If you are a homebuyer and a structural problem/concern has been highlighted by your mortgage provider's valuation or your surveyor's report you need a report by a Chartered Engineer. If you are a homeowner and you have a structural problem/concern, you need advice and a report by a Chartered Engineer.
For one or two structural problems or concerns a Specific Structural Inspection (SSI) is normally undertaken. If there are several structural problems/concerns, or if you want the whole properly checked over, then a General Structural Inspection (GSI) is appropriate.
Structural reports are usually carried out by a Chartered Engineer (CEng) who may be a member/fellow of the Institution of Structural Engineers (MIStructE / FIStructE), or the Institution of Civil Engineers (MICE / FICE).
With structural reports it is essential to understand what is being inspected and reported on, and what is not included. The two main types of structural reports are described below:
SPECIFIC STRUCTURAL INSPECTION (SSI)
A Specific Structural Inspection is a visual inspection of a particular structural problem or concern, and would include any related matters. It should be noted that parts of the property not related to the specific problem may not be inspected. However, if the Engineer were to identify any other structural problems or concerns during the course of the inspection, these might also be noted in the report.
The report includes details of what was inspected and found. It will state whether or not there is a problem and if so, what needs to be done to rectify the problem or what further investigations may be necessary. Where repairs/remedial works, or further investigations are recommended, the report will give budget costs for these, if requested.
GENERAL STRUCTURAL INSPECTION (GSI)
This is similar to a Specific Structural Inspection, except that the Engineer will inspect and report on the structural condition and adequacy of all the readily accessible load-bearing elements of the property (not just a particular problem area). The inspection will include the roof structure, floors, walls, lintels, and beams. It will also include the surrounding site in case there are any factors which could indicate a risk to the foundations.
The report will detail the structural condition and adequacy of all the load bearing elements inspected. It will identify any structural problems or concerns and will recommend what needs to be done to rectify the problem or what further investigations may be necessary. Where repairs/remedial works, or further investigations are recommended, the report will give budget costs for these, if requested.