How a Structural Survey can provide peace of mind for homeowners
Structural Surveys are part of the RICS framework. A chartered surveyor inspects a home for common problems but looks specifically at any potential structural issues.
The customer then receives a standardised report detailing any uncovered problems and what they should do to fix them. In many cases, it also includes repair cost estimates.
A Structural Survey can be of enormous benefit to a homeowner. This page explains how to make the most of one.
Who can instruct a Structural Survey?
A Structural Survey is the most detailed RICS home survey you can get. It involves a chartered surveyor inspecting your property (or one you’re thinking of buying), looking for common problems and paying particularly close attention to the structural integrity.
It’s also known as a Home Survey Level 3, and provides an in-depth focus on the structural elements (foundations, walls, roof, supporting beams, etc) of the property in question.
Most people think of home surveys as being carried out by homebuyers. In the majority of cases, they are.
However, they could also be instructed by anyone with a stake in a building, such as landlords, sellers, commercial businesses, or homeowners.
This article is specifically about homeowners, so that’s what we’ll discuss here.
A homeowner may want to instruct a Structural Survey if they find evidence of structural issues. Here are some of the most obvious you might notice:
- Cracks in plasterboard (greater than an inch)
- Cracks in brickwork (greater than an inch)
- Windows or doors sticking or refusing to open or close
- An unnoticed or not-yet-investigated modification different from the plans
- Clearly affected roof trusses (woodworm or rot)
- Rotting floorboards
- Long-term leaking pipe
There’s usually no need to instruct a Structural Survey if you haven’t found any evidence of issues. But there’s nothing to stop you if you want to as part of your home maintenance.
What to do if your Structural Survey finds problems
If the Structural Survey highlights risks with your home, it’s time to decide what to do next.
First of all, you should know that you aren’t under any legal obligation to do anything. However, it makes sense to remedy the situation as soon as possible. The surveyor can’t be held liable if they recommend immediate action and you delay for a few months or years.
You’ll notice risk levels in your report. These will highlight how much of an immediate danger any discovered issues are. The higher the risk, the quicker you must act.
Your survey might come with repair cost estimates. This is a valuable place to start, as you’ll know whether contractors offer a reasonable rate.
The cost of fixing the issue may vary drastically depending on the problem, the severity, and how much of the building is affected. Thankfully, your home insurance should cover the bulk of the fees, although certain issues like subsidence usually come with significant excesses.
What to do if your Structural Survey comes back clean
If your Structural Survey comes back with no notable issues, great. You’ll get two significant benefits from the report: peace of mind and leverage with your home insurance.
This peace of mind is something many homeowners could only dream about. It’s a professional, unbiased insight into your home’s expected durability, long-term value, and safety.
You’ll also receive some potential financial benefits, particularly with your home insurance. Taking your report to your current provider should give you plenty of leeway to negotiate a lower rate or better rewards.
The insurance company might reject your advances, so go elsewhere and sign a new contract. Most people can find a better rate with a clean Structural Survey.
As a secondary benefit, this is pretty great.
Ask GB Home Surveys for a Structural Survey of your home
As you can see, whether your Structural Survey finds faults or not, they’re well worth getting for your home. If you’re unsure whether you need one, please don’t hesitate to chat with one of our team members. We’ll never sell you anything you don’t need.
We’re incredibly proud to be set up in local offices. All our employed chartered surveyors report to our head office in Three Counties (where we also offer our services). Our regional RICS-registered surveyors work in Cornwall, Devon, Taunton, Bristol, Bath, the Cotswolds, South Wales and Birmingham, too.
Check out our obligation-free, contact-detail-less Structural Survey Quote Calculator. If you’re ready to chat with us or instruct your survey, call us at 03333 600 685 or send us a message through the form below.
We can’t wait to hear from you and see what we can do to help.
