What to Expect During a Structural Inspection for Building Safety
If you manage or own a high-rise residential building (HRB) in England, the Building Safety Act 2022 places a legal duty on the Principal Accountable Person (PAP) to assess the risk of structural failure as part of the Building Safety Case.
A professional structural inspection is the first step towards producing a compliant Structural Report. Knowing what to expect helps you prepare and avoid delays.
- Pre-Inspection Review
Before visiting the site, the structural engineer will review any available documentation, including:
- Original structural drawings and calculations.
- Previous surveys or defect reports.
- Maintenance or refurbishment history.
- Fire strategy or safety case documents (if available).
This desk study informs the engineer about the building’s structural system and highlights areas that may need closer attention.
- Visual Inspection on Site
The engineer will then carry out a visual survey of all accessible structural elements, typically including:
- Columns, beams and load-bearing walls
- Floor slabs and roof structure.
- Stairs and cores provide escape routes.
- Balconies, projecting slabs and parapets.
- Basement or visible foundation areas (if accessible).
They will look for cracks, deflection, water ingress, corrosion or any other signs of distress.
- Targeted Intrusive Investigation (If Needed)
If there are concerns about hidden risks or insufficient records, the engineer may recommend intrusive checks, for example:
- Opening up finishes to inspect reinforcement or steel connections.
- Concrete cover depth or carbonation testing.
- Pull-out tests or scanning to confirm reinforcement or fixings.
These works are usually agreed in advance, carried out safely and reinstated afterwards.
- Structural Appraisal & Risk Assessment
After gathering data, the engineer undertakes a structural appraisal, a professional assessment of load paths and judgment of the building’s stability, robustness and long-term performance based on the information available at the time of reporting.
The appraisal considers:
- The likelihood and consequences of structural failure.
- Structural robustness during fire or accidental impact.
- Known materials or systems with inherent weaknesses (e.g., Large Panel Systems).
- Gaps or uncertainties in the record information.
Recommendations may include urgent repairs, strengthening, monitoring or further investigation if the risk cannot be fully verified.
- Clear, BSR-Ready Reporting
The findings are documented in a Structural Report mapped directly against the PAP’s duties under Sections 83 and 84 of the Act. The report explains the scope and limitations of the appraisal, including that it reflects the information and access available at the time while remaining clear for non-engineers and robust for the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
How We Can Help
At Structures Made Easy, we deliver BSR-ready structural inspections, appraisals and reports for high-risk and multi-storey buildings. Our service offers:
- Competence / Chartered sign-off.
- Proven HRB experience.
- Fast turnaround.
- Portfolio pricing for multiple buildings.
- BSR-ready reporting format to meet regulatory expectations.
We make the inspection and appraisal process clear, thorough and regulator-ready, helping you demonstrate compliance and keep residents safe.
Why choose us?
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.
100% Success in Building Regs
Fully Qualified SE
Transparent Fees
Practical & Efficient Designs
Clear Advice
Fast Turnaround
We make all our processes as simple as
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