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Structural survey

Structural survey for one worrying crack. An engineer’s answer, not a guess.

A structural survey looks at one problem in depth: a crack, a bulge, a sloping floor. An engineer works out the cause, whether it is still moving and what fixing it involves.

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  • A chartered structural engineer
  • Cause, movement and the fix
  • Written for your buyer’s negotiation
An engineer Homie holding a long red spirit level against a cracked garden wall beside an older house
  • 35%of pre-1919 homes get a serious rating on the main walls
  • 4%of homes built since 2000 do
  • Oneproblem, investigated properly
  • Engineernot a general surveyor
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The short answer

Structural survey, in 30 seconds

When you need one
When a survey flags a crack or movement, or you can see one yourself, and you need to know if it matters.
What it answers
The cause, whether it is still moving, and the repair, with a rough sense of the cost.
How it differs
A Level 3 survey covers the whole home; a structural survey goes deep on one defect.
Before you buy
Use it to renegotiate, or to walk away with your eyes open.

From our panel’s reports

Where older homes show their age

How often our surveyors rated each part of the structure 3, serious or urgent, on homes built before 1919, against homes built since 2000.

  • Main walls4% on homes built since 2000 35%
  • Floors6% on homes built since 2000 23%
  • Ceilings4% on homes built since 2000 17%

Share of our panel’s reports that rated it 3, serious or urgent, on homes built before 1919.

How it works

How it works

  1. 1

    Describe the problem

    Photos and where the crack or movement is.

  2. 2

    The engineer visits

    They inspect, measure and look for the cause.

  3. 3

    Get the report

    Cause, movement and repair, in plain words.

FAQ

Structural survey: your questions

What is a structural survey?

A structural engineer’s inspection of a specific problem, such as a crack, bowing wall or sloping floor, to find the cause and the fix.

Is it the same as a Level 3 survey?

No. A Level 3 covers the whole home’s condition. A structural survey goes deep on one structural issue, often one a Level 3 flagged.

Are all cracks a problem?

No. Many are old settlement or plaster shrinkage. The engineer’s job is to tell the harmless from the ones still moving.

Should I get one before I buy?

If a survey flags movement, yes. The report gives you the cost of the fix to negotiate with.

How long does it take?

The visit is usually an hour or two, and the report follows within a few working days.

Near you

Structural survey near you.

Local Structural survey pages for every big town and city we cover.

Every area

Also from our surveyors

Other surveys and valuations

Ready when you are.

Structural survey, booked online and tracked in your Homemove dashboard.

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