Michael Denton Associates

The purpose of a structural survey is to give an independent professional opinion on the structural condition of a property. An experienced surveyor will have the time and expertise to examine the building and write a detailed report on his opinion of the condition. If required, he can also examine the boundary walls and retaining walls which can be a significant maintenance obligation.

Buying a building is a major investment and it is essential that the purchaser knows what he or she is buying before making the commitment. Whether the building is a house, shop, office, warehouse or factory, the cost of a structural survey is very small when compared with the value of the investment.

Before undertaking a survey, we will define the type of survey required and provide an estimate of the fee based on the information provided by the purchaser. We will send a booking form and a copy of the survey guidelines to be signed by the purchaser and make all necessary arrangements with the vendor. Please note, we do not carry out a valuation of the property. Our report is concerned solely with the structural condition.

Full Structural Survey

This is the most comprehensive of our structural surveys and goes into as much detail as possible. Typically, a full structural survey report would cover the following: Roof, Walls, Windows & Doors, Floors & Staircases, Internal Finishes, Drainage & Sanitary Ware, Services, External Works, Conclusions & Recommendations.

Basic Structural Survey

This is a survey of the basic structural elements of a building. The scope of this survey is limited to an inspection of the basic structure only with a view to providing an opinion on the condition of the basic structure. Typically a basic structural survey report would cover the following: Roof, Walls, Floors, Conclusions & Recommendations.

Specific Structural Survey

This survey is limited to a consideration of a structural defect. Such a survey is generally required when the mortgage valuation surveyor has requested an opinion on a specific item.

These may be:

• Cracking in walls
• Cracked structural members
• Structural Movements
• Defective Drains
• Bulging Walls

We would examine the particular area noted and any areas related to it. The scope of the examination may extend beyond, say, cracks in the external walling to examining the roof structure, since this could have a relationship to the cracking. Typically a specific structural survey report would cover the following.

Observations on the defective area and related areas - an opinion on the cause of the defect - a recommendation for the repairs which are needed.

We also carry out the following:

• Inspections of leasehold premises including preparation of schedules of condition for incorporation in lease documentation and schedules of dilapidations.
• Surveys and advice on Listed historical buildings.
• Party Wall Awards
• Boundary Disputes
• Expert Witness on behalf of the Courts