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Structural inspection checklist

A structural inspection checklist for a visual inspection of an existing building, or of a new one at a structural milestone, filled in on a phone. Record the building, its form of construction, previous reports and what you could not see. Then walk it area by area: foundations where visible, walls, columns, beams, lintels, floors, roof structure, stairs, retaining walls and balconies. Record each defect as an observation with its element, material, type, extent, crack width or deflection, photos and GPS, and give it a recommendation. Write your assessment in your own words, list further investigations and any make-safe measures, and finish with actions and signatures. The PDF report is ready to send. For repeat crack readings, use the crack monitoring record.

For structural engineers, building surveyors, property managers and building owners recording a visual structural inspection before purchase, after damage, before alterations or as a periodic check.

Written for any country. Choose metric or US units on page 1. Choosing England, Wales or the United States shows short notes on the law there; your own assessment and local rules decide everything else.

  • Building details, form of construction, previous reports, drawings, alterations and the limits of the inspection
  • Area by area, each observation with element, material, defect type, extent, photos and GPS
  • Crack width and length, and span and deflection with the span divided by deflection worked out; measure from photo gives an estimate
  • Your own assessment, further investigations, make-safe measures and a recommendation for every defect
  • Actions with priority, owner and due date, a PDF report and signatures
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What is included in a structural inspection report?

A structural inspection report is useful when it says plainly what was and was not seen, records each defect once with its element, measurements, photos and position, and ends every defect with a recommendation and an owner. The client can then act on it, and a later inspector can tell whether anything has changed.

Last updated . Facts checked by the SiteSurvey team on 27 October 2026 against Building Safety Act 2022, section 62: meaning of building safety risk (legislation.gov.uk), Building Safety Act 2022, section 65: meaning of higher-risk building (legislation.gov.uk), Building Safety Act 2022, section 83: assessment of building safety risks (legislation.gov.uk), Building Act 1984, section 77: dangerous building (legislation.gov.uk), Building Act 1984, section 78: dangerous building, emergency measures (legislation.gov.uk) and Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, regulation 19: stability of structures (legislation.gov.uk).

How to carry out a structural inspection

Agree the brief with the client first, and say at the start what you will and will not be able to see.

  1. Set up the inspection

    Enter the client, your role, where the building is, the reason for the inspection and the brief.

  2. Record the building

    Note the use, storeys, age and form of construction, any previous reports and drawings, known alterations and the limits of what you can see.

  3. Walk each area

    Add each part of the building as an area, say how much of it you could see, and photograph it.

  4. Record each defect once

    Add an observation with the element, material, what you saw and the extent. Measure crack widths and lengths, or span and deflection, and take a wide photo and a close-up with a scale.

  5. Give your assessment

    Write your assessment in your own words, tick the further investigations you recommend and record any make-safe measures and who you told.

  6. Actions and sign-off

    List each repair, investigation and monitoring task with a priority, owner and date, choose the decision and sign. Share the PDF with the client.

What makes a structural inspection report useful

Observations in this area, one item each with element, material, defect type, extent, measurements, photos and a recommendation

S3, first floor rear office 1.04, timber floor joists: floor dips to mid-room and bounces. String line over a 4200 mm span shows 28 mm at the worst point (span/150). A partition shown on the 1998 plans has been removed above. Investigate further: lift boards to check joist size, notches and bearings.

Fictional example. Record the actual evidence and approved arrangements for your job.

A common recording mistake

Writing 'some cracking and a bouncy floor, monitor' with no location, measurement, photo or statement of what could not be seen, so nobody can act on it or compare it next time.

What happens next

Send the PDF to the client, agree who carries out each investigation and repair, and book the re-inspection or monitoring visit.

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Want to see one filled in? See a completed structural inspection report (PDF), made by SiteSurvey from a fictional site visit.

Every question in the structural inspection template

A visual structural inspection of an existing building, or of a building under construction at a structural milestone: building and form of construction, previous reports and drawings, limits of the inspection, then area by area each observation with element, material, defect type, extent, crack width or deflection (with measure from photo), photos, GPS and a recommendation, the inspector's own assessment, further investigations, make-safe measures, actions and sign-off. 5 sections and 89 questions. Follow-up questions and guidance appear only when an answer calls for them, so the person on site never sees the ones that do not apply.

