top of page

Structural Survey & Building Condition Reports

Surveys form an essential ‘health check’ for buildings. If you are buying a property you should have a survey done before you enter into a binding contract to purchase.

​

A survey can often save you significant amounts of money. If serious problems are uncovered it can often form the basis of a re-negotiation of the sale price to reflect the cost of any repairs. You may even decide not to proceed with the transaction if critical faults are uncovered, potentially saving you many sleepless nights and unforeseen expense.

​

There are 3 types of survey

Valuation Survey for Mortgages

​

This is a minimum requirement for a lender to establish whether a property provides reasonable security to back a mortgage.

​

Home Buyers Report


Designed to give the prospective purchaser a concise report on the general condition of the property, identifying significant defects and repairs needed at the time of the inspection, with a brief description of any factors likely to materially to affect a property's value.

Brick Construction

Full Structural / Building Survey

​

Formerly called a structural survey, this is the most common type of survey requiring the services of a Structural Engineer. You should choose a full building survey if you’re dealing with a large, older or run-down property, a building that is unusual or has been significantly altered, or if you’re planning major works. It costs more than the other reports because it gives detailed information about the structure and fabric of the property.

​

It includes:  

​

  • a thorough inspection and detailed report on a wider range of structural issues;

  • a description of visible defects and potential problems caused by hidden flaws;

  • an outline of repair options and the likely consequences of inactivity; and

  • advice for your legal advisers and details of serious risks and dangerous conditions including guarantees, planning and building control issues.

​

Building Defect Investigation

​

Sometimes a lenders valuation and Homebuyers survey will highlight issues of concern in a building such as cracking in external walls requiring the advice of a Structural Engineer. We often investigate defects and provide reports that will answer the questions you or your lenders may have about the property.

Our Defect Analysis service not only identifies building defects and structural problems within existing properties, it also provides a comprehensive report detailing the cause of the defect and the most appropriate form of remedial work from a cost and time point of view.

​

Typical defects we regularly report on include:
 

  • Subsidence

  • Lintel failure over bay and double glazed window apertures

  • Cracking in walls

  • Roof failure

  • Bowed external walls 


If you have worries about a building you’re going to buy please give us a call and we’ll happily discuss your particular concerns and help you decide which type of survey is right for you.

bottom of page