Homebuyer and Landlord Structural Inspections in London

A RICS homebuyer report or building survey is a broad property condition document. It notes visible defects across all elements of the building — damp, roof condition, services, drainage — but is not written by a structural engineer and does not constitute a structural opinion.

A structural inspection by DVC Engineering is focused specifically on structural behaviour: the adequacy of the load-bearing structure, the significance of any cracking or movement observed, and the condition of any visible structural alterations. It answers the question a general surveyor is not positioned to answer: is this building structurally sound, and if not, what does that mean for this purchase?

The most common triggers we see are: cracks flagged by a general surveyor as requiring further investigation; evidence of previous open-plan alterations, where the structural adequacy of the beam and bearing is uncertain; loft conversions or extensions added without clear documentation; and properties where the general surveyor has noted movement or settlement of uncertain cause.

Landlords commission structural inspections when their property has sustained damage, when a tenant or managing agent has raised a concern, or when an insurance claim requires an independent structural opinion.

We produce a written report that provides a structural assessment of the elements inspected, identifies any concerns that are likely to affect the purchase decision, and sets out recommended actions in plain language. Where a defect is unlikely to affect the structure's adequacy, we say so — there is no value in raising alarm unnecessarily.

The report is appropriate for use in purchase negotiations, for briefing a solicitor on structural risk, and as a basis for requesting remedial works from a vendor.

We attend the property at an agreed time, typically requiring access to all internal rooms and roof void if practical. The inspection typically takes one to two hours. The written report is issued within five working days of the inspection in most cases. Where the timeline is particularly urgent (for exchange or mortgage purposes), we ask to be notified at the point of instruction so that we can confirm availability and turnaround.

Civil engineering design (drainage, SuDS, retaining walls and external works) and planning application support are available alongside this structural package, so the below-ground and planning elements of your project can be coordinated with the structural design under a single appointment.