A prospective buyer got in touch with SERL following a recommendation from their lender’s surveyor, who had endorsed us for our renowned independence.
The buyer was specifically looking for expertise in structural engineers’ reports, particularly in the Greater London and Surrey areas. They required a report because the surveyor had been informed that the property had been underpinned some years earlier, but no records existed. Additionally, there were minor cracks throughout the interior.
In response to the client’s requirements our qualified Chartered Structural Engineer recommended a General Structural Inspection (GSI) report. Furthermore, if the GSI report is favorable, we can provide a Certificate of Structural Adequacy for an additional fee.
SERL offers two types of structural report and a third Certificate in this instance:
1) A localised, specific, and limited Specific Structural Inspection (SSI) report or a Structural Engineers Defect Report.
2) A broader General Structural Inspection Report (GSI) or Structural Engineers General Movement Report which focuses only on matters of cracking and movement.
3) A Certificate of Structural Adequacy (if the GSI report is favourable).
The property showed no sign of any external cracks. All visible cracks were internal, minor, and non-structural, as a result of old plaster and normal shrinkage.
Our inspection revealed no signs of distortion to indicate which parts of the property might have been previously underpinned.
We were satisfied the house is currently stable, showing no signs of recent movement. We provided a positive report to the buyer, enabling them to proceed with the purchase of the property. With a satisfactory GSI report, we were also able to issue a Certificate of Structural Adequacy, which many lenders and Building Insurers require.
The buyer selected a chartered structural engineer as the suitable expert to offer the required specialist opinion for the mortgage approval.
In addition, we were able to verify that no subsidence was currently occurring, which is a common concern for lenders.