally safe. A chartered structural engineer, such as Structures Made Easy, would inspect the areas where alterations have been undertaken, inspecting the finished surfaces for signs of structural distress. This might include cracking in the walls or floors, excessive deflection of beams and columns or distortion of adjacent window and door openings. The engineer would then report on the structural condition of the new structure from this information. The report would take the form of what is called a Certificate of Structural Adequacy.
If the Certificate is requested by the local authority, then there is a legal, statutory requirement to have the investigation carried out. There is no legal requirement, though, if the Certificate or structural survey is only requested by the mortgage lenders or the buyers to inform the worth of the property upon which they are lending or considering purchase.
Typically, you will not therefore need to obtain a structural survey for legal reasons, but there are many benefits to having a survey carried out beyond the legal requirements.
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With over 3000 successfully completed projects to date, we have consistently proven ourselves to be a leader in the industry. From design cross check procedures to quality control measures, we will ensure your project is completed to your exact specifications.
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possible giving you peace of mind
STEP 1
Get a quote. Refer to enquiry form or email or speak to engineer
STEP 2
Arrange site inspection
STEP 3
Report delivered