A Structural Survey is an inspection designed to assess the integrity of a property’s structure, including its foundations, walls, and floors. Whether you're planning major renovations or a previous survey has raised concerns, it helps identify any issues that could impact the property's safety or value.
Although the two are often confused, a Structural Survey is not the same as a Building Survey (now known as a Level 3 Home Survey and formerly called a Full Structural Survey).
Building Surveys offer an overview of a property’s general condition, while Structural Surveys provide detailed information specifically on a property’s structural integrity.
In this guide, we discuss the differences between Structural and Building Surveys, so you know which is right for you. We’ll also detail what’s included in a Structural Survey and when you may need one.
What's Included in a Structural Survey?
Though the exact contents of the report vary depending on the specific issue being investigated, here's what a typical Structural Survey includes:
- Inspection of the area(s) of concern (e.g. walls, foundations, floors, roofs, or chimney breasts)
- Invasive assessments (meaning they could cause cosmetic damage) if necessary, such as:
- Drilling holes to inspect wall structures
- Lifting floorboard to examine flooring supports
- Technical drawings for larger projects, such as renovations, which building contractors can use when taking over
- Comprehensive written report, covering:
- Detailed findings of the above inspections
- Assessment of the severity and cause of issues
- Recommended actions of repairs needed to resolve the issue
The report is designed to help you understand the risks and plan any necessary next steps you feel are necessary.
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Common Issues Found During a Structural Survey
Due to the invasive nature of a Structural Survey, your engineer may find other issues that were previously not identified. They’ll include all findings in their report and advise on the best course of action, depending on your circumstances.
The most common problems found include:
Asbestos
Damp and ventilation issues
Drainage faults
Japanese knotweed
Roof structure
Structural movement
What If the Engineer Can’t Fully Assess an Issue?
In some cases, the engineer may not be able to assess a structural issue during the initial inspection. If so, they'll recommend a Specific Defect Report, which is an even more granular inspection focused on a single area of concern.
For example, if you're planning an extension and the initial survey reveals a crack in a load-bearing wall, a Specific Defect Report may be needed to investigate the issue in more detail before any work can proceed.
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How Much Do Structural Surveys Cost?
| Service | Average Cost* |
|---|---|
| Structural Survey (Small Property) | £270 - £460 |
| Structural Survey (Large Property) | £1,500 - £3,000 |
| Specific Defect Report | £425 - £1,042 |
| Engineer Hourly Rate | £74 - £168 |
Structural engineers consider a range of factors when providing a quote. Make sure they provide a full breakdown, including whether the cost includes VAT or not.
These factors impact your Structural Survey cost:
Location of property
Complexity of the project
Whether you need planning permission
Size and type of property
Do I Need a Building or Structural Survey?
Structural and Building Surveys (previously known as a Full Structural Survey) are often used interchangeably, but the one you need depends on your specific circumstances.
Choose a Building Survey if:
- You're buying a property and want a comprehensive overview of its general condition.
- You want to understand potential repair or maintenance issues before committing to a purchase.
- You need an assessment of the structure, systems, and fittings (including water, electricity, and heating).
Building Surveys (Level 3 Home Surveys) are carried out by a property surveyor and are typically only used as part of the homebuying process.
Choose a Structural Survey if:
- You're planning major work, like an extension, renovation, or installing solar panels. A Structural Survey will determine whether this level of work is doable in the property.
- Your surveyor has recommended one due to suspected structural issues that they're unable to examine further.
- You’re dealing with a dispute, such as cracks in a shared wall with a neighbour, and need an unbiased view.
A Structural Survey is more focused and technical. It’s usually carried out by a structural engineer and only looks at specific areas of concern rather than the whole property. Also, if you're buying the property, be aware that you'll need permission from the current owner before any invasive investigation can be carried out.
Still Not Sure Which Survey You Need?
If you're still unsure, we recommend starting with a Building Survey. In the relatively rare cases where any major structural issues are identified, the surveyor will recommend a Structural Survey.
How to Find a Surveyor or Engineer
When choosing your structural engineer, confirm that they are members of the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) or the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). This ensures they work to the highest industry standard.
If you require a Level 3 Home Survey, Compare My Move can connect you with up to 6 surveyors and save you up to 70% on your house survey cost. Simply fill in our surveying comparison form to get connected today and find the right company for you.
All our surveying partners have passed our strict verification process. Firms offering Home Surveys must be registered by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
