Specific or General Structural Inspection: Which Report Do You Need?

Compare SSI and GSI scope, fixed prices and the situations each structural inspection is designed to address.

✓ Every report and calculation pack is reviewed and signed off by a Chartered Engineer (CEng MICE)✓ Reports prepared for sharing with lenders, solicitors and insurers where relevant✓ 173+ five-star reviews on Google & Trustindex

Choose a Specific Structural Inspection (SSI) when you need one defined concern investigated, such as a crack, bowing wall or issue identified in a survey. Choose a General Structural Inspection (GSI) when several concerns need to be considered or you want a broader inspection of the property's main visible structural elements.

Send us the survey wording if you are unsure. We will recommend the narrower service where it properly answers the question; a larger inspection is not automatically better.

Tell us what needs inspecting

SSI and GSI compared

	SSI	GSI
Best for	One defined structural concern	Several concerns or a broader structural view
Examples	One crack, wall, roof area, beam or survey item	Pre-purchase concerns affecting different parts of the property
Starting price	£480 including VAT	£585 including VAT
Includes	Agreed inspection and focused written report	Main visible structural elements and written report

Choose an SSI when

One crack, wall, roof area, beam or other defined concern needs investigating.
A surveyor has referred one issue for a structural engineer's opinion.
A lender, solicitor or insurer has asked a specific structural question.
You need a focused written report rather than a whole-property overview.

Choose a GSI when

A survey identifies several structural concerns.
You are buying and want the main visible structural elements considered together.
Movement or defects appear in different parts of the property.
One narrowly focused report would not answer the overall question.

How is this different from a RICS survey?

A RICS survey considers the wider condition of a property and may cover matters outside structural engineering. An SSI or GSI addresses an agreed structural scope. A GSI is therefore not a replacement for advice on services, damp, finishes or every non-structural defect.

Need professional help with this?

SSI or GSI recommendation — fixed price from £480, including the agreed site inspection and written report.

Tell us what needs inspecting

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an SSI enough when my survey identifies one crack?

Usually, provided the requested scope is limited to that concern. Send us the exact wording so we can confirm before you book.

Should I book a GSI before buying a property?

A GSI can be useful when you want the main visible structural elements considered together or several concerns have been raised. It is not a replacement for advice on every aspect of property condition.

Who carries out and signs off the work?

The inspection and technical work are undertaken by a Structural Engineer with 5+ years' experience. Every report is reviewed before it is issued.

Get Your Instant Quote

Enter your postcode to check coverage and see pricing