Structural Survey
A structural survey is the registration by means of photographs and text of all the structural defects of a building or structure.
Although a contractor will make every effort to work as carefully as possible, a construction process is practically never without risk. A structural survey is also perfect for avoiding drawn-out discussions about alleged damage.
There is always a risk of damage to structures nearby when driving in or boring for piles, installing and extracting sheet pile walls by means of vibration and extracting groundwater. In addition, the delivery and removal of soil and materials also creates certain risks.
The right step to start with is a structural survey. A structural survey is the registration of all the structural defects of an adjacent building or structure that is carried out before the work starts. The defects are recorded with text and photographs and are then offered in the shape of a report. This report can furthermore serve as proof if a damage claim is submitted during or after the construction work. The report can be viewed online by the client. Local residents / owners only have access to the part of the report that relates to them.
Having a structural survey carried out will create transparency and calm for both the contractor Het and local residents.
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The preconstruction
structural survey
When all the risks have been charted, an area of influence is determined. This will differ per project and depends on many factors. All the adjacent buildings and structures within this area of influence run a real risk of damage as a result of the work to be carried out. It cannot be ruled out that adjacent constructions and structures outside this area of influence also run a risk of damage, but this is far less likely. Correctly monitoring the adjacent constructions and structures present within the area of influence will keep the risk of damage to a minimum.
The preconstruction structural survey of all the adjacent constructions and structures present in the area of influence is carried out before the start of the work by one or more of our NIVRE-registered loss adjusters. All the visible defects are recorded by means of photographs and text. This is then processed and elaborated into an extensive report so that discussion about possible new damage can quickly be avoided.
In most situations, not only a structural survey but also monitoring will be required. Discover more about this here.
When all the risks have been charted, an area of influence is determined. This will differ per project and depends on many factors. All the adjacent buildings and structures within this area of influence run a real risk of damage as a result of the work to be carried out. It cannot be ruled out that adjacent constructions and structures outside this area of influence also run a risk of damage, but this is far less likely. Correctly monitoring the adjacent constructions and structures present within the area of influence will keep the risk of damage to a minimum.
The preconstruction structural survey of all the adjacent constructions and structures present in the area of influence is carried out before the start of the work by one or more of our NIVRE-registered loss adjusters. All the visible defects are recorded by means of photographs and text. This is then processed and elaborated into an extensive report so that discussion about possible new damage can quickly be avoided.
In most situations, not only a structural survey but also monitoring will be required. Discover more about this here.
The final structural survey
A final structural survey is also called a difference report. When the project has finished, this survey is carried out at the addresses where a preconstruction structural survey and interim structural survey were already carried out. Our experts assess whether there are differences compared to the previous surveys. These differences are recorded in the final structural survey report. The report does not draw any conclusions about the possible cause of any differences. If discussions should arise about this between the contractor and residents, SOCOTEC can additionally carry out a causality assessment.
Quality and
Damage Helpdesk
SOCOTEC strives for the highest level of quality and as an organisation is affiliated with the Netherlands Institute of Registered Experts (NIVRE). All our structural survey experts are also personally registered with the NIVRE. In addition, our structural surveys meet the requirements of the KOMO BRL 5024 assessment guideline “Carrying out structural surveys’’.
In combination with the structural survey, SOCOTEC offers a free, additional service in the form of a damage helpdesk.
The helpdesk is a digital environment in which local residents can log in with a personal login code and do the following:
- Make an appointment for a structural survey
- View and download the report about their own home
- During the project ask questions and express concerns with an eye to risks
- Submit a damage claim
With this service, SOCOTEC offers the client a total solution with regard to contact with the local residents. As a result, the client can focus 100% on the work. If follow-up action is required following a complaint or claim, we will get in touch with the contact for the project in question to discuss the possibilities
SOCOTEC strives for the highest level of quality and as an organisation is affiliated with the Netherlands Institute of Registered Experts (NIVRE). All our structural survey experts are also personally registered with the NIVRE. In addition, our structural surveys meet the requirements of the KOMO BRL 5024 assessment guideline “Carrying out structural surveys’’.
In combination with the structural survey, SOCOTEC offers a free, additional service in the form of a damage helpdesk.
The helpdesk is a digital environment in which local residents can log in with a personal login code and do the following:
- Make an appointment for a structural survey
- View and download the report about their own home
- During the project ask questions and express concerns with an eye to risks
- Submit a damage claim
With this service, SOCOTEC offers the client a total solution with regard to contact with the local residents. As a result, the client can focus 100% on the work. If follow-up action is required following a complaint or claim, we will get in touch with the contact for the project in question to discuss the possibilities
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