What is a Structural Survey?

Integrity

We offer honest and detailed consultations to assist our clients in realising their project aspirations. We approach every project with unwavering dedication, regardless of its size or value.

Knowledge

We take pride in our continuous pursuit of knowledge, using it to enhance project efficiency and deliver top-quality services, ultimately achieving our clients’ aspirations.

Teamwork

We prioritise the development of strong relationships because we recognise the benefits of working in professional partnerships with everyone involved in a project.

What is a Structural Survey?

Whether you’re buying a new property or planning to carry out renovations to a building, there is always a lot to think about.

As well as getting your head around the various documentation and crunching the numbers, surveys are also an essential part of the process.

In the world of property, there are a whole host of different surveys available, and it can be a little tricky to understand which is which. Furthermore, it’s important to know what kind of survey is the best option for you in order to ensure the property is safe.

In this article, the team here at IKT Consulting are going to concentrate on structural surveys.

If you’re wondering ‘what is a structural survey?’ we’ve got you covered. In the sections below we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about this type of survey, so you’re never unsure of its importance or what it involves.

Read on to find out more…

What Is A Structural Survey?

A structural survey is a type of building survey that is only concerned with structural integrity.

In short, a structural survey is designed to discover whether a property is safe to live in. For commercial buildings, a structural survey will check if the building is safe to work in or occupy in any way.

The survey will primarily focus on the structural integrity of a building. It will check whether the structure is safe from collapse or significant damage that could cause harm to those within the property.

Structural engineers will inspect the building’s interior, exterior and all visible and accessible parts of the building checking for risks or potential issues that could compromise the structural integrity in any way.

The survey will also be able to identify any potential problems that may cause problems in the future, so they can be rectified as soon as possible. Often structural surveys are requested after a building survey has taken place. This will happen if the surveyor has noticed a particular red flag in the property that requires further investigation.

Following the completion of the structural survey, a structural report will be provided. This will include:

Descriptions of every room including a detailed analysis of their condition
Photographs to document the building’s condition.
Reports of any risks or hazards that need to be addressed.
A breakdown of the costs for fixing any issues that have been noted.
An energy performance certificate (EPC) and energy efficiency advice
Details of any legal issues relating to the property

A structural survey needs to be carried out by a qualified structural engineer who uses their vast expertise and knowledge of building materials and structures to create reports.

Benefits Of A Structural Survey

A structural survey provides a whole host of benefits including:

Identifying structural issues: A structural survey will uncover any significant structural problems such as subsidence, foundation issues, dampness or structural inability. Early detection of these issues can prevent more extensive damage and costly repairs in the future.

Safety assurance: Ensuring the safety of occupants is paramount. A structural survey helps identify any safety hazards or risks posed by the building’s structure, allowing necessary remedial actions to be taken.

Informed decision-making: Whether you’re purchasing a property or planning renovations, having a structural survey provides you with detailed information about the building’s condition. This enables you to make informed decisions about whether to proceed with the purchase, negotiate the price based on required repairs or plan renovation projects more effectively.

What Is A Full Structural Survey?

As well as standard structural surveys, you could also get a full structural survey.

A full structural survey is a structural survey that is more in-depth than the conventional type.

Previously, a full structural survey was known as a Level 3 Building Survey, and it involves structural engineers going into more detail regarding the property.

This type of survey will only be needed if a property is significantly old (older than 1850), made of unconventional materials (like thatch or timber), is built upon land that has been known to shift or has undergone extensive renovations or building work.

Full structural surveys can only be carried out by a RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) chartered surveyor as they need to be much more in-depth and so require a greater level of knowledge and expertise.

What Is The Difference Between A Building Survey And A Structural Survey?

Sometimes, people may confuse a structural survey with a building survey. Despite sounding similar, they actually perform different functions and there are some key differences that people should be aware of.

Building surveys: A building survey is a type of survey that every prospective homeowner will have conducted on a property that they have had an offer accepted on. Before the purchase is completed, a qualified chartered surveyor will assess the property, providing a comprehensive report on the condition and structure of the house. There are various levels of building survey depending on the individual circumstances of the property.

Structural survey: In contrast, a structural survey will be carried out by a structural engineer and is focused purely on the structural integrity of the property. Usually, these surveys will be recommended after a building survey has taken place if the chartered surveyor has noticed something that they believe needs further investigation.

Another key difference is that while a building survey may also note cosmetic, practical, or aesthetic issues, a structural survey will always focus solely on the structural integrity of a building.

