
Cosey Homes
Specific Structural Inspection
Sometimes you may need a surveyor to visit your property to give advice on a specific area or issue.
At Cosey Homes, our experienced RICS accredited Chartered Surveyors produce some of the most insightful reports on the market. We offer a full range of RICS home surveys and specific structural inspections to give you the benefit of our professional expertise and help you make the right decision when it comes to your property and investments. We are experts in the construction of buildings and are recognised by all the major financial and insurance institutions.
What is a Specific Structural Inspection/Survey?
A Specific Structural Inspection, also known as a Specific Structural Survey or a Specific Defect Survey, focuses on a particular problem with the property’s structure or condition. The survey report goes into a similar level of detail as a general RICS Building Survey but it only covers a particular area of concern.
You may be satisfied with the overall condition of a property you wish to buy but are worried about a particular issue. In this case, a residential structural inspection would allow you to get in-depth information on the scope and urgency of the issue and the likely cost of remedial action. You can use the information to decide whether to proceed with the purchase or whether to renegotiate the price.
Sometimes, your home survey may flag up the need for further investigation by structural surveyors or engineers, or the mortgage lender may insist on a structural home inspection covering a specific defect before the loan is approved.
How does a Specific Structural Survey compare to a Full Structural Survey?
Formerly known as a full structural survey, a RICS Building Survey is a Level 3 investigation and the most comprehensive home survey carried out by Cosey Homes surveyors. Recommended for buildings that are older than 70-80 years or have significant historical damage, the survey report will provide an in-depth explanation of any defects found, based on a visual inspection of all the building elements, inside and out, including walls and ceilings, roof and guttering, windows and doors. It also includes an assessment of structural problems including subsidence, damp issues and timber decay, woodworm and rot.
While a structural Building Survey is a powerful tool to provide an overall assessment of the building’s condition and state of repair, there are limitations with regard to the amount of detail that can be given on each individual issue. In this case, the surveyor will recommend that a Specific Defect Survey be carried out to provide the extra information.

What does a Specific Structural Inspection/Survey include?
If you are looking for a detailed investigation into any specific structural building issue, our Specific Structural Inspections will deliver the answers you need. Our skilled Chartered Surveyors, Structural Engineers and Building Engineers can focus their investigations on any building issue that may be of concern.
From suspected subsidence, roof defects and dry rot to an assessment of the quality of recent building extensions or loft conversions and much more besides, our Specific Structural Survey report provides expert insights:
- Detailed descriptions of what is found during the site visit, along with relevant photographic evidence
- Recommendations for repairs and remedial works including cost estimates
- Recommendations for further investigations, where necessary, and cost estimates
- Designs and structural calculations for remedial works upon request
Whatever specific building defect or issue you may need to address, you are in good hands with Cosey Homes Chartered Surveyors. Contact us to discuss your requirements for Specific Structural Inspection and get an instant online quote here.
Here are some typical examples that a Specific Structural Inspection may cover:
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Wall or ceiling cracks and suspected subsidence
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Quality of loft conversion
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Issues with supporting structures or wall removals
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Roof and chimney defects
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Damp, timber decay or infestation
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Quality of brickwork
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Steel beam corrosion
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Non-standard construction survey
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