Make it your own: every question is editable

This is a starting point, not a fixed form. Once it is in your SiteSurvey account you can reword any question, add or remove questions, sections and answer options, and add your own logo, so it fits the way your team works and the jobs you do.

Details you only enter once

Add this form to a project in SiteSurvey and it fills in what the project already knows, so nobody on site retypes it and every form on the job uses the same names. Anything filled in can still be changed.

  • Project: the project name
  • Site address: the site address, from the space or the project
  • Client: the project's customer

Inspection details

Fill in before you start.

  • ProjectShort answer

    Filled in from the project in SiteSurvey.

    Fills in from the project name
  • Site addressShort answer
    Fills in from the site address, from the space or the project
  • ClientShort answer
    Fills in from the project's customer
  • Location (GPS)Short answer
  • Inspection date*Date
  • Inspected by*Short answer
  • Inspector role or qualificationShort answer

    For example chartered structural engineer, chartered building surveyor.

  • Where is the building?*Choose one

    Sets which notes you see.

    • England
    • Wales
    • Scotland
    • Northern Ireland
    • United States
    • Other country
  • Reason for the inspection*Choose one
    • Pre-purchase or sale
    • Periodic inspection
    • Damage or concern reported
    • After an event (storm, flood, fire, impact)
    • Before alterations
    • Construction milestone
    • Other
  • Brief from the clientShort answer

    What you were asked to look at.

  • Units used on this inspection*Choose one
    • Metric (mm, m)
    • US customary (inches, feet)
  • Weather on siteAnswer
  • CheckThis is a record of a visual inspection: what was seen, measured and photographed, and the inspector's own assessment in their own words. Nothing was opened up or tested unless stated. The form gives no structural judgement, limits or causes of its own.
  • CheckIn the United States, structural repairs and alterations are usually controlled by the local building department and may need a permit. Check with your local building department before work starts.
    Shown when “Where is the building?” is “United States”
  • Walk Cam: structural walk-roundWalk Cam video with voice-to-text

    Optional. Film a guided walk-round on the SiteSurvey app.

Building and information

  • Building use*Choose one
    • House
    • Flats
    • Office
    • Retail
    • Industrial or warehouse
    • School or public building
    • Mixed use
    • Other
  • Storeys above groundNumber
  • Basement?Yes or No
  • Approximate age or build dateShort answer

    For example 1970s, 2004.

  • Form of constructionTick all that apply
    • Loadbearing masonry
    • Reinforced concrete frame
    • Steel frame
    • Timber frame
    • Precast concrete
    • Mixed
    • Not known
  • Roof structureShort answer

    For example timber trussed rafters, steel portal frame, concrete slab.

  • Floor structureShort answer

    For example suspended timber joists, precast planks.

  • Foundations, if knownShort answer

    From drawings or records; say if not known.

  • Is it a higher-risk building (at least 18 m or 7 storeys, with at least 2 residential units)?Yes or No
    Shown when “Where is the building?” is “England”
  • GuidanceIn an occupied higher-risk building in England, the accountable person must assess the building safety risks, which include structural failure, and the principal accountable person keeps a safety case report containing those assessments (Building Safety Act 2022, sections 62, 65, 83 and 85). Send this record to the accountable person.
    Shown when “Is it a higher-risk building (at least 18 m or 7 storeys, with at least 2 residential units)?” is Yes
  • Previous structural reports or surveys seen?Yes or No
  • Which reports, by whom and when, and what they foundNotes
    Shown when “Previous structural reports or surveys seen?” is Yes
  • Structural drawings or calculations seen?Yes or No
  • Which drawingsShort answer
    Shown when “Structural drawings or calculations seen?” is Yes
  • Known alterations, extensions or repairsNotes

    For example wall removed between kitchen and dining room in 2015.

  • Previous reports and drawings (PDF or photos)Photos
  • Limits of this inspectionTick all that apply
    • Floor coverings not lifted
    • Linings and ceilings not opened
    • Foundations not exposed
    • Roof void not entered or only partly seen
    • Areas above safe reach not seen closely
    • Occupied or locked areas not entered
    • Furniture or stored goods in the way
    • Weather limited the external inspection
  • Other limits or areas not inspectedNotes

Areas and observations

  • GuidanceAdd one area for each part of the building you inspect. Record each defect once, as an observation with its element, material, extent, measurements and photos, and give it a recommendation. Measurements from a photo are estimates; use a gauge or tape where the value matters.
  • Areas
    Repeat for each area. Each one asks:
    • Area*Short answer

      For example ground floor east wing, roof void, rear retaining wall.

