What This Requirement Covers
A structural survey assesses the condition and adequacy of a building's structure. It may be required before purchasing a property, before carrying out alterations, when defects are identified, or as part of a building safety assessment.
Key Requirements
Types of Survey
- RICS Level 3 Building Survey (formerly Full Structural Survey): The most comprehensive survey, suitable for older, larger, or non-standard properties. Includes a detailed inspection of the structure, fabric, and services.
- Specific Structural Assessment: A focused investigation of a particular structural issue (e.g., cracking, subsidence, movement). Carried out by a structural engineer.
- Structural Condition Report: An overview of the structural condition, typically for insurance or mortgage purposes.
What a Structural Survey Covers
- Foundation type and condition (where visible or inferable)
- Wall construction, condition, and any signs of movement or cracking
- Floor structure and condition
- Roof structure, covering, and condition
- Signs of subsidence, settlement, or heave
- Signs of dampness, timber decay, or structural timber defects
- Adequacy of the structure for the current or proposed use
When a Structural Survey Is Needed
- Before purchasing an older or non-standard property
- When visible cracking, movement, or distortion is observed
- Before carrying out significant alterations or extensions
- When a change of use is proposed (to assess whether the structure can support the new loads)
- As part of the building safety case for higher-risk buildings
Practical Compliance Tips
- For property purchases, a Level 3 survey provides the most information but costs more than a Level 2; consider the building's age and condition
- If the surveyor identifies structural concerns, commission a specialist structural engineer's assessment
- Do not ignore cracking in walls; while many cracks are cosmetic, some indicate structural movement that requires investigation
- Keep the structural survey report with the property records for future reference
- A structural survey is different from a valuation; the valuer may not identify structural issues
- For older buildings, consider specialist surveys for specific issues (e.g., timber decay, subsidence monitoring)