Structural inspections and engineering reports for existing buildings.
Cracking, movement, corrosion, decay, storm damage and other building defects require assessment in the context of the structure and its load path. Elite provides structural inspections and engineering reports to document the observed condition, assess the apparent structural significance and recommend monitoring, further investigation, repair or rectification where required.
Common reasons for a structural inspection.
Elite defines the inspection and reporting scope around the structure, the reported concern and the intended use of the report.
Movement and cracking
- Cracking in masonry, concrete, plasterboard or finishes
- Suspected footing or building movement
- Sagging, deflection or distortion
Damage and deterioration
- Corrosion, concrete spalling or exposed reinforcement
- Timber decay, termite damage or connection concerns
- Storm, impact, water or accidental damage
Existing buildings and alterations
- Alterations completed without clear structural documentation
- Pre-purchase or due-diligence structural concerns
- Requests from builders, insurers, body corporates or certifiers
- Assessment before repair or renovation work
Inspection and reporting scope.
The agreed scope is defined by the structure, the reported concern and the purpose of the assessment or report.
Document review and site inspection
Elite reviews available plans, photographs and reports, carries out the site inspection and relevant measurements, and identifies the structural system and visible load paths.
Engineering assessment
Elite assesses cracking, movement, damage or deterioration in the context of the structural system, together with relevant moisture, level, drainage and external influences. Preliminary calculations or structural checks are completed where required by the agreed scope.
Recommendations and reporting
Elite identifies the required monitoring, opening-up, testing, repair, rectification or further investigation. A written engineering report is prepared where included in the agreed scope.
Visual inspection, evidence and further investigation.
A visual inspection cannot verify concealed reinforcement, footing dimensions, welds, bolts, tie-downs, framing connections or subsurface conditions unless suitable evidence or opening-up is available.
Further investigation where required
- Targeted excavation
- Localised removal of linings or finishes
- Material testing
- Level survey
- Drainage investigation
- Geotechnical information
- Monitoring over time
- Review by a relevant specialist
Typical deliverables.
Depending on the agreed scope, deliverables may include:
- Inspection observations
- Photographs and marked-up images
- Assessment of apparent structural significance
- Probable causes or contributing factors where reasonably supported by the available evidence
- Recommended actions
- Repair concept or rectification scope
- Advice about further investigation
- Engineering report
Information required to define the inspection scope.
- Project address or suburb and intended use of the report
- A concise description of the concern and when it was first noticed
- Clear overall and close-up photographs
- Available drawings and relevant reports
- Council, certifier, insurer or legal correspondence
- Preferred timeframe
Important: An inspection report is prepared for the agreed purpose and client. It does not constitute certification of the whole building unless that scope is expressly included and supported by the necessary investigation.
Contact Elite about a structural concern.
Send the project location, photographs, a brief description of the concern and any available drawings or reports. Elite will review the information and advise the appropriate inspection and reporting scope.