    • Level or storeyShort answer
    • Structural elements seen in this areaTick all that apply
      • Foundation (where visible)
      • Wall
      • Column or pier
      • Beam
      • Lintel
      • Floor (joists, slab or deck)
      • Roof structure
      • Stair
      • Retaining wall
      • Balcony
      • Chimney or parapet
      • Connection or bearing
    • Access*Choose one
      • Fully seen
      • Partly seen
      • Not accessible
    • What could not be seen and whyShort answer

      For example floor covered by carpet, ceiling not opened.

      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Where is it?Short answer
    • Photos of the areaPhotos
    • Observations in this area
      Repeat for each observation. Each one asks:
      • Reference*Short answer

        For example S1. Mark the same reference on the plan.

      • Element*Choose one
        • Foundation (where visible)
        • Wall
        • Column or pier
        • Beam
        • Lintel
        • Floor (joists, slab or deck)
        • Roof structure
        • Stair
        • Retaining wall
        • Balcony
        • Chimney or parapet
        • Connection or bearing
        • Other
      • Material*Choose one
        • Masonry (brick, block or stone)
        • Reinforced concrete
        • Steel
        • Timber
        • Cast or wrought iron
        • Other
        • Not known
      • What was seen*Choose one
        • Cracking
        • Deflection or sagging
        • Corrosion
        • Spalling
        • Rot or decay
        • Insect attack
        • Movement, bulging or leaning
        • Missing, cut or removed member
        • Signs of overloading
        • Water damage
        • Fire or impact damage
        • Other
      • LocationShort answer

        For example rear elevation, lintel over the first floor window W3.

      • Position (GPS)Short answer
      • ExtentChoose one
        • One location
        • Several locations
        • Widespread
      • Crack width at the widest pointNumber

        Crack width gauge or rule. A measure from a photo is an estimate only. In the units chosen on page 1.

        Shown when “What was seen” is “Cracking”
      • Crack lengthNumber
        Shown when “What was seen” is “Cracking”
      • Span measuredNumber

        Clear span between supports. In the units chosen on page 1.

        Shown when “What was seen” is “Deflection or sagging”
      • Deflection measured at the worst pointNumber

        From a string line, straightedge or level. Same units as the span.

        Shown when “What was seen” is “Deflection or sagging”
      • Span divided by deflectionWorked out by the form

        Arithmetic on your readings, for example 200 means the deflection is span/200. Compare it with the criteria you are using.

        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Section loss or depth of decay, if measuredNumber

        Depth or remaining section. In the units chosen on page 1.

        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Description*Notes

        What you saw, in plain words.

      • PhotosPhotos

        A wide shot to show where, then a close up with a scale or gauge.

      • Recommendation*Choose one
        • No action
        • Monitor
        • Investigate further
        • Repair
        • Urgent: make safe
      • What should be doneNotes
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Observations recordedWorked out by the form
    • Needing investigation, repair or make-safeWorked out by the form
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Urgent make-safeWorked out by the form
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • To monitorWorked out by the form
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Notes on this areaShort answer
  • Areas inspectedWorked out by the form
  • Areas not fully seenWorked out by the form
  • Observations recordedWorked out by the form
  • Needing investigation, repair or make-safeWorked out by the form
  • Urgent make-safeWorked out by the form
  • To monitorWorked out by the form

Assessment and recommendations

  • Inspector's assessment*Notes

    Your own assessment of the structure as seen, in your own words, with the limits that apply.

