Pre-Purchase Structural Inspection in Birmingham — GSI Report
Service: Full House Structural Inspection · Location: Birmingham · Cost: £681
The problem
A couple purchasing an Edwardian terraced house in Birmingham wanted a full structural inspection before exchange. They had specific concerns about the roof structure — the property had an older rear dormer extension and a single-storey kitchen extension at the back — but also wanted assurance that the main structure of the house was sound. Their solicitor recommended commissioning a full structural inspection rather than relying on the general RICS survey.
What we did
We carried out a General Structural Inspection (GSI) covering all main structural elements: the roof structure including the dormer, the main external and internal load-bearing walls, the ground floors (both suspended timber at the front and a later concrete slab at the rear extension), the foundations as far as could be assessed without intrusive investigation, and the rear kitchen extension.
Key findings from the inspection:
- The main roof structure was in good condition. Original rafters and ceiling joists were undamaged with no evidence of spread or movement.
- The dormer extension was structurally adequate but showed minor weathering around the junction with the main roof — we noted this as requiring monitoring and recommended re-pointing the junction in our report.
- The rear kitchen extension had a flat roof with no structural defects visible, though the roof covering itself (outside our structural scope) was noted as likely approaching end of life.
- The main walls showed no cracking or movement beyond minor cosmetic hairline cracks in the plasterwork, consistent with normal thermal movement.
- No evidence of subsidence or foundation movement was identified.
The written GSI report was issued within five working days of the site visit.
The cost
The GSI was priced at £681. Our standard GSI is £585; a Zone C travel surcharge of £96 applies to Birmingham postcodes. The total was confirmed in the quote before booking — no surprises on the invoice.
The outcome
The report confirmed the structure was sound. The buyers proceeded to exchange. They used the report's minor recommendations — re-pointing the dormer junction and monitoring the flat roof covering — as a negotiation point with the sellers and agreed a small price reduction to cover future maintenance. The purchase completed without issue.