Building Condition Surveys
Independent structural condition surveys carried out by Chartered Structural Engineers to assess the visible condition of existing buildings and identify any signs of structural deterioration, movement or defects.
Whether you’re a property manager, freeholder, developer or building owner, our surveys provide a clear understanding of your building’s structural condition and practical recommendations for future maintenance or further investigation where required.
Understand the Condition of Your Building
Buildings naturally change over time. Movement, weathering, water ingress and ageing materials can all affect structural performance if left unchecked.
Our Building Condition Surveys provide a comprehensive visual inspection of the accessible structural elements of a building, helping clients understand its current condition and identify any issues before they become significant problems.
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The survey is entirely non-intrusive and is suitable for residential, commercial and mixed-use buildings where an independent structural opinion is required.
Importantly, the assessment does not include intrusive investigations, opening-up works, removal of finishes or material testing. Instead, the engineer undertakes a detailed visual inspection of all areas that are safely accessible at the time of the survey and, where available, reviews relevant structural drawings, calculations and construction records.
Scope of Service
Every Building Condition Survey includes:
- Desktop review of available structural information and drawings (where available)
- Non-intrusive site inspection by a Chartered Structural Engineer
- Visual assessment of accessible structural elements
- Inspection of:
- foundations and substructure (where visible)
- structural frame
- external walls and façades
- balconies and walkways
- roof structures
- internal communal areas
- plant rooms and exposed structural elements
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- Identification of visible defects including:
- cracking
- movement
- deformation
- corrosion
- water ingress
- deterioration
- Review of the general condition of the building fabric where it may affect structural performance
- Photographic record of significant observations
- Practical recommendations for monitoring, maintenance or further investigation
- Comprehensive written report prepared by a Chartered Structural Engineer
This reflects the inspection approach and reporting structure used in the template Building Condition Survey.
What You'll Receive
Following the inspection you’ll receive a professional report containing:
- Executive summary
- Description of the building
- Summary of areas inspected
- Structural observations
- Photographic evidence
- Summary of any defects identified
- Overall opinion on the building’s structural condition
- Recommended actions
- Guidance on whether further investigation or specialist structural assessment is required
The report provides a clear record of the building’s condition at the time of inspection and can support planned maintenance and asset management decisions.
Building Condition Surveys are commonly commissioned for:
- Residential apartment buildings
- High-rise residential developments
- Commercial buildings
- Student accommodation
- Build-to-Rent developments
- Mixed-use properties
- Asset acquisitions
- Property portfolios
- Planned maintenance programmes
- Periodic structural inspections
Survey Limitations
Our Building Condition Survey is a non-intrusive visual inspection.
Unless specifically instructed, it does not include:
- Opening-up works
- Intrusive investigations
- Material testing
- Structural calculations
- Assessment of concealed structural elements
- Specialist access equipment
- Structural design verification
- Full Structural Risk Assessment under the Building Safety Act 2022
Where issues requiring further investigation are identified, we will clearly explain the recommended next steps.
Whether you require a one-off structural inspection or regular condition monitoring across your property portfolio, our engineers can help.
Contact KB Structures today to discuss your building and obtain a fixed quotation.
Our Clients
We support Property Managers, Property Owners, Compliance and Engineering Firms
