The owner of a purpose-built maisonette contacted SERL, following recommendations from their surveyor at the time of purchase.
The owner was concerned about some sloping floors and a crack in a nearby wall. This had been highlighted by their Surveyor during the inspection prior to purchase, but they did not seek further advice at that time.
SERL was contacted by the property owner who was seeking a reputable, independent, and highly experienced structural engineering firm specialising in Structural Engineers Reports for residential properties in Balham and the South West London area.
In response to the client’s requirements our qualified Chartered Structural Engineer recommended a Specific Structural Inspection report (SSI).
SERL offers two types of structural reports:
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.
The ground floor of the maisonette had a noticeable slope, indicative of its historical character.
This slant was a result of prolonged settlement and the deflection of the suspended timber floor, due to the heavy brick partitions that had been constructed directly on it.
We were satisfied that the floor deflection was historic and did not require essential repairs. Leveling floors and adjusting doorframes are personal choices, and we confirmed that there were no current movement issues.
Because the sloping floor was historical, we provided a positive report for the buyer, enabling them to proceed with the purchase. We advised a small budget for routine, non-urgent repairs and improvements.