Building surveyors or
structural surveyors are tasked with the responsibility of assessing the condition of buildings and potential ways to improve them. This can include both domestic and commercial properties. Some key tasks of a structural surveyor can be to carry out inspections, renovations or to be expert witnesses. Keep reading to find out more about the role of a structural surveyor, what they do, and whether they may be of use to you and your property.
What Is A Structural Survey?
A structural survey is an inspection carried out by a building surveyor or an engineer, and is typically done simultaneously with a visual inspection of a property. It will be a written document that lists and describes any defects within the property. It can include suggestions for repair work, improvements and advice on potentially dangerous risks that are found within the building. The goal of a structural survey is to identify any problems with the structure of a building. This means anything that could impact the stability, safety or value of a property.
Structural surveys provide valuable information about the quality and condition of a building and it can be a useful tool for homeowners, when it comes to renovations or making changes to their property. The survey will help to outline any potential structural issues or issues that should be addressed before any construction begins.
Residential & Commercial
Structural surveys can come under different categories, depending on the type of property being surveyed. Residential surveys are carried out on domestic properties and commercial property surveys are carried out on commercial buildings. The only difference is the type of building being inspected, and both types of survey include a thorough inspection of the properties systems and structure.
Home Survey
This is a Level 1 survey, that uses a traffic light system to identify the risks and significant issues within a property. It is not a detailed report and is usually suitable when you are buying a standard, modern property that is in visibly good condition. A level 1 survey is a good way to confirm that everything with the property is generally okay.
Home Condition Survey
A home condition survey is a Level 2 survey that is commonly used for properties that appear to be in reasonable condition. This survey is designed to highlight problems that would impact the value of a property. Usually it will include advice on repairs and maintenance, and highlight anything that doesn’t meet the building’s current regulations. This is a more thorough survey than a Level 1, however, it is still considered a surface level inspection.
Full Structural Survey
A full structural survey, also known as a Level 3 Building Survey is an in-depth inspection of the condition of your property. This survey is the most detailed type of survey and is of an extremely high standard. For listed buildings or large properties, this is the recommended survey, as it is the best option for getting a complete understanding of a property.
This survey will give you a full report that details any defects, visible or hidden. It will also outline the cost of repairs that might need to be made before you go ahead with a renovation, buying or selling.
When Would I Need A Structural Survey?
Usually, structural surveys can be useful for listed buildings and properties that are over 50 years old, however, there are several other situations where using a structural survey is a good idea and could be useful to you:
Renovations
Renovations are a solid reason to look into getting a structural survey carried out. These surveys can help you to identify any structural issues within your property before you go ahead with any plans. By taking the time to plan your renovation carefully and thoroughly, you can be more effective and avoid any costly damage repairs later on down the line.
General Condition
You may be concerned about the general condition of your property, or have been noticing things that indicate there may be a problem. Typically, a visual inspection is followed by a structural survey to help you identify these issues and give you advice on repairing the problem or looking into better maintenance. This process can help you to keep the value of your home and keep the property safe.
Buying Property
When you are purchasing a property, you want to be assured that you are buying a building that is structurally sound. A structural survey can help you to understand the condition of the building you are buying, so you can make an informed decision and have all the necessary information made available to you. It will help to outline any costs of repairs or work that may need to be carried out when you purchase the property. It is more common to have only a visual inspection carried out, however, having a structural survey carried out is still a beneficial idea.
Selling Property
If you are selling a property, a structural survey should be used to demonstrate that the building is structurally sound. Proving that your building is in a good condition can allow you to work out a fair price for the property you are selling. If there are problems with the structure of your home, buyers need to be aware of this, and you should not give them false information regarding the property.
Expert Witnesses
If you find yourself having a disagreement with a neighbour over a structural issue, a structural surveyor will be able to mediate as an external third party and provide an informed, unbiased opinion on how to resolve the dispute.
What Will The Survey Include?
Typically, the survey will involve a trained professional coming to inspect the structure of the property. This could include things like cracks in the walls or any signs of water damage. They will also assess the electric and plumbing work within the property, and they will take a close look at these areas.
Property Advice
If you are having a survey carried out because you are thinking of renovating, your structural surveyor will most likely take measurements so that they can provide you with accurate drawings and plans for your proposed building work. These detailed drawings can then be passed onto your building contractor and you can be assured that any work that goes ahead has been safety approved.
Project Management Services
Project management services can be useful when it comes to your survey. If you are considering a renovation project on your property, a qualified and experienced project manager can help you develop detailed briefs and establish specific client requirements, in line with the details of your structural survey.
This can help you ensure that optimal design decisions are being made and that progress with your renovation runs as smoothly as possible.
How Long Is It Valid For?
The structure of your property will change over time, so ensuring that your survey is valid is important, especially before you buy, sell or decide to have a renovation. Structural parts of your survey may be valid for many years, however, as things change over time, your survey will only be valid for a specific period of time.
As market prices change within short periods of time however, your survey will only be valid for approximately three months. However, keep a copy of all the surveys that have been carried out, as they may still be useful as time goes on.
Simon Levy
If surveying is what you are looking for, then our expert team is here to guide you through the process. Here at Simon Levy, we are proud to offer a wide range of
professional services that cater to your domestic or commercial needs. We have been surveying and valuing properties across Boreham and Hertfordshire since 1986 and over the past 30 years, our team has developed a brilliant understanding of the market and of regional construction methods.
For any enquiries about our services or how we can help you, please feel free to
contact us and our property damage experts will be happy to help you with any questions or concerns you may have.
