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Structural Surveys & Appraisals

At Firntec we take pride in delivering comprehensive Structural Surveys tailored to your property needs, ensuring peace of mind and confidence in your buildings. With Firntec, excellence meets affordability. Choose Firntec for a survey that exceeds your expectations.

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Firntec completing structural survey

What is a Structural Survey?

Structural surveys offer a comprehensive examination of a buildings structural integrity, including its foundations, walls, floors, roof, and other critical components. At Firntec we have 3 stages of Structural surveys which are detailed below. Speak to one of our consultants today to discuss your specific buildings needs. 

What's included in our Structural Surveys and Appraisals?

It’s worth noting that you may not need to undertake all 3 stages of the survey.  More often than not, most properties only require the initial Stage 1 survey as Stage 2 and Stage 3 are reserved for if any issues have been identified during the initial survey. If you would like more information then make sure to speak to one of our experts today.

Stage 1: Initial Survey

  • Review of the existing floor plans
  • Desk study of the building type and forms of construction based on available reports and online databases
  • Desk study of the ground conditions
  • Site survey of the building – This would include, but is not limited to:
    • Visual inspection throughout to identify the key structural elements of the building, as set out by your requirements. 
    • If access permits an inspection of the roof
    • External inspection of the cladding
    • Inspection of any balconies or overhang structures
    • Inspection of other elements such as doors to establish if  movement may have occurred
  • Identify and specify the further investigations required only to meet your requirements. These would include, but are not limited to:
    • Opening up works to inspect the underlying fabric of the building
    • Concrete testing to confirm composition and presence of HAC
    • Cover meter survey to identify depth of cover over reinforcement on key structural elements
    • Carbonisation testing to establish depth and potential impact
    • Hammer tap Survey
    • Trial pits to establish foundation type and depth
    • Drone survey of the external fabric and cladding
  • A ground investigation may be required. If so we would provide a specification for the works
  • Prepare a set of diagrams with photographic evidence describing the structural form
  • Preparation of a report describing our findings and including specifications for the next stage

Stage 2: Further Surveying & Intrusive investigations

Examples of the Further Investigations:
 
  • Opening up works to inspect the underlying fabric of the building
  • Concrete testing to confirm composition and presence of HAC
  • Cover meter survey to identify depth of cover over reinforcement on key structural elements
  • Carbonisation testing to establish depth and potential impact
  • Hammer tap Survey
  • Trial pits to establish foundation type and depth
  • Drone survey of the external fabric and cladding
  • A ground investigation may be required. If so we would provide a specification for the works

Stage 3: Report of Investigation Findings

 
Following the completion of the investigations specified in Stage 1, we would review the findings and interpret them to provide a meaningful summary for you, including recommendations and outlining potential works that may be necessary to meet your specific requirements. For this we would prepare a separate report / addendum to the Stage 1 report which would provide more detail.
When should you complete a Structural Survey?
  • Competent person should complete a thorough structural survey and assessment before any potentially load- bearing parts of a structure are altered.
  • When considering the purchase of a new property, it’s essential to verify that your investment is directed towards a building that is both structurally sound and secure.
  • Structural Surveys are often requested following a building survey if a surveyor has found that a particular issue needs additional investigation.
  • Structural Appraisals are an essential part of completing your Building Safety Case.
What's the difference between a Building Survey, Structural Survey
and a Structural Appraisal?

Building Survey: 

Before purchasing a property, homebuyers often obtain a building survey, which offers a thorough assessment of its condition and structure. To conduct a building survey, you’ll require a RICS chartered surveyor, who operates under the regulation of The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. These surveys used to be called stage 3 Full Structural Surveys which often adds to the confusion!

Structural Survey: 

A structural engineer conducts this examination, focusing on the integrity of the structure. Typically recommended by your property surveyor, it offers a more in-depth analysis. Regulatory bodies such as The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) and The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) oversee structural engineers.

Structural Appraisal: 

A Structural Appraisal differs from a Structural Survey in its focus and purpose.  Tailored to address general or specific structural conditions, an Appraisal may target issues like Subsidence, Landslip, or Cavity Wall Tie failure. The appraisal will focus on the defect and offer insight and advice.

Contact Firntec today to discover
which survey is right for you

If you’re searching for a compliance partner that guarantees full compliance, then Firntec is the ideal choice. Firntec is a highly regarded industry leader in the realm of risk, compliance, and safety. We specialise in assisting companies in meeting and surpassing their safety obligations, providing expert guidance and support.

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Professional, accredited and highly skilled in delivering building compliance and surveying consultancy

Firntec is a leading provider in building compliance and surveying consultancy. We work with landlords, organisations and UK businesses to ensure their buildings are compliant for use by all. We carry out top-quality fire risk assessments and building surveys across a multitude of sectors.
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Our Expertise
  • Fire Safety
  • Building Safety Case Consultancy
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