Focusing purely on the structural integrity of a property, a structural survey is carried out to identify the overall condition of a building, focusing primarily on the structural integrity of residential properties. Carried out by a structural engineer, structural surveys are highly thorough investigations primarily used to identify potential defects within a property, with an in-depth report provided to the property owner on any potential issues and actions required.
What’s A Structural Survey?
An in-depth and comprehensive report of the condition or construction of a property, a Structural Survey provides detailed information of the state of a property for potential buyers on the market. Structural surveys are used to assess the interior and exterior of a building to assess or determine potential defects, issues or serious structural decline. As a general rule, a Structural Survey for a building should contain the following:
● A thorough assessment of defects and potential hazards within the property.
● Advice on repairs and maintenance, plus any potential costs.
● Full details of previous structural work on the property (if any).
● Property valuation (if requested).
Unlike a building survey, a structural survey will focus predominantly on the structural integrity of a property, focusing instead on particular problems of notable structural defects, as opposed to the general condition of the property and grounds. Carried out by a structural engineer, a structural survey will usually take no more than a day to conclude, with the full report produced within five to ten days of completion.
Why It Matters
Structural Surveys are vital in identifying potential issues that could have serious ramifications on your property in the future, particularly in the event of a sale. Should you decide to go ahead without a structural survey being performed on a property you plan on purchasing, you are running a real risk of unexpected repairs and maintenance costs cropping up in the future. Remember; once your initial offer for the property has been accepted, it’s at this stage you should have a structural survey conducted on the property before you finalise the deal. This will help to ensure you are not obligated to purchase the property even if you do encounter structural problems.
Generally speaking, it will cost between £600-£1300 for a full structural survey, depending on the property type, location and size, due to the immense detail required and the importance of having one performed.
Common Issues
There is a long list of potential issues, ranging from the mild to the severe, that can be identified by a structural survey. Most will generally require small fixes and maintenance work to restore, but there are some problems that will require immediate action. Below are some of the main issues identified by structural surveys:
Poor Ventilation & Damp
Many older properties suffer from the impacts of dampness, condensation or mould; and when this is coupled with poor ventilation in the property, this problem can be compounded even further. Older properties are typically constructed without adequate ventilation or damp proofing and this is a common problem in many UK households.
Structural Movement
One of the biggest issues found during structural surveys is the identification of structural movement. This occurs when integral parts of the building that are in place to provide the strength and stability of the property begin to shift. Roofing, flooring, walls, frameworks and foundations will all suffer from this problem, potentially bulging, expanding and cracking over time. This can heavily compromise the integrity and safety of the structure of your property and must be identified quickly.
Asbestos
Banned in 1999 due to its potential threat to human life, asbestos was once a commonly used building material, with many properties still withholding many asbestos properties within it. If asbestos is ever found on your property, particularly in the case of a structural survey, you must contact a specialist to remove it immediately.
Japanese Knotweed
Capable of producing thick, invasive and extensive roots, Japanese knotweed is a clump-forming plant that grows rapidly, causing potentially serious structural damage to your property, as it targets the weak structural points of the building during growth. If Japanese knotweed has become a serious issue, it’s important to contact a specialist knotweed removal service, who will decide upon the appropriate removal and treatment plan.
Electrical Issues
A common problem picked up in structural surveys, electrical issues can wreak havoc on a household, ranging from minor, fixable issues to a complete rewiring of the property. Whenever you pick up on any potential electrical issue, contacting a professional electrician is absolutely essential, as they will provide the repairs required, in a safe and controlled manner. Costs of electrical fixes can vary massively depending on the nature and intricacy of the work, or even the location of your home.
Drainage Problems
Faulty pipes can cause a vast array of problems, ranging from drainage problems, water pooling and even serious or extensive water damage, which can have a lasting impact on the structural integrity of your property. Poor drainage at home will usually present itself through the emergence of damp walls or bad smells and should be assessed by a specialist drainage professional to diagnose the issue further.
Damaged Roofing
Ranging from small issues, such as cracked or faulty tiling, blocked guttering and the emergence of dampness, right through to serious structural issues resulting in instability, damaged roofing plays a huge role in the structural integrity of your property.
Infestation
Woodworm infestation is common among period homes, barns, or timber structures and can cause serious damage if not treated effectively and urgently. It’s important to have this issue assessed immediately should there be a risk of woodworm identified on a structural survey, with a timber treatment specialist required for a full assessment. In similar terms, an infestation of aggressive beetles such as the House Longhorn or the Deathwatch Beetle will require professional treatment at the nearest opportunity.
Insulation
When homes are placed on the property market, they are typically required to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to provide evidence of their thermal capabilities before they are placed on the market for sale. Structural surveys will identify potential issues with insulation, such as missing or damaged insulation within the property, and provide suggestions if necessary.
What Happens Next?
As suggested, once the structural survey is finished, the structural engineer will produce a report within five to ten days of completion. Reports provided by the structural engineer usually help identify the severity and urgency of particular issues by ranking them using a traffic light system, helping you to decide where your priorities lie. If problems do arise, you must now make the alterations and maintenance work that may be required and resolve them, before you make contact with interested parties and proceed with a sale.
Simon Levy Associates - Chartered Building Surveyors in Borehamwood, Watford and Greater London
At
Simon Levy Associates we understand buying a new property is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your lifetime - so it’s important that the property has been professionally surveyed before you make the big purchase. If you buy a property with lots of issues, you could end up spending thousands of pounds on repairs and maintenance that could otherwise be avoided.
As one of the best
building survey consultants across Hertfordshire, we deliver comprehensive, professional advice on all building-related matters to our clients. We manage the business with integrity and honesty to the high ethical and professional standards expected of chartered architects and chartered surveyors.
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