Worried About a Crack or Structural Problem? Get a Clear Answer

You're probably here because something has gone wrong or become uncertain: a surveyor has flagged movement, a lender wants more evidence, or a crack suddenly looks more serious than it did before.

In those situations, you usually do not need a full whole-house inspection. You need a structural engineer to look at the specific issue, tell you what it means, and give you a written report you can actually use.

Often the biggest relief is simply knowing what you're dealing with — and that someone qualified has looked at it properly.

Unlike a standard RICS survey, which often flags symptoms and recommends “further investigation”, this report is designed to answer the next question: is this structural, how serious is it and what should happen next?Your report is prepared for sharing with lenders, solicitors and insurers where relevant to your property or transaction.

An SSI is usually right 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 written report rather than informal visual reassurance.

If several concerns are listed or you want the main structural elements considered together, a General Structural Inspection may be more suitable.

Common situations where this report is the right choice

Real examples of the kinds of issues we inspect

These are the kinds of real homeowner concerns that often lead to a single-issue structural report: visible cracking, movement around openings and issues a surveyor has flagged for further investigation.

What you get

• Site visit by a Structural Engineer with 5+ years' experience
• Honest verbal guidance during the visit — we'll tell you what we think on the day
• Clear written report with findings and recommendations
• Photos included to illustrate key concerns
• A clear assessment of whether the issue appears cosmetic, structural, or requires further investigation
• Guidance on whether insurance reporting is likely to be required
• Practical next steps — including whether you actually need to do anything at all
• Report prepared for sharing with mortgage lenders, solicitors and insurers where relevant

If you'd rather talk it through first, call us on 0116 218 2917 — we'll tell you honestly whether you need a report or not.

How we look at cracks and movement

Crack width is useful evidence, but it is not a diagnosis. The pattern, position, timing and related changes elsewhere in the property can matter more than width alone. Diagonal or stepped cracking, cracks that are worsening or repeatedly reopen, and cracking accompanied by distortion or sticking openings can justify investigation.

Read our guides to when house cracks should be inspected, signs of structural movement, trees and dry-weather movement, drainage-related movement and what happens when a surveyor or lender requests a report.

Common issues we inspect

• Cracks in brickwork, plaster, or render
• Settlement or suspected subsidence
• Chimney movement or leaning
• Roof spread or beam deflection
• Movement around window or door openings
• Bowing or leaning walls
• Structural problems flagged by surveyors or lenders
• Impact of nearby trees or drains

Who this is for

• Homebuyers needing an engineer's opinion after a survey
• Homeowners concerned about new or worsening cracks
• Sellers preparing for sale and wanting to address concerns in advance
• Landlords and property managers
• Builders before alterations begin