Short answer
The engineer arrives with the background you have supplied, walks the building externally and internally, and examines the structure that can be seen — walls, floors, roof, lintels, beams, and any visible cracking or distortion. Cracks are measured and photographed, floor levels and verticality may be checked, and the likely load paths are established. Where the cause is not clear from a visual inspection, monitoring, opening-up or specialist testing may be recommended. A written report follows, setting out findings, likely causes, structural significance and recommended action.
Branded guidance note, prepared for project records and circulation to your team.
On the day
- External walk-round: ground levels, drainage, trees, previous repairs
- Internal inspection of accessible rooms, roof space and, where available, sub-floor
- Crack measurement, photography and location recording
- Discussion of history: when cracks appeared, whether they change seasonally, past works
How to prepare
- Clear access to roof spaces, cupboards and any affected areas
- Have drawings, previous reports and photographs available
- Note the dates when defects were first observed
- Confirm whether the property is occupied and any access restrictions
How BES is typically involved
- The Structural Inspection Assistant prepares a tailored checklist before the visit, which shortens the inspection and improves the report.
- BES issues a written appraisal with clear conclusions rather than open-ended caveats.
- Where remedial work is justified, BES can design it.
Typical process
- 01Preparation and information gathering
- 02Site inspection
- 03Assessment of findings
- 04Written report
- 05Follow-up investigation or remedial design
Common misconceptions
Commonly assumed
“The engineer will open up the structure on the day.”
In practice
Inspections are normally non-destructive. Opening-up is a separate, agreed exercise carried out by a contractor.
Commonly assumed
“A verbal opinion on site is enough.”
In practice
Site impressions are useful but the considered written appraisal is what lenders, insurers and building control rely on.
Related tools and services
Resource Centre tool
Structural Inspection Assistant
Prepare for a structural inspection by creating a tailored checklist of useful photographs, documents, observations and access information.
Start Inspection Assistant →Related questions
Discuss your project
General guidance only goes so far. Describe your building and what you are planning, and you will receive project-specific advice from a Chartered Structural Engineer.
Discuss Your Project →Next scheduled review August 2027
Disclaimer
Indicative result only. The calculation depends on the assumptions and information entered and does not constitute structural design or professional advice. Do not use the result for construction, procurement, Building Regulations submissions or safety-critical decisions. All results must be independently verified by a suitably qualified structural engineer before being used for design, construction or regulatory purposes. Bebbington Engineering Studio Ltd accepts no responsibility for reliance placed on unverified results.