Resources

Structural survey guides.

Plain-English guides on structural surveys, cracks, repair costs, and working with structural engineers. Written by the engineers themselves.

Professional advice5 min read

Do I need a chartered structural engineer?

Most residential surveys don't require a chartered engineer. Find out exactly when you do and when you don't, with a clear decision checklist.

Buying & selling6 min read

Do I need a structural survey?

A decision guide for homeowners, buyers, and sellers. When a structural survey is essential, when it's recommended, and when a simpler inspection will do.

Cracks & movement7 min read

What causes cracks in walls?

How to tell the difference between cosmetic and structural cracks. Types, causes, and when to call a structural engineer.

Costs & budgeting8 min read

Cost of structural repairs in London

Realistic cost ranges for crack repairs, underpinning, wall removal, and other structural works: from cosmetic fixes to major intervention.

Survey types6 min read

Structural engineer's report vs homebuyer survey: what is the difference?

A structural engineer's report and a homebuyer or building survey are produced by different professions for different purposes. A plain-English guide to what each covers and when you need which.

Report contents5 min read

What a structural engineer's report contains

A section-by-section breakdown of every part of a structural report: what the engineer assessed, severity ratings, remedial recommendations, and sign-off. Know what you are getting before you book.

Professional advice4 min read

Structural engineer qualifications explained

What BEng, MEng, CEng, and MIStructE mean, why professional indemnity insurance matters for you, and how we vet the engineers on our network.

Booking process4 min read

What to expect on survey day

Who needs to be at the property, what the engineer inspects room by room, how long it takes, and when you receive your report. A straight account of the process.