Buying a house is the biggest purchase most people make, and the point where a structural problem is either your seller’s problem or, after completion, yours.

When buyers need a structural survey

Most purchases don’t need one. You do if the mortgage valuation or a Level 2/3 survey flags cracking, movement, bowing walls, roof spread or ‘further investigation by a structural engineer’, or if you’ve seen something on a viewing that worries you. A specific structural inspection answers the question the general survey raised, usually within days, so your purchase doesn’t stall.

What our pre-purchase inspection covers

• The specific defects flagged, plus a check of the main structural elements
• Whether movement is historic and stable, or active and progressive
• What repair (if any) is needed, and outline costs you can negotiate with
• A written report accepted by lenders and solicitors

How buyers use the report

Three ways: to proceed with confidence, to renegotiate the price with evidence, or to walk away from a genuine problem before it becomes theirs. Any of the three is worth far more than the cost of the survey.

Why an independent survey matters

We are an independent firm of structural engineers, not tied to any estate agent, lender or builder. Our only job is to tell you the truth about the building. Established in 1981, we have inspected thousands of homes across Leeds and West Yorkshire, and our reports are accepted by mortgage lenders, solicitors and insurers.

What you get

• A clear written report in plain English, with photographs
• A definite answer: is it serious, is it historic, does it need monitoring or repair
• Repair recommendations and, where needed, outline costs
• Fast turnaround, reports typically delivered within days of inspection

We survey across Leeds, Wakefield, Bradford, Harrogate and all of West Yorkshire, see all areas and services.