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A building inspector examining the the steel girders in a building under construction. Ho

STRUCTURAL INSPECTIONS BY
CHARTERED BUILDING SURVEYORS & ENGINEERS

Structural movement, cracking or unauthorised alterations can pose serious risks to your property. Our structural inspections provide clarity, reassurance and practical solutions before issues escalate.

 

We deliver professional structural inspection reports, structural engineer assessments and structural calculations suitable for Building Regulations applications. Whether you are a homebuyer, property owner or commercial investor, we provide clear, evidence-based advice you can rely on.

 

Our Structural Surveyors operate across Liverpool, Manchester, Cheshire, Lancashire and throughout England & Wales.

Accepted by lenders, insurers and solicitors

HEAR FROM OUR PREVIOUS CLIENTS

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WHAT IS A STRUCTURAL INSPECTION?

A structural inspection focuses specifically on the structural integrity of a property, assessing load-bearing elements and identifying the cause of movement, cracking or instability.

 

Your report will typically include:

 

  • Inspection of foundations and signs of subsidence 

  • Assessment of load-bearing walls, beams and lintels 

  • Review of floors and roof structures 

  • Analysis of cracking and distortion 

  • Identification of structural alterations 

  • Diagnosis of causation (e.g. settlement, heave, drainage issues) 

  • Recommendations for repair or further investigation 

 

Where required, we also provide structural calculations to support Building Regulations applications, including beam designs for wall removals.

Structural Inspection
Structural Engineer

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE STRUCTURAL INVESTIGATION?

This comprehensive evaluation involves a detailed structural inspection of the property by one of AMS Surveys’ specialist surveyors and engineers. They’ll assess the condition of the property's foundation, load-bearing walls, beams, and other critical structural elements such as lintel failure.

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The surveyor may also use specialised equipment, such as ground-penetrating radar, to assess the condition of the foundation and other hidden structural components. If necessary, Structural Calculations can also be provided should you wish to submit these with a Building Regulations Application in line with the UK’s current requirements.

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STRUCTURAL INSPECTION VS BUILDING SURVEY

Understanding the difference ensures you instruct the correct service.

 

A RICS Level 3 Building Survey assesses the overall condition of a property, covering fabric, services and maintenance issues.

 

A structural inspection, however, focuses solely on structural concerns. It is typically instructed when:

 

  • Significant cracking has appeared

  • A lender requires a structural engineer's report

  • Load-bearing walls are being removed

  • Movement or subsidence is suspected

  • Specific structural alterations require assessment

 

If you are unsure which survey is appropriate, we can advise before instruction.

COMMON STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS WE INVESTIGATE

We regularly assess issues, including: - Subsidence and foundation movement - Structural cracking in walls and ceilings - Roof spread and timber defects - Deflecting or uneven floors - Drainage-related movement - Timber decay and pest damage Not all cracks indicate serious failure. Our role is to determine the severity, identify causation and provide proportionate, practical recommendations.

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Terraced Georgian houses in the UK with coloured doors

STRUCTURAL INSPECTIONS FOR HOMES

Homebuyers often require a structural inspection following a Level 2 or Level 3 survey where movement or structural defects have been identified.

 

However, you may also instruct a residential structural survey independently if:

 

  • You are concerned about visible cracking

  • A lender has requested a structural engineer's report

  • You are removing a load-bearing wall

  • You are purchasing a non-traditional construction property

 

We also assess non-traditional build houses, providing reports widely accepted by mortgage lenders to support lending decisions.

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STRUCTURAL INSPECTIONS FOR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

For commercial buildings, structural integrity is directly linked to safety, compliance and operational continuity.

 

Our commercial structural inspections assess:

 

  • Load-bearing frames and structural systems

  • Alterations impacting structural performance

  • Compliance with current Building Regulations

  • Health and safety risks

  • Potential liabilities

 

Our reports help you avoid unexpected expenditure, minimise downtime and protect asset value.

Structural Inspection Surveyor
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A Union Jack gently flaps in the wind next to the dome of Liverpool's Town Hall

STRUCTURAL INSPECTIONS FOR HERITAGE & LISTED BUILDINGS

Historic and listed buildings require a sensitive and informed approach.

 

Older structures often incorporate traditional materials, non-standard construction methods and undocumented alterations. Our heritage structural inspections consider:

 

  • Traditional timber framing

  • Solid wall masonry behaviour

  • Historic structural adaptations

  • Conservation-led repair strategies

 

We assess structural safety while respecting architectural significance, ensuring recommendations align with heritage legislation and planning requirements.

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Photograph taken in Liverpool of The Three Graces (Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building,

FURTHER INVESTIGATE STRUCTURAL ISSUES BEFORE YOU COMMIT

Our Structural Surveyors operate across England and Wales, with strong regional coverage in Liverpool, Wirral, Manchester, Cheshire, Lancashire, Derbyshire, Shropshire and North Wales.

 

We regularly advise on residential properties across the region, as well as commercial and heritage properties nationally, supported by local surveyors with detailed regional knowledge.

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