What it is
What is an overall structural appraisal?
This report focuses on the structural elements of the property. It leaves out building services and internal fittings, so the inspection and the report concentrate on the parts that matter most before significant work begins.
It suits a property you already know you will be renovating or renewing, where a full building survey would spend time on finishes and fittings that are about to change.
What it looks at
Roof and chimneys
The roof structure and coverings, as far as they can be seen, and chimneys.
Walls and movement
Main walls, visible signs of movement or cracking, and damp or decay affecting the structure.
Who it helps
Who is an overall structural appraisal for?
Anyone planning major work on a property who wants a clear view of its structure first.
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Owners planning a major refurbishment
Before you commit to plans, budgets or contractors.
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Buyers of a project property
When you already intend to strip out and renew.
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Owners of older or altered homes
Where past changes raise questions about the structure.
YOUR REPORT
What you receive
A written report on the structural elements of the property. If you also need building services and internal fittings covered, a RICS Level 3 Building Survey is the better choice.
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Findings on the roof, walls, floors and visible foundations
Who carries it out
Appraisals are carried out by our chartered building surveyors, David Knight MRICS MISVA and Joe Knight MSc MRICS, from our office in Horsforth, across West and North Yorkshire.
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What we find, explained in plain English and in proportion
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What it means for the work you are planning
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Building services and internal fittings are not included
Where something needs a specialist, such as a structural engineer or a drainage or timber specialist, we say so.
You can speak to the surveyor who inspected the property about the findings.
Choosing the right report
Structural appraisal, specific defect report or Level 3?
A specific defect report looks at one issue, such as a crack or damp patch. An overall structural appraisal looks at the whole structure, without services and fittings. A RICS Level 3 Building Survey is the most thorough report on the whole property.
Buying a home? See our RICS Level 2 Home Survey and RICS Level 3 Building Survey. Concerned about one issue? See our Specific Defect Report.
Overall structural appraisal
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The whole structure of the property
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Leaves out building services and internal fittings
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Best before major works
RICS Level 3 Building Survey
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The whole property, inside and out
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Includes building services and fittings
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The most thorough report on the whole property
QUESTIONS
Questions about structural appraisals
Is a structural appraisal the same as a structural engineer's report?
No. It is a chartered building surveyor's independent appraisal of the structure. If calculations or a structural design are needed, we will tell you and can recommend you speak to a structural engineer.
Is it the same as a "full structural survey"?
"Full structural survey" is an older name for what is now the RICS Level 3 Building Survey, which covers the whole property. An overall structural appraisal looks only at the structure.
I'm buying a house to renovate. Which do I need?
If you plan to replace services and fittings anyway, a structural appraisal is often the better fit. If you are unsure, tell us about the property and your plans and we will recommend the right report.
Ask about a structural appraisal
Tell us about the property
Send an enquiry and we'll call you to discuss the property, or we can email the fee quote if you prefer.
CALL
0113 293 0600
admin@knightsurveys.co.uk
VISIT
Network House, Lister Hill, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 5AZ
