When a property needs to be checked for defects, it’s easy to conflate a Chartered Building Surveyor with a Structural Engineer. Although their work can overlap, each profession offers a distinct service and skill set. We often see people employing both when one would suffice or simply approaching the wrong option for their needs. The right choice depends primarily on the nature of the problem.

Put simply, a Chartered Building Surveyor takes a broad view of a property, assessing its overall condition in line with formal regulations and identifying defects, maintenance issues and any potential impact they may have on the property’s value. A Structural Engineer, on the other hand, focuses specifically on the ‘bones’ of a building, such as load-bearing walls, foundations, beams and roof structures.

Chartered Building Surveyors are members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and work in accordance with its professional standards. Structural Engineers usually hold chartership status (CEng) and may also be members of industry bodies like the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) or the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

Why the choice matters

When buying a property, a mortgage valuation report may recommend a professional inspection if it identifies a defect that could weaken the building’s structural integrity or future condition. That’s when the choice between these two professionals begins. When buying a property, a mortgage valuation report may recommend a professional inspection if it identifies a defect that could weaken the building’s structural integrity or future condition. That’s when the choice between these two professionals begins.

• Common defects and concerns to address include:
• Cracks to internal or external walls
• Structural alterations (e.g. removal of a load-bearing wall or chimney)
• Installation of spray-foam insulation
• Damp or water ingress
• Subsidence or other signs of movement
• Defective render or cavity wall ties

Because mortgage lenders can have specific requirements and parameters to meet, it’s worth checking those before arranging an inspection – both to secure the right person for the job at hand and to meet the lender’s stipulations.

Who to contract for what

A Chartered Building Surveyor is qualified to assess the overall health of a building and will investigate a wide range of common defects, such as wall cracking, damp, leaks and defective finishes. They can then provide an informed opinion on the likely cause of the issue, explain the risks and advise on next steps and remedial options.

A Structural Engineer is needed when a more detailed assessment of a specific load-bearing element is needed. Their expertise is particularly relevant to issues such as suspected subsidence, significant structural movement, roof structures and supporting beams. They can also advise on the feasibility of a buyer’s desired alterations or extensions should they require the removal of load-bearing walls or the creation of new openings.

Typically, a Chartered Building Surveyor is the first port of call when a property needs investigating (unless it’s immediately clear that there’s a structural issue). They will create a thorough Defect Report, concentrating on the specific problems at hand, considering their underlying cause and any risks, and providing practical suggestions to address them.

If the report identifies a problem that requires specialist structural analysis, the surveyor will then recommend a follow-up inspection by a Structural Engineer. In these cases, the two specialists work well as a sequence rather than duplicating each other’s work: the surveyor assesses the wider condition of a property and its expected value, while the structural engineer provides more specialist advice on the building’s structural performance.

At Destin Chandler Hawkins, we have a range of Chartered Building Surveyors ready to discuss individual situations and provide advice on the right course of action – including whether you need a surveyor, a structural engineer or both.