Structural Inspection in Wales

A structural inspection is commonly only performed when a structural defect or issue is recognised or suspected. Generally as part of the process of a Home Buyer’s Survey if any structural problems are suspected they will be noted for additional investigation by an expert structural engineer, who’ll be able to recognise the specific problem and advise on the possible techniques to rectify. If there is a larger suspected problem or the building’s background 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, along with inspections of the surrounding site and any potential impacts it might have, such as drainage issues or any trees near the foundations of the building.

Structural surveys can also be carried out on an ad hoc basis on existing homes if you suspect any sort of structural defect, such as cracking in walls, sagging of ceilings or roofs, or subsistence around the foundations of the building. When searching for a structural engineer, look for Chartered Surveyors who’ll be members of either the Institution of Structural Engineers or the Institution of Civil Engineers.