SERVICES / 02
Structural inspections
Understand structural concerns and decide what to do next.
A clear engineering scope.
An inspection helps document visible conditions and identify where further investigation or engineering design may be needed.
Each project begins with its own requirements. The work, deliverables and inspection limits should be agreed before the assessment or design starts.
Visible defects
Review concerns such as cracking, movement, deflection and deterioration.
Existing buildings
Consider the available information, accessible structural elements and the reason for the inspection.
Next steps
Clarify whether further testing, monitoring or remedial design should be considered.
SERVICE SCOPE
What the work can cover.
The following areas can form part of a project brief. The services, deliverables and suitability for your site are confirmed when the scope is agreed.
Cracking & movement
Inspection of visible cracking, movement and distortion to help determine the appropriate next investigation.
Existing structure assessments
Review of accessible structural elements in buildings where there is a particular concern or a proposed change of use or layout.
Pre-renovation structural review
Assessment of the existing structure before changes such as wall removal, new openings or additional loads are proposed.
Deterioration & damage
Review of visible corrosion, concrete deterioration, timber damage and other conditions that may affect structural elements.
Construction-stage inspections
Inspection of nominated structural work against the agreed engineering scope and available design information.
Retaining walls & external structures
Review of visible movement, distress and deterioration in retaining walls and other accessible external structural elements.
Inspection findings & recommendations
Written findings outlining the observed conditions, inspection limits and recommended next steps.
Remedial design considerations
Identification of whether a separate repair design, specialist testing or monitoring programme is appropriate.
PROJECT INFORMATION
What to have ready.
Your site and proposal
Provide the property address, a description of the existing building or site, and the work you are considering. Explain whether the enquiry relates to a new design, an existing concern or work already underway.
Available documents
Gather architectural plans, surveys, previous engineering drawings, geotechnical reports, planning advice and relevant photographs. Existing information helps identify gaps before the engineering work starts.
Your priorities
Outline the main questions you want answered, your current project stage and any dates the team needs to coordinate around.
Access and scope
Confirm site access and whether particular structural elements or drainage features are concealed. Inspection, testing, design and construction support may involve different scopes.
DELIVERABLES
Clear information for the next stage.
Depending on the commission, outputs may include engineering drawings, an assessment report, inspection findings or recommendations for further investigation. The quotation should identify the exact documents, review stages and any exclusions, so you know what the engineering work will provide.
PROJECT EXAMPLES
See how this service can apply.
The examples below are placeholders for future SK case studies. They do not represent completed projects.
EXAMPLE PLACEHOLDERCracking investigation
Inspection of visible cracking in an existing building
- Location
- Replace with the actual project location
- Engineering scope
- Observed conditions, inspection limits and recommendations
- Outcome
- Add the actual outcome and approved project photographs
EXAMPLE PLACEHOLDERConstruction inspection
Review of nominated structural work during construction
- Location
- Replace with the actual project location
- Engineering scope
- Agreed inspection scope and available engineering drawings
- Outcome
- Add the actual outcome and approved project photographs
SERVICE QUESTIONS
Useful things to know.
Is an inspection the same as a building inspection?
A structural inspection focuses on structural questions. A general building or pest inspection has a different scope.
Can photographs replace a site inspection?
Photographs can help explain a concern, but they may not show the cause or the condition of concealed elements.
Will concealed elements be inspected?
Access and inspection limits should be agreed beforehand. Opening up or specialist testing may require a separate scope.
