What are Structural Engineers? What services do they provide?
A Chartered Structural Engineer is a professional person who deals with the design, construction and maintenance of buildings. He or she will be a member, or a fellow, of the Institution of Structural Engineers or the Institution of Civil Engineers, and will have one of the following sets of initials after his or her name; MIStructE, FIStructE, MICE, FICE.
Structural Engineers are often asked to look at structural problems with buildings. These can be problems involving the foundations and/or the walls and/or the roof structure. As a general rule Structural Engineers do not normally look at the non-structural elements of the building (electrics, plumbing, carpets, decoration etc).
Properties built over chalk ground are usually fairly stable structures but when built over shrinkable clay soils, problems can occur if the foundations are not made deep enough. Cracks in walls can indicate the need for costly repairs in the future but sometimes cracks can turn out to be no problem at all. Roof structures sometimes begin to sink under the weight of roof tiles above and expert repairs are often needed. Problems with chimneys are another area where expert help from a Structural Engineer can be useful.
The Local Surveyors Direct website can put you in touch with a wide range of Chartered Engineers and other property professionals. Please click one of the following links for more information.
Structural Inspections
Structural Design and Calculations
Building Regulations
Party Wall
Historic Buildings
Expert Witness
For more for information on general survey requirements click here for advice on the differences between surveys to find out which type of survey might be appropriate for your property.
If you are a Chartered Structural Engineer and you want to find out more about being listed on this website, please click here.