What Does a Structural Engineer Look for in a House?

What Is Involved in a Structural Inspection?

A structural engineer conducts a visual inspection of a property to assess the stability of its weight-bearing components — foundations, frame, beams, posts, and trusses.

The engineer looks for obvious cracks in foundations and walls. Multiple diagonal cracks can signal a structural problem. Although hairline cracks are common, larger cracks can indicate shifting in the foundations.

Key Areas of Inspection

A typical structural inspection covers:

• Foundations and walls — looking for cracks, movement, and signs of subsidence
• Timbers — roof and floor timbers should be free from mould and rot, which can occur from leaking roofs, burst pipes, or poor drainage
• Roof and chimney — sagging roof lines can be expensive to resolve
• Drainage — poor drainage can indicate or cause structural issues
• Doors and windows — ones that don't open properly can be early indicators of structural movement

Do I Need a Structural Engineering Survey?

A structural survey is typically commissioned when there are queries about a property's stability. Common scenarios include:

• Before a major renovation or extension — to understand load-bearing walls and structural constraints
• Before a property purchase — if a general building surveyor has noted potential structural issues
• After a surveyor's red flag — when a mortgage lender requires a definitive structural assessment

The report provides prospective homeowners with the knowledge to proceed with confidence, negotiate a lower price, or walk away from a purchase.

Need professional help with this?

Specific Structural Inspection (SSI) — fixed price from £480, including site visit and Building Control-ready documentation.