Reason for contacting Structural Engineers Reports Ltd (SERL)
A prospective buyer contacted SERL based on recommendations from their RICS chartered surveyor and the vendor’s solicitors. Both parties endorsed us due to our well-known independence and expertise in structural engineering reports for the Raynes Park and South West London area.
The buyers required a structural engineer’s report to secure subsidence coverage for their buildings’ insurance, as it had been underpinned in the 1990s, and no documentation was available. At this time no current problems with the property had been observed by the owner.
SERL’s structural reporting service
In response to the client’s requirements our qualified Chartered Structural Engineer recommended a General Structural Inspection (GSI) report. In addition, providing the GSI report was favourable, we are able to offer a Certificate of Structural Adequacy for an additional fee.
SERL offers two types of structural report and a third Certificate in this instance:
1) A localised, specific, and limited Specific Structural Inspection (SSI) report or a Structural Engineers Defect Report.
2) A broader General Structural Inspection Report (GSI) or Structural Engineers General Movement Report which focuses only on matters of cracking and movement.
3) A Certificate of Structural Adequacy providing the GSI report is favourable.
Our Chartered Structural Engineer’s findings for the South West London property
The property showed indications of past settling, particularly near the front bay window, suggesting that area has been underpinned. However, there were no signs of recent movement or cracking.
SERL’s conclusions and recommendations
We confirmed that the house is stable, showing no evidence of recent movement. This allowed us to provide a positive report to our client, the buyer, enabling them to proceed with the purchase. Additionally, the satisfactory GSI report allowed us to issue a Certificate of Structural Adequacy, often required by lenders and building insurers.
The purchaser identified a chartered structural engineer as the appropriate professional to provide the specialist opinion needed for the mortgage approval. On this occasion, we were able to confirm that no current subsidence was occurring, which typically concerns lenders.
