Along with most other structural engineers, we offer Certificates of Structural Adequacy on subsidence repairs that we have been involved with advising on.
We are also able to provide them on subsidence repairs that we have not been involved with – provided we are satisfied that the repair has been responsibly undertaken and the property has stabilised. This may involve a desk study of available paperwork and a property inspection, or in some cases a site investigation to confirm (for example) that underpinning has been satisfactorily executed. Such Certificates are not always given on completion of subsidence repairs at the time by the supervising engineer, surveyor or loss adjuster, and this can lead to difficulties in obtaining insurance cover later. With a retrospective CSA, however, insurance cover on reasonable terms is more easily available. All our work is backed by professional indemnity insurance cover – which gives the insurer the reassurance they need to offer subsidence cover.
CSAs are available from £295 + vat – depending on location, what information is available and whether or not intrusive investigations are necessary. These are available whether the work was carried out on your behalf or for a previous owner. We also offer a follow-up inspection report in cases where a CSA has already been given but assurance is needed that the property has remained stable since.
A CSA is a single page document giving information about the cause of the subsidence, what mitigation measures were undertaken to resolve it, and what repairs were carried out. It is certified by a structural engineer, building surveyor or other appropriate professional with extensive experience in this field, following a study of the available paperwork and an inspection of the building, and backed by professional indemnity insurance cover. The IStructE guide states “Such a Certificate would not be a Warranty or Guarantee but it would be a considered professional opinion by an Expert”. Whilst it is not a guarantee, it is widely accepted by insurers and lenders as evidence of what the cause of the subsidence was found to be and how it was resolved.
Contact us for a quote – email subsidence@bandsc.co.uk with your contact telephone number and property address together with details and date of the repair undertaken.