Structural Engineers vs Building Surveyors: Who Do You Need for Your Project?

What is a building surveyor?

A building surveyor assesses the overall condition of a property. They examine a wide range of elements, from roofs and walls to drainage systems and damp, providing a comprehensive picture of the building's current state. Their work is particularly valuable when purchasing commercial premises or planning maintenance programmes.

Chartered building surveyors hold RICS accreditation and follow strict professional standards. They can identify defects, highlight compliance issues, advise on repair costs, and flag areas requiring further specialist investigation. A building survey looks at the property as a whole, rather than focusing exclusively on its structural components.

For commercial properties, a building survey typically covers the condition of external walls, windows, and roofing, internal elements such as floors, ceilings, and joinery, building services including heating, plumbing, and electrics, signs of damp, timber decay, or pest infestation, as well as general compliance with building regulations.

What is a structural engineer?

A chartered structural engineer specialises in the integrity and stability of a building's load-bearing elements. They focus on the "skeleton" of the property: foundations, beams, columns, load-bearing walls, and roof structures. Their expertise lies in analysing how forces move through a building and ensuring it can safely support the loads placed upon it.

Structural engineers hold qualifications such as CEng (Chartered Engineer) and MIStructE (Member of the Institution of Structural Engineers). They provide calculations, technical drawings, and design solutions that satisfy building control requirements.

A structural survey examines specific concerns in depth, rather than assessing the property as a whole. This focused approach is essential when structural alterations are planned or when defects such as significant cracking or movement have been identified.

Building survey vs structural survey: the key differences

The simplest way to understand the distinction is breadth versus depth. A building survey evaluates the entire property and its systems, while a structural survey focuses solely on the structural components.

Building surveys are typically commissioned before purchasing a property or as part of a planned maintenance programme. They provide a general health check and highlight areas requiring attention. Structural surveys, on the other hand, are commissioned when specific structural issues arise or when alterations to load-bearing elements are planned.

When do I need a building surveyor?

You should appoint a building surveyor when you are:

• Purchasing a commercial property and require a comprehensive condition assessment
• Planning a maintenance or refurbishment programme and need to understand the current state of the building
• Entering or exiting a lease and require a schedule of condition or dilapidations assessment
• Seeking an independent overview of defects and repair costs before making investment decisions.

A building surveyor acts as your first port of call for most property-related enquiries. If their inspection reveals structural concerns, they will recommend that you instruct a structural engineer for further investigation.

When do I need a structural engineer?

You should appoint a structural engineer when you are:

• Removing or altering load-bearing walls as part of a refurbishment or reconfiguration project
• Constructing an extension that requires foundation design and connection to the existing building
• Investigating significant cracking, movement, subsidence, or bulging walls
• Satisfying a mortgage lender or insurer who has requested a specialist structural report
• Requiring technical calculations and drawings for building control approval.

Structural engineers provide the detailed analysis and design work necessary to ensure your building remains safe and compliant following any structural changes.

Do I need both professionals?

In many cases, the answer is yes. A building surveyor provides the initial assessment that identifies potential issues across the entire property. If structural concerns are discovered, a structural engineer then provides the specialist expertise to diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate solutions.

For complex commercial projects involving both acquisition and subsequent alteration, instructing both professionals ensures you have comprehensive coverage of all risks and requirements.

Speak to our building consultancy team

Choosing the right professional for your project is essential for protecting your investment and ensuring compliance. Our building consultancy team includes RICS-accredited chartered surveyors who can advise on the most appropriate survey for your circumstances and coordinate with structural engineers where specialist input is required.

With over 180 years of experience and 35 offices nationwide, BTG Eddisons is here to support your commercial property needs. Call 0800 051 2593 or complete the form below to discuss your requirements with our team.