Professional needed?

[Reggie1]

Hi everyone, 

 

I live in a semi detached 1910 house.

 

I'm trying to figure out if I need a structural engineer and if so how to find one, and what I need from one, and how much to budget for this. 

 

I've constructed a detailed report,  with pictures and floor plans.

 

1) What do I ask them?

2) Will my report prevent them from finding issues other than ive identified?

3) I intend to stay in the house,  so need a specification to pass to contractors to fix the issues. 

 

How should I approach this?

 

I've found this template,  is it lacking, or in need of changing?

 

"""

 

Subject: Enquiry: Structural Inspection & Report for Older Residential Property (Your Town/Postcode)

Hi [Engineer's Name or Team],
I am looking to hire a structural engineer to inspect my home and provide a report on several specific structural concerns.

 

It is an older property, and we are planning to carry out remedial works using contractors for our own long-term occupation.

I have prepared a preliminary document detailing my concerns, complete with house plans, internal/external photographs, attic space conditions, and drone footage of the roof and upper masonry.

Before sending the document over for a quote, could you please confirm:

 

1) Do you have specific experience working with older/period residential properties?

2) Are you comfortable providing  structural specifications that can be handed to contractors to carry out the work?

 

3) Are you chartered (MIStructE / MICE), and do you carry adequate Professional Indemnity Insurance for residential diagnostics?

4) What is your current lead time for site visits?

If you are able to assist, please let me know and I will forward the documentation so you can provide an accurate quote for the survey.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

 

"""

 

 

 

[JohnMo]

Looks AI generated.

 

Not sure what your full scope of work is, but speak to an architect first. They will get proper drawing done and engage a structural engineer as needed.

 

If you think you need a structural engineer you most likely doing stuff you need planning for anyway.

[saveasteading]

19 minutes ago, Reggie1 said:

if I need a structural engineer

We can't tell. What sort of issue concerns you?

 

If, for example,  it is damp and rot and insulation then an Architect or Building Surveyor is your best bet IFFFF the Architect is a doing person rather than of the arty persuasion.

 

If walls are cracked and you fear the strength of the building then an Engineer is essential, and you'll end up with one anyway.

 

22 minutes ago, Reggie1 said:

Will my report prevent them from finding issues other than i've identified?

Absolutely not. They will insist on seeing the building holistically because what you have reported on may be a symptom rather than the fundamental issue.

Then you just have to be sure to check the rest of the house out too, if concerned.

 

To me, as an Engineer, if I received that sort of enquiry it would seem exaggeratedly contractual, and I would prefer a simple enquiry in plain English.

"I'm concerned about my 1910 house because it has cracks and  damp....etc"

 

Or phone.

A professional will tell you if it isn't what they do or doesn't suit their business model.

 

I suggest you agree initially  to a site visit and preliminary inspection. a few £hundred. Only after that can the scope be discussed properly.

 

But back to the start. Can you tell us any more about your concerns?