For the majority of people, buying a property is one of the biggest purchases and investments you will ever make in your lifetime. Before buying a property, a structural survey can provide you with peace of mind. It’s important to make sure that the building you purchase is structurally sound and won’t cause you any unknown costly issues further down the line.
When buying a new property, it’s essential that you understand the condition of the property before you sign on the dotted line. The majority of buyers obtain a RICS Survey Report to assess and evaluate the property they’re interested in. However, there are instances when an in-depth structural survey is also required.
If you’re purchasing an older property or your homebuyer’s report has highlighted some structural issues that should be investigated further, you may want to commission a full structural survey.
A professional structural survey is essential to fully assess the structure of a building. This type of survey is far more detailed than a valuation or homebuyer’s report and goes into greater detail in respect of a building’s structure, including the internal and external fabric, and is carried out by either a Chartered Civil or Structural Engineer.
How can JNP Group help?
With vast experience and a wealth of specialist knowledge, we have a thorough understanding of how structures and materials behave, which goes beyond that of a building surveyor.
What exactly is involved in a structural survey?
Typically, a structural inspection will involve an initial visual inspection. During this initial inspection, the property will be thoroughly assessed and evaluated for any structural issues or problems. If the survey is unable to provide enough detail, more intrusive investigations may be recommended, such as lifting floorboards to establish the size of joints and/or digging trial holes to expose and confirm foundations.
Following a survey, we will provide you with a written report, outlining all of the observations and any issues that were detected. This report will also include recommendations for the next steps to take – this can range from further intrusive investigations to offering solutions to any issues.
Common Issues found by Structural Engineers in Residential and Commercial Surveys include:
- Damp
Damp is the scourge of many buildings and it’s one of the most important things to look for when examining a building. If rising or penetrating damp is not sorted quickly, it can soon lead to more serious issues including structural damage, rot, rusting steels and even worrying health issues.
- Roof Issues
Structural surveys will also consider the health of a roof. If a roof is in disrepair or suffering from rotting timbers, then it can lead to huge health & safety concerns and structural issues.
- Subsidence
Subsidence describes the situation in which the ground beneath a building moves due to changes in the supporting soils. As trees remove moisture from shrinkable soils, or leaking drains soften supporting soils, the stability of the building can be compromised.
Please note you’ll need permission from the property owner before such investigations can be carried out.