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If you’re buying a house or flat and your RICS surveyor notices signs of movement—such as sagging, cracks, or bowing—or if you’ve seen new signs of movement in a property you own, Laytoe Structures can help determine if it’s a serious issue. 

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Our experienced team will identify the cause of the movement and provide clear guidance on the necessary steps.

 

Since 2016, Laytoe Structures has conducted over 2,400 structural surveys across London, offering reliable and thorough assessments. Our in-house structural engineers personally inspect every property, ensuring each client receives a bespoke report.

Structural Inspection

Structural inspections by experienced structural engineers specialising in crack inspections, subsidence inspections, structu
Need a structural inspection? Our experienced structural engineers investigate cracks, subsidence, structural movement, found

Specific Structural Inspection (SSI)

An SSI involves investigating a single structural issue or crack within the property, covering one specific area. We will not inspect any other rooms or areas of the property.

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General Structural Inspection (GSI)

A GSI provides a comprehensive evaluation of the property's condition, including visual inspections and reporting on severe cracks, subsidence, and movements both inside and outside the premises. Our inspection includes:

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  • Proximity of Trees and Shrubs: Evaluating their potential impact on foundations in accordance with National House Building Council (NHBC) guidelines.

  • Soil Type Reviews: Reviewing British Geological Survey records to identify soil types and assess potential influences on subsidence.

  • Structural Elements: Inspecting walls, floors, load-bearing structures, and openings to ensure a thorough examination of the property's overall integrity.

  • This inspection, focused on three key structural concerns as instructed. The roof structure and cellar were excluded, and no intrusive investigations were carried out.

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Comprehensive General  Structural  Inspection (CGSI)

In addition to the areas inspected in a GSI, this inspection includes a visual assessment of the roof structures, cellar, and outbuildings. A CGSI does not limit the number of cracks inspected, and we will also visually evaluate all internal alterations and report on any previous alterations to the property’s structures. 

Level of Inspections

 
Q: What Is a Structural Inspection?
A: A structural inspection is a detailed visual assessment carried out by a qualified structural engineer to evaluate the structural integrity, stability, and safety of a property. The purpose of the inspection is to identify structural defects such as cracks, subsidence, settlement, structural movement, roof spread, timber defects, lintel failure, foundation movement, and other issues that may affect the building's performance or value.Unlike a general property survey, a structural inspection focuses specifically on the load-bearing elements of a building. It helps homeowners, buyers, sellers, mortgage lenders, insurers, and property investors understand whether structural problems exist and what remedial measures, if any, are required.

 
Q: Why Would You Need a Structural Inspection?
A: A structural inspection may be required when:
 

  • Cracks appear in walls, ceilings, or brickwork.

  • Doors or windows begin sticking unexpectedly.

  • Floors become uneven or sloping.

  • A mortgage lender requests a structural engineer's report.

  • An insurance company suspects subsidence or structural movement.

  • You are buying an older property, such as a Victorian or Edwardian house.

  • You plan to remove a load-bearing wall.

  • You are planning a loft conversion or house extension.

  • The property has previously suffered from subsidence.

  • There are visible signs of movement or distortion.
     

Early identification of structural issues can prevent minor defects from developing into costly repairs.

Q: What Does a Structural Engineer Inspect?
A: During a structural inspection, the engineer will visually assess the key structural components of the property, including:
Foundations
Although foundations are generally concealed and cannot be inspected directly during a visual inspection, the engineer assesses signs that may indicate foundation movement, such as:
 

  • Stepped cracking

  • Differential settlement

  • Distortion

  • Subsidence

  • Heave
     

If necessary, further investigations such as trial pits or soil investigations may be recommended.

The engineer checks for:

  • Cracks on walls

  • Bulging walls

  • Bowing walls

  • Deteriorated mortar

  • Brick movement

  • Failed lintels

  • Sagging rafters

  • Spread roof

  • Overloaded purlins
     

Floors
Inspection includes checking for:

  • Deflection

  • Settlement

  • Rot

  • Damp-related deterioration

  • Movement
     

Chimneys
The engineer assesses:

  • Leaning chimney stacks

  • Cracking

  • Separation from the building

  • Masonry deterioration
     

Structural Alterations
Previous alterations are inspected to determine whether structural support appears adequate, including:

  • Removed walls

  • Steel beams

  • Loft conversions

  • Extensions
     


Q: What Does the Structural Engineer's Report Include?
A professional report typically contains:

  • Description of the property.

  • Summary of observations.

  • Details of structural defects.

  • Probable causes.

  • Assessment of severity.

  • Photographs.

  • Recommendations.

  • Whether monitoring is required.

  • Whether further investigations are necessary.

  • Suggested remedial works.
     

Reports prepared for mortgage lenders or insurers may also address specific concerns raised by those organisations.


Q: What Happens If Structural Problems Are Found?
A: If defects are identified, the engineer may recommend:

  • Crack monitoring.

  • Trial pits to inspect foundations.

  • CCTV drain surveys.

  • Soil investigations.

  • Structural calculations.

  • Localised repairs.

  • Strengthening works.

  • Further specialist investigations.
     

Recommendations will depend on the nature and severity of the observed defects.

Q: Why Choose a Structural Engineer?
A: A qualified structural engineer has specialist knowledge of how buildings behave and can distinguish between cosmetic defects and genuine structural concerns. Their assessment helps property owners make informed decisions about repairs, purchases, alterations, or insurance matters.

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Q: What is the difference between an RICS Level 2 or 3 survey and a Structural Survey?
​A: Structural Survey: Our Structural Survey is a detailed and specialised examination of a property's structural integrity. This survey involves a thorough inspection of both the interior and exterior, focusing specifically on structural elements like cracks, movements, and other potential indicators of structural problems. It is ideal for those seeking a precise and in-depth evaluation of the property's structural components.
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RICS Level 3 Survey: In contrast, the RICS Level 3 Survey provides a broader evaluation of the property, covering aspects like plumbing, electrics, and more, but only gives a brief overview of the structural elements. While it may highlight potential structural issues, it doesn't delve into the specifics of structural integrity. In such cases, they often refer you to a structural engineer, like us at Laytoe Structures, for a detailed structural survey.
 
Summary: The main difference between the two surveys can be likened to the roles of a general practitioner (GP) and a specialist. The Structural Survey acts as the specialist, focusing exclusively on the structural health of the property. In contrast, the RICS Level 3 Survey is akin to a GP's check-up, providing a broader overview of the property's overall condition but with less depth. If structural issues are identified during an RICS survey, it often results in a recommendation for a more detailed examination by a structural engineer.

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