  • Further investigations recommendedTick all that apply
    • Opening up
    • Material sampling or testing
    • Level or distortion survey
    • Crack monitoring
    • Drain survey
    • Calculations or load assessment
    • Specialist timber survey
    • Specialist steel or corrosion survey
    • Trial pits to the foundations
    • None
  • What each investigation should find outNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Immediate make-safe measures taken or needed?*Yes or No
  • Which measuresTick all that apply
    • Area cordoned off
    • Use restricted or load removed
    • Temporary propping
    • Loose material taken down
    • Occupants moved out
    • Other
    Shown when “Immediate make-safe measures taken or needed?” is Yes
  • Details, who was told and whenNotes
    Shown when “Immediate make-safe measures taken or needed?” is Yes
  • CheckTemporary propping is construction work. In Great Britain, CDM 2015 regulation 19 requires all practicable steps to stop a new or existing structure collapsing where the work may make it unstable, and any temporary support to be designed, installed and maintained to take the foreseeable loads.
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • CheckIn England and Wales, a local authority that considers a building or part of one dangerous can take emergency steps to remove the danger, or ask the court to order the owner to do the work or restrict its use (Building Act 1984, sections 77 and 78). The council's building control team deals with dangerous structures.
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Owner or client told about urgent matters on the day?Yes or No
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Who was told and howShort answer
    Shown when “Owner or client told about urgent matters on the day?” is Yes

Result, actions and sign-off

  • Observations needing investigation, repair or make-safeWorked out by the form
  • ResultWorked out by the form
  • Actions
    Repeat for each action. Each one asks:
    • Action*Notes
    • PriorityChoose one
      • Urgent: make safe now
      • Soon
      • Planned work
      • Monitor
    • Who will do it*Short answer
    • Due byDate
    • Status*Choose one
      • Open
      • In progress
      • Done, checked
    • Photo when donePhotos
      Shown when “Status” is “Done, checked”
  • Actions still openWorked out by the form
  • Decision*Choose one
    • No further action needed
    • Carry out the recommendations
    • Urgent make-safe first, then the recommendations
  • Next check or re-inspection dateDate
  • Summary for the clientNotes
  • Inspector nameShort answer
  • Inspector signature*Signature
  • Client or owner nameShort answer
  • Client or owner signatureSignature

See it filled in

A completed structural inspection report, made by SiteSurvey from a fictional site visit: every answer, the photos, the guidance that applied and the sign-off, ready to send as a PDF.

See completed form (PDF) ↗

Structural inspection FAQs

Does the form tell me whether a defect is structural?

No. The form records what you saw and measured and your own assessment in your own words. It has no crack width categories, deflection limits or causes built in. Where it works out span divided by deflection, that is arithmetic on your readings for you to compare with the criteria you are using.

Is this the same as a building survey?

No. A building survey covers the whole condition of a property, from windows to services. This form covers the structure only: foundations where visible, walls, columns, beams, lintels, floors, roof structure, stairs, retaining walls and balconies. For new steelwork use the structural steel inspection checklist, and for cracks and settlement in a house the foundation crack inspection.

What does the Building Safety Act mean for structural inspections in England?

For an occupied higher-risk building in England (at least 18 metres or 7 storeys, with at least 2 residential units), the accountable person must assess the building safety risks, and those risks include structural failure. The assessment is repeated at regular intervals and when the current one may no longer be valid. A structural inspection record is one piece of evidence for that assessment; the form does not make the assessment for you.

Sources: Building Safety Act 2022, section 62: meaning of building safety risk (legislation.gov.uk), Building Safety Act 2022, section 65: meaning of higher-risk building (legislation.gov.uk) and Building Safety Act 2022, section 83: assessment of building safety risks (legislation.gov.uk).

What if part of the building looks dangerous?

Make it safe first: keep people away, remove loads and, where needed, prop it. Record what was done and who you told on page 4. In England and Wales, a local authority can take emergency steps where a building or structure is dangerous, or ask the court to order the owner to do the work or restrict its use, under sections 77 and 78 of the Building Act 1984. In the US, contact your local building department.

Sources: Building Act 1984, section 77: dangerous building (legislation.gov.uk) and Building Act 1984, section 78: dangerous building, emergency measures (legislation.gov.uk).

Who is responsible for temporary propping?

Propping is construction work. In Great Britain, CDM 2015 regulation 19 requires all practicable steps to stop a new or existing structure collapsing where construction work may make it unstable, and any temporary support to be designed, installed and maintained to take the foreseeable loads and used only for its designed purpose. Record the propping as an action with an owner, and photograph it.

Source: Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, regulation 19: stability of structures (legislation.gov.uk).

Can I measure crack widths and deflection from a photo?

The crack width and crack length fields accept a measure from a photo, which gives an estimate when there is a known size in the same plane. Use a crack width gauge, rule or string line where the value matters, and say how you measured it in the description.

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