At SERL we are often asked about the difference between advice provided by a Structural Engineer and a Chartered Surveyor, particularly when a buyer has already paid for a Chartered Surveyor’s report and is now advised to obtain one from a Chartered Structural Engineer.
When is a Structural Engineer’s report required?
Such reports are typically necessary when there are indications of issues such as cracking, subsidence, or settlement. Other scenarios include the removal of load-bearing walls or chimney breasts, or when extensions and loft conversions are added without obtaining the required local authority approval or completion certificates.
The distinction between the two professions can be likened to the medical field: a Chartered Surveyor is comparable to a general practitioner, whereas a Chartered Structural Engineer is akin to a specialist. The GP, or Surveyor, possesses a broad understanding of various building defects. This general expertise is invaluable to potential buyers seeking an overview of a property’s condition and associated risks. Surveyors typically address about 50% to 75% of structural concerns.
When a more complex structural issue emerges, a surveyor may offer preliminary guidance but will often suggest seeking further expertise from a Chartered Structural Engineer, who specialises in such matters.
Consequently, it is not unusual for a Chartered Surveyor to recommend obtaining a report from a Chartered Structural Engineer. Such reports, which are usually available within a few days, need to be conclusive to avoid delaying the buying and selling process, focusing on practicality without proposing extensive investigations during a sale.
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