Structural Inspection in Hertford

A structural inspection is commonly only undertaken when a structural defect or issue is recognised or suspected. Often as part of the process of a Home Buyer’s Survey if any structural problems are suspected they’ll be documented for further investigation by a professional structural engineer, who’ll be able to determine the specific problem and recommend the likely approaches to correct. If there is a more substantial suspected issue or the building’s history is especially poor, a general structural inspection may be carried out which will require an assessment of the entire structure and all load-bearing elements of the building, alongside inspections of the surrounding site and any possible influences it might have, such as drainage issues or any trees near to the foundations of the house.

Structural surveys can also be undertaken on an ad hoc basis on existing buildings if you suspect any sort of structural defect, for example cracking in walls, sagging of ceilings or roofs, or subsistence around the foundations of the building. When looking for a structural engineer, look for Chartered Surveyors who will be members of either the Institution of Structural Engineers or the Institution of Civil Engineers.