Structural report before renovating ?

Dictator

Hi,

I was going to renovate a 1950's house that hasn't had anyone live in it for about 3 years. It's my grandad's house and is just sitting idle.

There's damp at the windows which looks like its from the windows they're there 30 + years, walls with out windows don't have any damp. It's got 4 chinmey's one in each room.

I was going to dry line the external walls via the SEI grant, replace the windows with PVC and insulate the attic.

Structurally it looks fine, there could be a minor crack on the chinmey but haven't got up close to check it out, would it be wise to get a structural report carried out first before jumping straight in ?

The jobs that have to be done look straight forward enough. Would the structural report throw up stuff I haven't taught off or is it just a routine used when purchasing a new home

mr_edge_to_you

Getting a structural report done should be the first thing.

No6

Generally if you are borrowing the bank will require a structural report so that they know you are not buying a complete wreak. A competant professional should give you a report suitable for the banks that could throw up a few issues that you havnt noticed and make some reccomendations for dealing with issues that you havn't thought about.

Dictator

Thanks Folks, have been getting quotes for the building survey but most off them are 450 +, does this seem right

DOCARCH

Dictator wrote: »

Thanks Folks, have been getting quotes for the building survey but most off them are 450 +, does this seem right

Pretty much so. But you should get for around E 400 (incl. VAT).

Dictator

Getting quotes for 350 + vat, 425 ish. I'm worried about the chinmey's in the house, do you think they will give much detail about the structure off them and the roof

Slig

A structural survey will only identify any faults visable and give a professional guess as to what caused them, if they need addressing and how to fix them.
A crack in a chimney could be caused by several factors and it may or may not need addressing, there could be other underlying problems that a survey wont pick up on. You should bear in mind that it is only an educated guess backed up by experience and PI insurance.

onq

Hi Dictator.

If your house looks fine with no settlement cracking from the corners of opes or at chimneys, then perhaps it is. Your strategy of improvement in principle seems sound.

I confess I don't understand these "structural reports".
I have commissioned on behalf of client an engineers report where structural defects arose.
Unless there are structural faults what use are they "structural reports"?
Will they address issues of interstitial condensation and damp ingress?
Will they also open up drains to check for reverse flow from settlement or cracked benching in manholes?
Will they even eyeball services and make recommendations as to their testing and renewal?
Will they comment on decorative condition or operation of door / window hinges and locks.
Will they comment on the planning status of previous extensions and conversions, of tarmaced front and rear gardens?
Will they test and note the operation of fire alarms or their omission in the property?

Or are "structural reports" just a means of getting a bare bones report done and avoiding the issues listed above amongst others?

Since you obviously know the property well these issues may not be matters of concern for you.
However they certainly arise for someone new to any property.
I'm not sure a "structural report" would cover them.

FWIW

ONQ.

RKQ

If you do decide to get a professional with full PI insurance, to inspect the property and provide a Report - ask questions to ensure you will get the level of detail that you require. Agree the amount of detail required, so you can compare quotes.

Usually the more comprehensive the Report, the more time it will take to investigate therefore the higher the fee.

I'd hope at the very least a professional would spot wet rot, dry rot or condensation - & know the difference between them. A professional should spot structural cracks, settling, sagging timber floor joist, asbestos materials etc. They should advise on the current condition of the property.

I like cars, but I would buy a second hand car without professional advice - I be happy to pay a Mechanic to check it out, so I don't waste my hard earned cash.

archtech

What most people refer to as a Structural Report is in fact better described as a Building Survey.

The Construction Industry Council in England define a Building Survey as an investigation and assessment of the construction and condition of a building and will not normally include advice on value. The survey will generally include the structure, fabric, finishes and grounds; its usually visual only and testing of services are not usually undertaken.

The Report will include reference to visible defects and guidance as appropriate on maintenance and remedial measures.The Report may recommend that specialist investigations are undertaken or other specialist advice obtained relating to specific issues.