Structural engineering assessments for homeowners, surveyors and property professionals where cracking, movement or another structural concern has been identified.
Whether your surveyor has flagged a potential issue, you are concerned about cracking or movement, or you need a structural report before or after a property purchase — we can help.
A structural engineering assessment may be carried out following a desktop review of photographs, drawings and survey information, or following a site inspection of the property. The appropriate approach depends on the nature and complexity of the concern.
Where a site inspection, opening-up works, drainage investigation, monitoring or any other further investigation is required, we will advise clearly before any fee is confirmed. The scope is agreed in writing before work proceeds — you will not be committed to anything without understanding exactly what is involved.
The appropriate service type depends on the nature of the structural concern and the information available. We confirm the right scope before work begins.
A focused structural report responding to a clearly defined concern — cracking, movement, roof spread, a removed wall, localised settlement or another specific structural defect identified during a property survey or inspection.
Suitable where a surveyor has identified one or more specific structural issues requiring specialist assessment. The report sets out our assessment of the likely cause, significance and recommended next steps.
Available following a desktop review or site inspection, depending on the nature of the concern.
Following a site visit to inspect the relevant areas of the property. We assess the structural concern in person, take notes and photographs, and prepare a clear written report setting out our findings, assessment and recommendations.
Suitable where photographs and survey information are not sufficient to form a reliable view without visiting the property, or where the nature of the concern requires a physical inspection.
Includes a site inspection and a written structural report.
For more complex properties or where several structural concerns have been identified and require assessment together. Suitable where a surveyor has raised multiple structural issues or where the property has a history of movement, alteration or structural concern.
The scope is confirmed before instruction and may include a site inspection and review of any available historic information or previous structural reports.
Scope confirmed at the time of enquiry.
Where adequate photographs, drawings and survey information are available, a preliminary structural assessment can be carried out without an initial site inspection. This is appropriate in some — but not all — situations.
We will advise whether a desktop review is appropriate for your particular concern or whether a site inspection is required before a reliable assessment can be made.
We will not recommend a desktop review where a site inspection is needed to form a reliable view.
The following are among the structural concerns most commonly referred to us following a Level 2 or Level 3 Home Survey.
Assessment of crack patterns, width, distribution and orientation to determine likely cause and structural significance.
Assessment of distortion, racking, differential settlement and other evidence of historic or ongoing structural movement.
Assessment of foundation movement, shrinkable clay soils, drainage-related movement and tree proximity concerns.
Assessment of masonry distortion, wall tie failure, loss of restraint, overloading or inadequate lateral support.
Assessment of roof thrust and rafter spread where inadequate ties, collar positions or previous roof alterations are a concern.
Assessment of cracking above or around openings, failed or corroding lintels and wall movement associated with inadequate support.
Assessment of whether previous wall removals have been carried out correctly, with adequate structural support in place.
Assessment of whether chimney breast removals have been properly supported, and whether any residual structural concern exists.
Assessment of shallow foundations, inadequate bearing, heave, settlement and other foundation-related structural concerns.
Assessment of retaining walls, garden walls and boundary structures showing signs of distortion, movement or structural deficiency.
Assessment of evidence of past structural movement — whether it is likely to be historic and stable or indicative of an ongoing issue.
Assessment of previous alterations, extensions and structural changes where the adequacy of the original works is in question.
If you regularly prepare residential property surveys, Design Axis can act as a structural engineering referral point when specialist structural input is required.
Simply send the relevant survey extract, photographs and property details. We will review the issue, confirm the appropriate scope and provide a fixed fee before proceeding.
Our reports are written clearly and are suitable for forwarding directly to the purchaser, solicitor or other property professional involved in the transaction.
If you would like to discuss how Design Axis can support your practice when structural specialist input is required, get in touch by email.
There is no obligation, and we are happy to explain our approach before you make any referral.
Discuss Surveyor ReferralsAlternatively, to make an initial referral, send the relevant survey extract, photographs and property details directly to info@designaxis.uk and we will review and respond.
The same straightforward process applies whether you need a defect report, a structural inspection or a desktop review.
Send the relevant survey extract, photographs, property address and details of the structural concern. You do not need to send the whole survey report.
We review the information and advise whether a desktop assessment or site inspection is appropriate, and whether any further information is needed.
The scope, fee and expected turnaround are confirmed in writing before any work proceeds. No commitment is required to receive a quote.
You receive a clear structural report setting out our assessment, the likely cause, significance and recommended action. We respond to any follow-up queries directly.
I was recommended Tristan Wilkinson and Design Axis by Carpenter Surveyors to provide a structural survey on a property we are buying.
Tristan initially reviewed the survey from Carpenter and recommended a site visit. This was arranged quickly. His report was issued a few days after the site visit and was very thorough, and included some very helpful photographs of the concerns expressed in the original survey. His report was very clear and concise and advised on recommendations to be carried out to mitigate the issue identified. I was very pleased with the service from Tristan and Design Axis — they were very easy to deal with and spoke in terms that were easy to understand.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Tristan and Design Axis to anyone looking for a structural surveyor.
As a first time buyer the process of organising surveys was something completely new to me and quite overwhelming. From the beginning Tristan was extremely helpful. He explained everything so that I could understand, was supportive and informative and made the whole process extremely easy. He responded quickly to all communication and never made me feel like I was a bother! An absolute delight to deal with and I would highly recommend his services.
I would highly recommend Tristan Wilkinson for their excellent service and professionalism.
I needed foundation calculations for my building project at relatively short notice, and they were extremely helpful in accommodating my requirements. They provided the calculations promptly and professionally, giving me confidence that the foundation design had been properly considered and was suitable for the project.
Communication was clear throughout, and they were responsive, knowledgeable, and easy to deal with. I really appreciated their willingness to assist within a tight timeframe without compromising on the quality of their work.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Tristan Wilkinson to anyone looking for a reliable and professional structural engineering service.
We recently had the pleasure of working with Tristan as both our architect and structural engineer for our extension, and we honestly couldn't recommend him highly enough.
From our very first conversation, Tristan was friendly, approachable and really took the time to understand what we wanted to achieve. He didn't just look at the plans and get on with it — he listened to our ideas, talked everything through with us and gave us advice and suggestions where needed, which was really appreciated.
His attention to detail was excellent, and it was clear throughout the whole process that he has a huge amount of knowledge and experience. He was thorough with everything, explained things clearly and was always happy to answer any questions we had, no matter how small.
What really stood out to us was how easy Tristan was to deal with. He was professional but also very personable, and we always felt that he genuinely cared about getting the best possible result for us. He made what could have been quite a complicated process feel straightforward and manageable.
We are extremely happy with the work he carried out for us and the level of service we received. It's not often you come across someone who is so knowledgeable, reliable and easy to work with.
10/10 from us — brilliant service, excellent knowledge and a genuinely great person to deal with from start to finish.
We have hired Design Axis on 2 occasions and have found them to be extremely professional with very detailed reports.
On the first instruction, structural slab details were required by our client. We supplied slab core samples along with bore hole results to Design Axis, and they provided a fully detailed and comprehensive report — our client was very impressed.
On the second instruction, our client had an issue with a collapsing wall to a main line railway embankment. We employed Design Axis to make a site visit to investigate and provide a full report. Design Axis supplied an impressive multi-page report, and the client was so impressed they have asked for a programme to commence all works as itemised.
We have used different structural engineers over the past 40 years, but Design Axis are without doubt the best for us. We will certainly use them again.
Send us the relevant survey extract, photographs or details of the structural concern. We will review the information and confirm a fixed fee — no commitment required.
info@designaxis.uk