What is a Structural Survey Report?
A Structural Report is based upon a thorough inspection of all accessible parts of a property which provides:
- A Detailed Evaluation of the condition of your property, and
- Important Recommendations for which parts of the property will require repairs or maintenance
Structural reports – sometimes also referred to as engineer’s reports or specific defects reports – can be carried out by structural engineers. Their general structural inspection of any potential issues or defects will include the interior, exterior, visible and accessible parts of a building.
Our engineer’s structural reports 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
- Insurance companies
What does a Structural Report include?
Structural reports highlight where elements of a property may be considered partially or fully unsafe.
An initial structural engineer’s report will detail critical defects such as:
- Cracks in walls
- Damage caused by water
- Subsidence / movement of foundations
An initial report is usually based on a visual inspection of a particular area of concern, invariably, cracks visible in the brickwork or stonework, often caused by heave, movement or subsidence.
At Structures Made Easy, structural reports – based upon the structural survey – usually include:
- Description of the structural defects and the suspected causes.
- Advice on how to remediate.
- Estimated costs associated with fixing structural problems (by request).
Confirmation of our findings..
In some instances, and where necessary, there could be a requirement for further investigations. We can provide recommendations on special structural survey arrangements, such as excavating trial pits or CCTV surveys.
Structural Report – Internal Issues
Our engineer’s structural reports at Structures Made Easy are also based upon an assessment of internal issues such as:
- Chimney breast integrity
- Wall and floor evenness
- Ceiling cracks
- Bowing floors
- Dampness
- Mould and rising damp
- Woodworm and rot
- Other issues affecting structural integrity
Structural Report – External Issues
We will also generally look for external issues, including:
- Roof integrity
- Chimneys
- Guttering
- External walls and brickwork – cracks or signs of subsidence
- Movement in bay windows
- Distorted windows or doors
- Bulged walls
- Drainage from the property
External structural reports surveys will also include:
- Property extensions
- Conservatories
- Orangeries
- Boundary and retaining walls
- External staircases
- Garages and other stand-alone structures
Our experienced engineers will advise if further intrusive investigations are required to identify the cause and condition of a defect considered likely to further deteriorate.
Our structural reports in London package is civil engineer-led to provide, but not limited to:
- Site inspection – usually a visual survey unless advised otherwise / full structural survey by one of our structural engineers.
- Verbal advice and discussion of the structural survey during the visit.
- Written report by a chartered or near chartered engineer,
- Email and phone support for queries related to the technical report.
- Homebuyer structural reports & structural surveys from our qualified structural engineers.
Plus –
Further inspections to:
- View opening up works, if required.
- Sign off work undertaken (by request only).
- Further supplementary structural reports.
Full building survey & generation of a survey report.
Our 4 -STEP approach to temporary works design
makes your project planning as simple and straightforward as possible:
STEP 1
Provide a quote
STEP 2
Site inspection visit
STEP 3
Detailed design stage
STEP 4
Ongoing support until project completion
Why choose us?
In the last decade, Structures Made Easy have successfully completed 3,000 construction projects, and consistently proven to be an industry leader.
Using the latest, state of the art engineering design software and design codes, we ensure your project is completed to your exact specifications, from design cross check procedures to quality control measures.
100% Success in Building Regs
Fully Qualified SE
Transparent Fees
Practical & Efficient Designs
Clear Advice
Fast Turnaround
When will you receive your Structural Report?
A Structural Report is usually delivered in 3 to 10 working days, depending on the size of the property, and the type and condition of any issues uncovered in the structural survey.
Structural report – causes of typical survey defects
Cracks in walls, ceilings and floors: are caused by several different reasons 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. Unlikely to cause any structural damage.
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
- Damaged drains & pipes
Ordering a Structural Report is always strongly advised if you are unsure about the condition or have specific concerns over any part of a property you intend to buy or sell.
- Structural Reports and the Home Buyer
Once the purchase price is agreed, it can be all too easy to want to move in as quickly as possible – without having ordered a structural report first. Especially, if you are determined to buy the property, and believe, there’s unlikely to be anything seriously wrong with it because the house is modern.
Choosing to not have a structural survey and the results of the report can prove to be a false saving which could lead to unforeseen but far more costly repairs. In worst case scenarios, you find yourself owning a property you would simply not have purchased if you had been aware of its true condition.
The detailed, impartial information provided by a structural report 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 and the Home Seller
Selling a property with known or visible structural defects is almost certain to put off prospective buyers. It can inevitably also lead to a requirement for a structural survey to be carried out before mortgage lenders agree to release their funds.
This is why most lenders will insist on structural surveys before funds are disbursed. A full structural survey report is important to ascertain structural integrity, and a requirement for most building insurances.
If you have owned the property you are selling for many years a structural report will inform a potential buyer – and bring to your attention – longstanding issues such as, damp, or subsidence, which can seriously affect the value of your home and ability to sell.
Any major or minor repair work required to remediate defects found are almost certain to be used to renegotiate the final price. Alternatively, as the seller, you might be asked to fix the issues before the sale is completed.
Whether a buyer or seller our engineer-led structural reports will provide:
- Advice on how to remediate.
- Estimated costs associated with fixing structural problems ( by request)
The Institute of Structural Engineers Standards
Structures Made Easy structural engineers are qualified to The Institute of Structural / Civil Engineers
Standards, in compliance with the Laws of the Institution of Structural Engineers as described by the Charter, Bye-laws, Regulations and associated Rules.