A structural survey is one of the most valuable assessments you can carry out on a residential or commercial building. Whether you’re planning an extension, purchasing a property, or investigating visible structural issues, a detailed structural survey can prevent costly mistakes and ensure the long-term safety of your structure.
In this guide, we explain what a structural survey involves, when you need one, the engineering principles behind it, and how a qualified structural engineer provides essential insight into the integrity of a building.
What Is a Structural Survey?
A structural survey is a comprehensive inspection carried out by a structural engineer. It examines all load-bearing elements of a property to determine its stability, strength and compliance with UK Building Regulations.
Unlike a general homebuyer survey (completed by a surveyor), a structural survey focuses specifically on:
- The behaviour and performance of structural elements
- How loads are transferred through the building (load paths)
- Material condition and long-term durability
- Whether modifications affect stability
- Existing or potential risks of collapse
The engineer evaluates whether the building can safely support its current and future loads, including any proposed changes such as removing walls, adding beams, building extensions or converting loft spaces.
Why Structural Surveys Are Important
A structural survey provides engineering insights that typical surveys cannot. These include:
1. Identifying Structural Weaknesses Early
Engineers can spot signs of:
- Subsidence
- Heave
- Rotting timbers
- Foundation settlement
- Overstressed beams
- Deflected joists
- Unsupported masonry
Early detection prevents further damage and significantly reduces repair costs.
2. Ensuring Modifications Are Safe
Before removing walls, inserting steel beams, or adding load to upper floors, an engineer must confirm:
- The structure can redistribute loads safely
- The new beam sizes meet required load-bearing capacities
- Masonry and supports can handle the changes
- There’s adequate load transfer to the foundation
Failure to do this is a leading cause of structural failures in home renovations.
3. Complying With UK Building Regulations (Part A)
Structural surveys ensure your proposed works meet:
- Structural safety requirements
- Disproportionate collapse rules
- Bearing and deflection limits
- Material performance standards
Without an engineer’s report and calculations, Building Control will reject structural works.
When You Should Get a Structural Survey
Structural surveys are essential for:
Property Purchases
Older homes, renovated properties, and those with visible defects should always be inspected by an engineer—not just a RICS surveyor.
Extensions / Loft Conversions / Renovations
Any modification that affects structural integrity requires engineering approval.
Visible Signs of Distress
If you notice:
- Cracks in masonry
- Sagging floors
- Bowing walls
- Rotting timber
- Doors or windows sticking
- Movement around openings
…you need an engineer immediately.
Structural Damage or Accidents
Flooding, fire, vehicle impact and subsidence all weaken structural elements.
What’s Included in a Structural Survey?
A professional structural survey typically includes:
1. Structural Assessment of Load-Bearing Elements
The engineer inspects:
- Beams, lintels, joists
- Walls (internal & external)
- Roof trusses and rafters
- Floor structure
- Foundations
- Columns and piers
- Chimneys
- Load-bearing masonry
They examine how loads travel through the building and whether any part of the load path is compromised.
2. Material Condition & Stability Review
Engineers evaluate:
- Timber rot or insect attack
- Concrete degradation (spalling, carbonation)
- Corroded steelwork
- Masonry cracking or displacement
- Moisture issues affecting structural elements
3. Identification of Structural Defects
Common issues include:
- Undersized beams
- Missing padstones
- Unsupported chimney breasts
- Wall tie failure
- Foundation settlement
- Differential movement
- Inadequate bearing lengths
4. Engineering Calculations (if required)
Often included as part of the survey:
- Beam sizing
- Load assessments
- Deflection checks
- Stability evaluations
These are essential for Building Control approval.
How Nicholson Associates UK Helps
With over 30 years of engineering experience, we provide:
- Comprehensive structural surveys
- Detailed engineering reports
- Structural calculations
- Repair recommendations
- Support for Building Control submissions
- Guidance for homeowners and developers
- Professional advice to ensure projects are safe and compliant
Need a structural survey for your project? Speak with our engineers today for professional guidance and peace of mind.