When it comes to safeguarding your property, a structural survey is one of the most valuable steps you can take. Structural survey offers a detailed assessment of a building’s condition and identifies hidden issues that could become costly or disastrous if left unchecked.
Many homeowners, landlords, and commercial property owners often don’t know when a structural survey is necessary. To help, we’ve outlined the top 10 warning signs that your property may need one.
While hairline cracks from plaster shrinkage are common, wide cracks (particularly those over 5mm) or ones that appear suddenly can indicate structural movement. Look out for diagonal cracks above doors and windows, stair-step cracks in brickwork, or gaps that keep reopening after repair. These can signal subsidence, heave, or settlement that requires professional assessment.
A slight slope in an older property might not be unusual, but significant unevenness suggests a bigger problem. This can result from rotting joists, damaged foundations, or poor historical construction. Uneven floors often go unnoticed until furniture looks tilted or items roll across the room. A structural survey can confirm whether repairs or reinforcement are needed.
Doors or windows that suddenly jam or won’t close properly are often more than a nuisance—they can be signs that your building is shifting. As the structure moves, frames become misaligned. While seasonal humidity can sometimes cause sticking, persistent issues usually point to foundation problems or structural movement.
Subsidence is one of the most serious structural risks. It occurs when the ground beneath a property moves, causing the foundations to sink. Look out for cracks in exterior brickwork, gaps between skirting boards and floors, rippling wallpaper, or tilting walls. Subsidence can worsen quickly and affect your property’s safety and value, so commissioning a structural survey is vital.
Ongoing damp patches, peeling paint, black mould, or musty odours often suggest deeper issues like poor drainage, roof leaks, or failing damp-proof courses. Damp doesn’t just affect air quality—it can weaken mortar, timber, and brickwork, compromising structural integrity over time. A surveyor will identify the source and recommend effective solutions.
A sagging roofline, bowing rafters, or missing tiles are not only cosmetic concerns but can signal significant structural weakness. Water ingress from roof defects can damage timbers and ceilings, while bowing suggests that the load-bearing capacity is compromised. A structural survey provides a clear picture of the roof’s condition and any urgent repair needs.
Chimneys are exposed to the elements and often deteriorate faster than other parts of a property. A leaning chimney stack, crumbling mortar, or cracks running through brickwork may all point to instability. Left untreated, these can pose serious safety hazards. A survey will assess whether reinforcement, repointing, or even rebuilding is required.
Walls that appear to bulge or bow outward are a red flag. This can happen due to foundation failure, water damage, or poor construction methods. In severe cases, the stability of the entire building can be at risk. A structural surveyor will diagnose the cause and provide recommendations for corrective action, from underpinning to rebuilding sections.
Rotting floorboards, joists, or beams weaken the very structure that holds your property together. Water damage may stem from leaks, flooding, or rising damp, while infestations like woodworm accelerate decay. A structural survey will identify the extent of damage and whether replacement, treatment, or reinforcement is required.
If your property has been extended, converted, or significantly altered, you may not know whether the work was carried out to a safe standard. Issues like inadequate foundations, poorly supported openings, or removal of load-bearing walls without reinforcement can cause long-term risks. A survey ensures that past work hasn’t compromised the property.
Commissioning a structural survey if you spot these warning signs can save thousands in repairs and prevent small issues from becoming major problems. A surveyor provides an expert diagnosis of structural concerns, detailed reports, and actionable advice to keep your property safe and compliant.
At Firntec, we deliver comprehensive structural surveys across the UK, tailored to homeowners, landlords, and commercial property owners. Our qualified surveyors identify risks, ensure compliance, and provide clear recommendations you can trust.
Get in touch with Firntec today to arrange a structural survey and protect your property investment.