FAQ

The length of a survey is very much dependent on the surveyors findings and the size of the property.

We also take into account what is required for the survey. For example, a survey inspecting numerous cracks on a property can take anywhere between 1-3 hours, depending on shape, size and area.

Whereas, a structural survey which is focusing on finding out whether a wall is load bearing or not, can take longer due to the amount of checks that are required.

For our Structural Surveys, our structural engineers work out of our London office and covers the London and surrounding areas.

We have an office based in Uxbridge and surveyors based in the north of London and in the South East of London. We also cover Berkshire.

After every structural survey that we conduct here at Alpine Surveys, within 7-10 working days, our client will receive an in-depth and detailed report.

Within the report it will explain all of our surveyors findings and a list of recommendations for the rectification works.

You can provide this report to a reputable builder who will then be able to provide a quote to rectify any issues found

The cost of a structural survey varies depending on a few things. Firstly, it would depend on which specific survey you are after.

Are you requiring a General Structural Survey, or a Specific Structural Survey, which, focuses on an area of concern, such as removing a chimney breast.

A full structural survey, also known as a general structural survey, focuses on the whole property and investigates for any subsidence, cracks, fractures, deterioration and suitability of load bearing beams etc.

We would also take into account the size of the property. For a more accurate and personalised quote, please contact one of our team members on 0330 333 9238 or contact us

All our structural engineers are qualified to high standards. You can learn more about them on our team page.

If you are making structural alterations to a property, you will almost certainly need to get building regulations approval. This includes almost any extension, any loft or garage conversion and removal of load-bearing walls.

Ideally, building regulations approval should be obtained before construction works are started. There are two types of application.

A ‘Full Plans’ application allows you to get approval for your plans, so that as long as the building work does not differ from those plans, you can be sure that the works will be approved once completed.

A ‘Buildings Notice’ application is quicker and cheaper, but does not allow you get any kind of approval before carrying out the works. Instead, it simply informs the authority that you will be starting a construction project, and lets them know that they need to schedule inspections.

There are many structural surveyors who will compile basic calculations & design for your project from plans alone, without once stepping onto the property.

We believe the only true way to get an accurate representation of your project and provide the required calculations and design is to attend the property, take essential measurements and get an understanding of the proposed works.

By doing this, we are able to provide accurate calculations and design that will allow you to complete the project without interruption.

As we are an independent surveying company, we do not work in association with anyone, including builders.

Therefore we do not undertake the remedial works, and have no financial interest in any works we recommend. We do list the specific works needed in our comprehensive reports.

If you have the work carried out in the report exactly as it is laid out, this will resolve the issues you are experiencing.