Short answer
A structural appraisal is an engineering assessment of an existing structure: what it is made of, what condition it is in, what it can safely carry, and whether it suits its current or proposed use. It goes beyond a visual inspection by combining observation with calculation — establishing member sizes, estimating material strengths, checking capacity against present and future loading, and identifying where strengthening is needed. Appraisals support change of use, added plant, new floors, refurbishment, insurance and purchase decisions, and remedial design following damage.
Branded guidance note, prepared for project records and circulation to your team.
What an appraisal involves
- Review of any available record drawings and previous reports
- Site inspection and measurement of structural members
- Material assessment, sometimes with testing or opening-up
- Capacity calculations for existing and proposed loading
- Conclusions on adequacy, with strengthening options where needed
When appraisals are commissioned
- Change of use with increased floor loading
- Installation of plant, mezzanines or heavy equipment
- Damage following fire, impact, flood or overload
- Purchase or refinance due diligence
- Refurbishment of an undocumented building
How BES is typically involved
- BES agrees the appraisal scope and the intended loading before starting, so the conclusion answers the actual question.
- Where record information is absent, BES advises on the survey or opening-up required.
- Strengthening design follows directly where the appraisal identifies a shortfall.
Typical process
- 01Define the question and the loading to be assessed
- 02Gather record information
- 03Inspect and measure
- 04Calculate capacity
- 05Report, with strengthening options if required
Common misconceptions
Commonly assumed
“An appraisal is the same as a visual survey.”
In practice
A visual survey reports condition; an appraisal calculates capacity against defined loading.
Commonly assumed
“Old structures are inherently unsafe.”
In practice
Many older structures have substantial reserve. Assessment often confirms adequacy without any works.
Related tools and services
Resource Centre tool
Steel Section Capacity Checker
Verify a steel section you have already selected — bending, shear, deflection, web bearing, web crushing and approximate lateral-torsional buckling, with utilisation and reserve capacity.
Open Capacity Checker →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.