Do I need a structural engineer for possible unsupported brickwork?

katepower

Hi all,

I am buying a two bed Victorian terrace. I have just had a buildings survey done, and the surveyor has noted that the chimney Breast has been removed from the living room and that I will need a structural surveyor to comment on the brickwork and whether this is already supported or needs further work Done. He has also suggested that the whole property is inspected, not just the chimney area, which I thought was odd. I also thought this was something the surveyor would be able to provide more info on, but when I asked him stated that it was above his remit and a structural engineer is needed.

I was wondering if anyone had had this issue before, and if so whether a structural survey of the area is needed, which would cost me about £230, or whether another professional ie a builder Could be used?

eddddy

katepower wrote: »

I was wondering if anyone had had this issue before, and if so whether a structural survey of the area is needed, which would cost me about £230, or whether another professional ie a builder Could be used?

A good builder might be able to give you good advice, and tell you whether the structural support is adequate.

A bad builder might give you bad advice.

If you check that the structural engineer is a member of the Institute of Structural Engineers, they will have passed exams on the topic, and have relevant experience. So you can be more certain that the advice given is good.

Check the Membership Grade of a structural engineer you have in mind, and see what they needed to do to achieve that grade: https://www.istructe.org/membership/types-of-membership

BrassicWoman

You are about to invest thousands of pounds. I'd pay for the proper professional to give me assurance (or not) that the place isn't going to come tumbling down before I invested that much.