What is a structural inspection?

A structural inspection is a visual assessment carried out by a structural engineer to investigate concerns relating to the stability or structural condition of a building.

Unlike a general Building Survey, our inspection focuses specifically on the structure — how the building is behaving, the likely cause of any defects and whether further investigation, monitoring or remedial work is required.

We offer three types of structural inspection depending on the reason for the assessment:

• Specific Structural Inspection (SSI) — a focused inspection of a particular structural concern, such as cracking, movement, a bowing wall or sagging floor. This is often requested following a Building Survey where a specific issue has been identified.
• General Structural Inspection (GSI) — a broader assessment where there are several structural concerns or where the overall structural condition of the property needs to be considered.
• Mortgage Structural Inspection (MSI) — an inspection carried out where a mortgage lender or valuer has identified a potential structural concern and requires a structural engineer's report before proceeding.

If you are unsure which inspection you require, send us a copy of your Building Survey, mortgage valuation or details of your concerns and we can advise on the most appropriate inspection.

When might I need a structural engineer?

You may need a structural engineer if you are concerned about the structural condition of a property, if a surveyor or mortgage lender has requested further investigation, or if you are planning alterations that affect the building's structure.

Common reasons include cracking, suspected subsidence or movement, bowing walls, sagging floors or roofs, structural defects discovered during building work, or a RICS survey recommending further investigation.

You may also need a structural engineer when removing a load-bearing wall, creating a new opening, carrying out a loft conversion or extension, or making other structural alterations.

For building works, we assess the existing structure and provide the necessary structural calculations, drawings and details. These are submitted to Building Control as part of the Building Regulations process. Building Control reviews the design and carries out inspections during construction.

Once the works are complete and Building Control is satisfied that the relevant requirements have been met, they can issue a Building Regulations Completion Certificate. This is an important document and is often requested when the property is later sold.

Should I be worried about cracks in my house?

Not necessarily. Cracking can occur for many reasons, including normal settlement, thermal and moisture movement, historic alterations and changes in materials. Some cracking can, however, indicate more significant structural movement.

The location, pattern, width and history of the cracking are all important when assessing its significance. A structural inspection can help establish the likely cause and whether any action is required.

What will you inspect?

This depends on the type of inspection commissioned and the particular concerns with the property.

We may consider walls, floors, openings and lintels, visible structural elements, cracking and distortion, previous structural alterations and external factors that could be contributing to movement.

Where foundations or other structural elements are concealed, we assess the visible evidence and may recommend further investigation if necessary.

Can you investigate suspected subsidence?

Yes. We can inspect cracking and movement to assess whether the visible evidence is consistent with foundation movement or another structural cause.

Where appropriate, we may recommend monitoring or further investigation such as trial pits, drainage surveys, arboricultural advice or ground investigations before reaching more definitive conclusions.

What happens after the inspection?

Where a written report is included, we will set out the areas inspected, our observations, the likely cause of any significant defects and our recommendations.

Depending on what we find, this may range from no structural action being required through to monitoring, further investigation, localised repairs or structural strengthening.

Where structural works are required, Jack Olivia can also provide the calculations and drawings necessary to take the project forward.

What happens if your inspection identifies significant structural movement?

If our inspection identifies significant structural movement, we will explain the nature and extent of the issue within our report. This will include a clear explanation of the structural defects identified and their likely cause, an assessment of whether the movement appears historic, ongoing or requires further investigation, recommendations for any further investigations, monitoring or remedial works considered necessary, guidance on the appropriate next steps, and a written structural report setting out our observations, conclusions and recommendations.

Our aim is to provide you with a clear understanding of the property's structural condition so that you can make an informed decision before proceeding with the purchase. Depending on our findings, this may allow you to obtain further quotations, discuss the issue with your lender or renegotiate with the seller.

What is the difference between a building survey and a structural inspection?

An RICS building survey considers the overall condition of a property and may cover roofing, damp, drainage, services, finishes and other aspects of the building.

A structural inspection by a structural engineer is more specialist and concentrates on the load bearing structure and structural behaviour of the building.

It is common for a building surveyor to identify something potentially structural and recommend that a structural engineer investigates it in greater detail.

Do you carry out intrusive investigations?

Our standard structural inspections are visual and non-intrusive.

If an important structural element is concealed and cannot be adequately assessed, we may recommend opening up works or another form of investigation. This would normally be discussed with you before any intrusive work takes place.

Can you inspect problems discovered during building work?

Yes. Unexpected conditions are common when existing buildings are opened up.

We can attend site to inspect exposed structures or unexpected defects and advise the homeowner, architect or contractor on an appropriate way forward. Where necessary, we can subsequently provide structural calculations or details for remedial works.

Can you provide advice on the likely repairs and next steps?

Yes. Where appropriate, our report will explain the likely cause and significance of the structural issue and provide recommendations for the next steps.

Depending on what we find, this may include monitoring, repairs, further investigation or additional structural design work. Where further specialist investigation is required before a firm conclusion can be reached, this will be clearly identified in the report.

If I want to remove a wall in my house, what is the step-by-step process?

The first step is to arrange for a structural engineer to inspect the property and establish whether the wall is load-bearing.

