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What is a Full Structural Survey?
The term “Structural Survey” was once used to describe what we now call a Full Building Survey. Though the two names are often used interchangeably, they essentially mean the same thing.
A “Structural Survey” refers to a Level 3 Building Survey, which offers a comprehensive inspection of the property, usually done just before a purchase. It includes photographs of various defects found within the building, as well as the relevant recommendations that one would expect to find in any good survey—along with some fresh guidance on regular maintenance, which any good homeowner ought to follow. Such surveys are done to further understand what condition the building is in and whether or not the asking price is truly justifiable.
A structural or building survey will identify visible and likely hidden defects requiring attention. The condition of the property’s structure is what the report centres on, especially as regards any conditions that might seem serious or urgent. The surveyor takes an in-depth look at the integrity of the building and remarks on the potential causes of several different types of issues.
Full Building Survey v Structural Engineer’s Survey
As previously explained, a “Full Structural Survey” typically means you are asking for a Full Building Survey. However, if there is a specific part of the property you are concerned about—often due to subsidence or sheer neglect over the years—then you might need to get a Structural Engineer’s Report instead.
An RICS Chartered Building Surveyor, or their equivalent from CIOB or RPSA, would conduct a Building Survey to a high quality standard. A Structural Engineer would conduct a survey to equally high standards, but the two kinds of reports differ in their focus.
A further distinction is that a building survey considers the entire property and its grounds, whereas a structural engineer survey pertains to an alleged structural defect.
Building surveys are typically conducted for prospective purchasers to appraise the condition of the property in general and ascertain any necessary repairs or maintenance. By contrast, structural surveys tend to focus on one or two areas of the property and are intended to discern whether any alleged problems are significant enough to warrant concern.
Specific Defect and Structural Surveys in Canterbury
When you commission a Structural Survey (now more commonly referred to as a Full Building Survey), you first have the opportunity to understand the character and condition of the property you seek to call your own.
The survey is an in-depth review, and it is your right before making a purchase to know what, if anything, is awry with the structure you’re about to pay for. If nothing serious is found, you proceed with the property purchase as normal. However, if potentially serious issues are uncovered, these problems are then further investigated by a Structural Engineer. Sometimes, these reports are referred to as Specific Defect Surveys.
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A panel of CIOB, RPSA and/or RICS surveyors and/or MICE and IStructE structural engineers able to perform building surveying and building engineering work in relation to the property structure comprise our core team. They are the experts who can furnish you with the essential knowledge to really understand the structural integrity of the building you’re considering and make an informed decision about its true worth.
Expert Witness Islington
We offer the services of a panel of seasoned surveyors experienced in disputes. Your expert witness surveyor will prepare a Part 35 compliant report in accordance with the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR).
Schedule of Condition
A schedule of condition reviews the condition of the property at the date a tenant moves in or before any construction takes place. For both landlord and tenant benefit, the Schedule of Condition protects against any dispute that might arise over the condition of a property. It provides a baseline to prove whether damage has occurred as a result of tenancy or nearby works (e.g. party wall).
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Whatever your project or property concern, the helpline staff can give you the advice you need. Our panel of experts allows for a really broad range of experiences and disciplines, with the majority of them having worked extensively in the types of scenarios the average property owner faces. Whether it’s a simple wall-removal job or a complex series of structural upgrades needed for a major new build, clients are in good hands.
