What happens during a structural survey?

Cracks in the walls, doors that have started sticking, a roof that sags. It's easy to assume the worst, especially when you're buying and the surveyor has flagged something. A structural survey tells you what's actually going on.

When people call us

Usually it's because a homebuyer's survey or a mortgage lender has raised a concern about movement. Other times it's new cracks appearing, floors that have gone out of level, or a wall or chimney breast that was taken out years ago without anyone checking it.

The visit

One of our engineers comes out and looks at the problem. That might be a single crack or the whole house, depending on what you need. We look at the pattern of the cracking, check levels, look at the roof, and note nearby trees and drains, which are often part of the story.

The report

Afterwards you get a written report. It explains what we found, what's likely to have caused it, and whether the movement is old and finished or still going on. Then it says what we recommend. That can be anything from "leave it and redecorate" to crack stitching, a new lintel or, less often, underpinning.

It's written so that you, your solicitor, lender or insurer can all follow it.

If repairs are needed

We can do the calculations and drawings for the repair, so your builder can get on with it and building control can sign it off.

We carry out surveys across Colchester, Ipswich, Essex, Suffolk, London and Kent. Get in touch to book a visit.