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.