1. Structural engineer inspection
We will visit the property, inspect the wall and consider what it is supporting above.

If the wall is confirmed as non-load-bearing, structural calculations are normally not required. We can provide written confirmation of our findings, after which the wall can usually be removed, subject to any other Building Regulations requirements that may apply.

If the wall is load-bearing, it will need to be properly supported before it is removed.

2. Structural design
We will design the replacement structure, typically a steel beam, and provide the structural calculations together with a General Arrangement drawing showing the proposed beam, bearings and any other structural requirements.

3. Appoint Building Control
You will then need to appoint Building Control. This can either be your local authority Building Control department or a private Registered Building Control Approver. For projects in our local area, we regularly recommend Total Building Control, although the choice remains entirely with the client.

Private building control providers carrying out this work in England must now be registered with the Building Safety Regulator.

Your structural calculations and drawings are submitted to Building Control for review before the structural work proceeds.

4. Building Control review
Building Control will review the proposed works and may raise questions or request further information. Once the design information is satisfactory, they will advise on the next steps and the inspections required during construction.

We generally recommend allowing Building Control to review the structural design before ordering steelwork or removing the existing wall.

5. Construction and site inspections
Your builder can then carry out the works in accordance with our structural drawings and calculations. Temporary support will normally be required before the load-bearing wall is removed.

Building Control must be notified at the required stages so that their inspector can attend site and inspect the work before important structural elements are covered over.

If the builder discovers anything unexpected, or the existing structure differs from what was assumed, they should contact us before continuing so that we can advise on any necessary changes.

6. Completion Certificate
Once the work is complete and Building Control is satisfied that the relevant Building Regulations requirements have been met, they can issue their Completion or Final Certificate.

This is an important document to retain with the property records and is commonly requested by solicitors when the property is later sold. Building Regulations approval is separate from structural engineering design, so the certificate is issued by Building Control rather than by Jack Olivia.

Principal Designer and Principal Contractor
Building Regulations also place formal duties on the client, designers and contractors.

Where a project involves more than one designer or contractor, the appropriate Principal Designer and Principal Contractor roles need to be established. Jack Olivia is appointed to provide structural engineering services only and does not accept the role of Principal Designer unless this has been expressly agreed in writing as part of our appointment.

For a typical domestic wall removal, the homeowner and builder should therefore make sure these dutyholder responsibilities are properly addressed before work starts.

Can you inspect a property before I buy it?

Yes. We can assist buyers where a building survey or mortgage valuation has identified a structural concern that requires further investigation.

A structural inspection can help you understand the significance of the issue before committing to the purchase and, where possible, what remedial work may be required.

Do I need a structural inspection if my RICS survey has recommended one?

If your RICS survey identifies cracking, movement or another potential structural issue, the surveyor may recommend further investigation by a structural engineer.

A structural inspection focuses specifically on the area of concern, helping to establish the likely cause, whether the issue appears historic or ongoing, and whether any repairs or further investigation are recommended.

Will your structural report be suitable for my mortgage lender?

We regularly provide structural inspection reports where a mortgage valuation or building survey has requested further investigation by a structural engineer.

Where the report is required for lending purposes, please send us the lender or surveyor's requirements before the inspection so we can make sure these are addressed. The final lending decision always remains with the mortgage provider.

Will the lender reject my mortgage if your inspection determines the property has subsidence?

Not necessarily. The effect on your mortgage application will depend on the nature and severity of the movement, the recommended remedial works and your individual lender's requirements — including the severity of the movement, any proposed repairs or investigations, the availability of buildings insurance and each lender's own lending criteria.

We cannot guarantee whether a lender will approve a mortgage following our inspection, as the final lending decision remains with the mortgage provider. Our role is to provide an independent structural assessment and clear recommendations to help you and your lender understand the condition of the property.

Can you arrange access through the estate agent?

Yes. If you are purchasing a property, we can liaise directly with the estate agent to arrange access for the structural inspection.

Simply provide us with the agent's contact details when you instruct us.

How quickly can you carry out a structural inspection?

We understand that structural concerns can hold up a property purchase, mortgage application or building project, so we aim to arrange inspections as quickly as possible.

Send us the property address, details of the issue and any relevant survey or lender documentation, and we will confirm our earliest availability.

How long will it take to receive my report?

We aim to provide reports promptly following the inspection. The exact turnaround will depend on the nature and complexity of the issue, and we will confirm the expected timescale when you instruct us.

If you are working to a mortgage, exchange or other deadline, please let us know when you contact us.

How much does a structural inspection cost?

The cost depends on the property, location and nature of the structural issue being investigated.

Send us the property address, a brief description of the concern and, where available, photographs or the relevant section of your building survey or mortgage valuation. We can then provide a clear quotation before you instruct us.

Do I need to be at the property during the inspection?

No. Provided we can obtain suitable access to the property and the areas requiring inspection, you do not normally need to attend.

For property purchases, access can often be arranged directly with the estate agent.

What information should I send you before the inspection?

Please send us the property address, your contact details and a brief description of the structural concern.

If you have a RICS building survey, mortgage valuation, photographs, drawings or correspondence identifying the issue, please send these as well. This allows us to understand the concern before attending and focus the inspection accordingly.

Do you provide structural inspections across London and the South East?

Yes. Jack Olivia Structural Engineers provides structural inspections for homeowners, property buyers and professionals across London and the South East.

If you send us the property postcode, we can confirm availability and provide a quotation.