Homes we inspect in Westminster
Pimlico is largely nineteenth-century stucco terraces, now mostly flats, while Westminster and Victoria have Georgian houses, Victorian mansion blocks and twentieth-century flats. Much of the area is in conservation areas and many buildings are listed.
Freeholders and managing agents here usually ask for detailed information before approving alterations, including an engineer's report and calculations.
Common structural issues in Westminster
- Internal alterations in flats in listed and period buildings.
- Historic movement in older terraces.
- Basements and vaults with damp or altered structure.
- Floors and walls changed over many refurbishments.
- Cracking after neighbouring building work.
Ground conditions
Much of Westminster and Pimlico was low-lying marshland beside the Thames. The ground is mainly alluvium and river terrace gravels over London Clay, and Pimlico was raised when it was built. Groundwater can sit close to basement level.
We check the British Geological Survey records for every address we inspect, because ground conditions can change from one street to the next.
Services in Westminster
- Structural inspections: Specific (SSI) from £420*, General (GSI) from £540* and Comprehensive (CGSI) from £880*.
- Mortgage structural reports when your lender's valuer asks for an engineer.
- Insurance structural reports and subsidence investigations.
- Wall and chimney breast removal calculations for Building Control.
- Extension and loft conversion design.
- Freeholder consent reports for leasehold flats.
* Prices are a guide only and VAT may be added. Contact us for an accurate price.
Arranging an inspection in Westminster
Send us the postcode, whether it is a house or a flat, how many bedrooms it has and a few photos of what you have noticed, or your valuer's letter. We will recommend the right service and give you a price in writing before you book. Our engineers travel to Westminster from our office on Turnham Green Terrace in Chiswick, with weekday and weekend visits available. See our prices or request a quote.
Local guides
Nearby areas we cover
See all areas we cover across London.
Common questions
Do you have an office in Westminster?
No. Our office is at Gable House, 18–24 Turnham Green Terrace, Chiswick, W4 1QP, and our engineers travel to Westminster for inspections and site visits.
What will my managing agent need before I alter my flat?
Usually drawings of the proposed work, an engineer's report confirming how the building will be supported, calculations for Building Control and, for listed buildings, evidence of listed building consent. We can prepare the structural parts of that package.
