Structural surveys
Period property expert,Alan Tierney,sets out why this stage of a renovation is key to the success of your finished project
Top & left: Michael and Erica Hammill transformed a dilapidated mechanical garage into their ideal family home. Michael, a chartered surveyor, was able to assess what was salvageable and what needed replacing.
DAVE BURTON
Before you commit to buying a house, it’s essential to have a structural survey carried out to assess the condition of the building and make sure that it’s a reasonable investment rather than a money pit. If you’re getting a mortgage, it’s likely to be a requirement, although your chosen lender will probably also send out their own surveyor – typically for valuation purposes.
If you’re planning to renovate an older building, it’s vital that you have a good understanding of the structure to ensure you’re aware of any limitations you may face.
The rafters and slate roof had to be removed and the entire roof needed insulating to ensure a comfortable interior
Building surveyors are regulated by The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), which specifies three levels of survey with differing degrees of detail. Only level three, the most detailed, is of any value for an older building. The RICS and Historic England have recently produced a guidance document for surveyors relating to the investigation of moisture and its effects on traditional buildings. This Joint Position Statement 2022 (JPS 2022) should inform your survey.