Clients occasionally ask how we undertake our inspections. As Chartered Structural Engineers, our expertise is in structural engineering, enabling us to identify building defects in UK’s common construction materials and foundations by utilising our specialised knowledge. The key aspects are summarized below.
1. Client instructions: Obtain comprehensive instructions from the client, addressing both their technical concerns and personal circumstances, such as property purchase/sale or re-insurance needs. Determine whether the report is required for mortgage purposes or personal reassurance. Concerns may range from localised issues, like a crack in a bay window, to broader signs of movement and subsidence or lack of Building Regulations approval for extensions and conversions.
2. Pre-site research: Assess the property’s location and access arrangements, identify any health and safety issues, and review geology maps to understand soil types and underground watercourses.
3. Geology analysis and maps: Geology maps are crucial as foundations and soil are not visible. The soil type can indicate specific subsidence crack patterns, alongside factors like trees and drainage. Maps reveal watercourses, which may be significant.
4. Review of maps and photographs: Utilise Google Maps and historical photographs to gauge property type and history of defects, including cracks, drains and tree locations. Differentiating between clay and gravel sites is essential in predicting building behaviour.
5. Meeting with agent/owner: Meet with the agent or property owner/occupant to discuss the inspection’s scope, access needs, and duration. Gather historical insights on ownership, decoration age, and prior repairs.
6. Property familiarisation: Conduct a general walkthrough to understand the property’s type, layout, condition, topography, and tree/drain locations.
7. Detailed survey: Perform a visual inspection assisted by binoculars where necessary. Use a spirit level to assess the vertical and horizontal alignment of brickwork, doors, and windows. Examine the property’s external and internal structures for signs of distress, deflection, cracking, and bulging. Evaluate floor levels by tactile experience rather than measurements, noting any significant slopes.
8. Record documentation: Take thorough notes, photographs, and videos to assist the survey (not included in the report).
9. Client feedback: Contact the client at survey completion to discuss findings, providing immediate reassurance and context for the subsequent report.
10. Report Preparation: A typical General Movement Report spans 15-20 pages, including a one-page summary, property details, site observations, discussions, and conclusions, issued the day after inspection,
Costs; the report may offer rough repair cost estimates to guide purchasing decisions.
Builder recommendations; we can recommend contractors for structural repairs, though not specifications or supervision.
11. Post-report support: We offer post-report telephone support with the client to address any specific queries.