In short: A structural inspection is a focused check of a property’s load-bearing structure by one of our RICS chartered surveyors. A specific structural inspection looks at one concern, such as a crack, movement or a wall you plan to remove. A general structural inspection covers all accessible load-bearing elements. Both come with a written report and clear next steps.
Which inspection do I need?
| Specific structural inspection | General structural inspection | |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | One issue: a crack, bulge, movement, sagging floor or a wall to remove | All accessible load-bearing parts: roof structure, walls, floors, lintels, beams and signs of foundation risk |
| Best for | A concern raised by a mortgage valuer, a buyer, or something you have noticed | Buyers of older or altered properties who want the structure checked as a whole |
| Report | Within 5 working days | Within 5 working days |
Both are charged at a fixed fee, quoted by phone: call 0800 035 6473.
Buying and want the whole property checked, including damp, timber and services? A RICS Level 3 Building Survey or a Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey is the better choice.
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What Does A Structural Inspection Cover?
A general structural inspection includes the roof structure, floors, walls, lintels and beams. It also looks at the surrounding site for any factors that could indicate a risk to the foundations. A specific structural inspection concentrates on the one issue you are concerned about.
The report sets out the structural condition and adequacy of the load-bearing elements inspected, identifies any structural problems or concerns, and recommends what needs to be done to put them right or what further investigation is needed.
Where repairs or further investigation are recommended, the report can give budget costs, if requested. If the defect needs calculations or design by a structural engineer, we will tell you and can arrange one for you.
For a fixed-fee quote for your structural inspection, call us on 0800 035 6473 or complete our contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
A GSI does not include those aspects normally dealt with within a Surveyor’s Report, such as services, decorations, roof coverings and like, the position of the property with respect to local amenities and the condition of the property with regards to dry rot, timber infestation, dampness and the like.
A structural inspection is worth commissioning when there is a specific concern: visible cracking, a mortgage valuer’s retention, signs of movement, or planned alterations to load-bearing walls. For a full pre-purchase check, choose a Level 3 Building Survey.
A general structural inspection covers the roof structure, beams, lintels, walls, floors and any risks to the foundations. A specific inspection focuses on the one issue you are concerned about. Either way, the report identifies any structural issues and sets out the steps needed to resolve them.
The inspection usually takes about 1 to 2 hours on site, depending on the size of the property. The written report follows within 5 working days.
Not usually to begin with. Our RICS surveyor will tell you if the defect needs calculations or design by a structural engineer, and we can arrange that for you.
