General FAQ’s

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding Structural Engineers’ reports and when they are needed.

General FAQs

A Structural Engineer’s Report is a written report on the structural condition of a building. It follows an inspection on the strength, safety and repair of the building’s skeleton structure, which includes the foundations, walls and, in some cases, the roof.

A Structural Engineer’s report is usually requested by a third party such as a mortgage lender or insurer. It might also be recommended by a Chartered Surveyor as a result of their own building survey which has indicated the need for specialist investigation. Some property buyers or vendors simply want to have the reassurance that an expert, unbiased Structural Engineer can provide.

Pole offers 2 types of report

We offer two types of Structural Engineers’ reports which are tailored to suit each client’s particular circumstances; and the fees will vary depending on the type and scope of the report.

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CEng MIStructE or CEng FIStructE

The MISstructE designation is the most highly respected mark of expertise in the structural engineering profession and stands for Member of The Institution of Structural Engineers. www.Istructe.org

As well as the right professional qualifications, it is important that a fully chartered structural engineer has proper Professional Indemnity Insurance and not simply Public Liability Insurance too.

qualifications of a structural engineer

Q: Pole has two types of structural reports to meet the different needs of clients, lenders and insurers.

Q: Does the building have a range of structural concerns such as cracks or bulges?

A: You need our Structural Engineers GENERAL MOVEMENT report

Q: Does the building only have a single structural defect such as one crack in a wall?

A: You need our Structural Engineers DEFECT INSPECTION report

The two reports vary in cost, see the next FAQ.

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The price of the report will vary and is dependent on the size and location of the property. But as a general guide:

£ 1,000+vat for a specific Defect Inspection Report

£ 1500 +vat for a General Movement Report (properties up to of 3,000 sq. ft)

The report fee includes travel to and from the site, the building inspection, the recording of our findings at the site, producing the comprehensive written report and all communications. Our fees also reflect our leading position in the industry, the full-time nature of our work, our dedicated teams of fully-insured, professional staff and long-established high street location.

Please contact us for an instant quote and appointment.

Never compromise on quality and safety

You will find that structural reports vary a great deal in price. However, please be aware, that a lower price is often the result of using junior, part-qualified or less-experienced staff, or structural engineers working in their spare time without overheads and insurance. Pole Structural Engineers’ Reports are not the cheapest, but we believe they offer real value for money and provide the highest standard of service to give you peace of mind.

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Our structural reports are normally issued within 48 hours. In very urgent cases, we will aim to deliver the next day. You won’t have to wait longer than a week.

Pole has a dedicated team of structural engineers, which allows us to respond quickly. We aim to provide a same-day verbal report and next-day written report in most cases.

These are exceptionally fast turnaround times for structural engineer reports and are one of the reasons we come highly recommended.

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Our structural reports are written in plain English and are as clear and concise as possible.

Your report will contain:

  • A one-page summary.
  • Our findings, with conclusions and recommendations.
  • Estimated costs for repairs and suggested building firms
  • A full description of the issues with clear explanations
  • will-your-structural-engineers-report-be-clear

Pole specialises in producing structural engineers’ reports; and we’ve been doing so every week for over 40 years. Every structural report is carried out by a qualified Chartered Structural Engineer (CEng MIStructE). Simon Pole, our practice principal, undertakes most of the structural inspections. Simon is chartered in three different Institutions and is a:

  • Fellow of the Institution of Structural Engineers (CEng FIStructE).
  • Chartered Civil Engineer (MICE),
  • Chartered Building Surveyor (MRICS)
  • Member of the Academy of Experts (MAE) providing Expert Reports for litigation purposes.

Simon is also a regular lecturer on topics ranging from basements and party walls to diagnosing cracking and producing reports for the Institution of Structural Engineers and other bodies.

what-is-your-experience

  • We are highly qualified chartered structural engineers
  • We provide a fast service, often the next day and always within a week
  • Our reporting is clear and decisive
  • We make recommendations for repair work, costs, and contractors.
  • We have a helpline for any questions or advice
  • Our service is friendly, helpful and reliable

But don’t just take our word for it, please read our Client Testimonials.

We know we are not the cheapest, but we do provide real value for money through our experience, fast turnaround times, and exceptionally high standards.

Do remember, that as with most things you get what you pay for, and a structural report is too important to be commissioned on the lowest price alone.

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