At IKT Consulting, our team of expert structural engineers offer a wide range of homeowner services including structural surveys, beam calculations, extension designs and much more. If you want a structural survey, our team will utilise decades of industry expertise to carry out inspections to the highest possible level.

You will then be provided with a comprehensive report that outlines everything you need to know about the structural integrity of a property and explain your next steps. Operating across Nottingham, to find out more about what we do get in touch with our team today.

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Amy Lonergan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Daniel came to visit our property due to some internal cracking we had noted. He was polite, friendly and extremely knowledgeable. A full report was recieved less than 10 days after the initial visit with detailed recommendations to ensure any issues are rectified. I would 100 percent recommend and look forward to working with Daniel again when we build our extension 😀  Many thanks!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   andrew Buxton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I required a company to carry out structural surveys on a customer's external fire escapes. I contacted IKT Consulting LTD  to carry out the surveys on my behalf. I found IKT Consulting Ltd to be very professional with an outstanding attitude towards customer service. The reports were very thorough and I would have no hesitation in using IKT Consulting LTD for future projects.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   victoria evans 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Daniel has been great from start to finish the multiple times we have used him. We run a small construction company and are always in need of a good engineer we can trust and is reliable. Daniel always returns calls if he is not available at the time and has a wealth of knowledge that is always extremely helpful. I would highly recommend
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   S Hussain 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We recently purchased our house in Derby and required a steel beam calculation in January 24. During his visit to our house, he gave great alternative options for our kitchen/dining room design which resulted in us being able to maximise our space and natural light. Daniel Ikotun at IKT was extremely helpful, accommodating, professional and provided a very fast turnaround. Very good value and expert advice. Thanks again Daniel, would recommend your services to anyone looking for structural engineering support.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Craig Pearce 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience with IKT Consulting Engineers LTD! From start to finish, they demonstrated unparalleled professionalism, expertise, and dedication to our project. If you're in need of top-notch structural engineering services, look no further than IKT Consulting Engineers LTD. They are truly the best in the business, and I cannot recommend them highly enough!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Garry Saunders 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Daniel has gone above and beyond on my project and was extremely helpful throughout. I couldn’t have asked for more.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   David Swinscoe 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As a company, we have engaged with IKT Consulting LTD several times for our structural survey requirements. We commend Marie and the entire company for their prompt service, reliability, and meticulous attention to detail. Our ongoing commitment to using IKT Consulting LTD is a testament to their consistent service
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Linzi Clark 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We are in the process of buying a house and had several structural issues flagged on the home buyers survey and was advised to have specific structural survey undertaken. I came across IKT Consulting online and decided to instruct them to undertake the survey. The engineer, Daniel, kindly offered to chat things through with me before the survey, gave me a call after the survey to give me the results, issued the report promptly, and then agreed to chat through the report with me after I'd had time to digest it. His explanations were super clear, jargon free, and really put my mind at ease about the necessary works. I really can't fault IKT Consulting - so glad I found them.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ruth C 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently purchased a house and decided to remove x2 chimney breasts in upstairs bedroom and downstairs kitchen diner.   The builder went into the loft to inspect and discovered it was not safe to remove the chimney breast.  The builder suggested getting a structural engineer to have a look and this is where IKT consulting was recommended to me. The company sent the relevant information and specifications to the builders to proceed with the work.  The structural engineer also sent me the same information on what was to be done and explained the reasons why. This being my first home, I felt reassured as the engineer and I discussed the work in the loft. He was clear, concise and his knowledge was truly informative giving me great confidence in the company. Throughout the job, the engineer was consistent keeping on top of what was going on and liaised with the builders as well as myself.  As an outcome, I received a completion document from the company.  I was amazed from start to finish with how efficient, precise and organised the structural engineer was especially his communication between myself and builder.  I would highly recommend IKT and will use again myself if needed. Thank you IKT Consulting!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Catherine Jeynes 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I asked Daniel to assess the structural safety of a previous internal wall removal after cracks appeared in the wall on the floor above it. Before he came he gave clear advice about what areas needed to be exposed in order to be able to carry out his assessment and while he was carrying out his assessment he even gave me some advice about other structural issues around my home. He was friendly and professional throughout and I was really struck by how much he cared about the safety of the homes of those he visits. He prepared the report very quickly after the assessment (even though it was over the Christmas holidays) and when I had follow up questions he gave prompt and clear responses. I have been so impressed with his work ethic and his knowledge and intend to ask him back to sign off the work once it has been completed.