Structural Assessments in Christchurch
Clear engineering advice for structural concerns, property decisions and planned building work.
Request an Initial ReviewUnderstand the Structural Condition of Your Property
A structural assessment investigates concerns that may affect the strength, stability or performance of a building. It can help determine whether visible damage is cosmetic, requires maintenance or indicates a structural issue that needs further investigation.
Landmark Consultants provides structural assessments for residential, commercial and industrial properties across Christchurch and Canterbury. We assist property owners, buyers, architects, builders and other project professionals who need clear structural engineering advice.
The scope of an assessment depends on the building and the reason for the investigation. It may include a review of available plans and reports, an inspection of accessible structural elements, consideration of foundation performance and recommendations for repair, monitoring or further analysis.
If you are concerned about a building, send us the property address, photographs and any available plans or previous reports. We can review the information and advise on an appropriate next step.
Send Us Your Property Details
When You May Need a Structural Assessment
Structural concerns should be assessed in the context of the building, site and available project information.
Cracks and Building Movement
Cracks in walls, floors or foundations may result from shrinkage, settlement, ground movement, moisture changes or structural loading.
An assessment can help identify the likely cause and determine whether monitoring, maintenance, repair or further investigation should be considered.
Foundation Concerns
Uneven floors, sticking doors, visible foundation damage and changes to floor levels can indicate movement within the foundation or supporting ground.
We can assess the available evidence and advise whether additional measurements or geotechnical input may be required.
Earthquake Damage and Repairs
Christchurch properties may have a history of earthquake damage, repair work, foundation relevelling or previous engineering assessments.
We can review available documentation and inspect relevant areas to help clarify the current structural condition.
Buying a Property
A structural assessment may be appropriate when a standard property inspection identifies cracking, movement, previous repairs or another issue requiring engineering advice.
The findings can help a buyer better understand the issue before making a property decision.
Renovations and Alterations
Removing a wall, creating a larger opening, adding another level or extending a building can affect the existing structural system.
An engineer can assess the existing structure and determine what design work may be required.
Commercial Property Reviews
Commercial property owners may require engineering input before alterations, repairs, maintenance work or further seismic investigation.
We define the assessment scope according to the building, available records and the purpose of the review.
What a Structural Assessment May Include
The exact scope is agreed before the work begins. Depending on the property and the concern, the assessment may include:
- Review of available architectural and structural drawings
- Review of previous engineering and repair documentation
- Visual inspection of accessible structural elements
- Inspection of visible foundation and subfloor areas
- Review of cracking, deformation and signs of movement
- Consideration of the likely structural load path
- Review of previous alterations or earthquake repairs
- Identification of areas requiring further investigation
- Written findings and recommendations where included in the agreed scope
Assessment Scope and Limitations
A structural assessment is normally limited to the agreed scope and the areas that can be safely and reasonably accessed during the inspection.
Structural elements may be concealed behind wall linings, ceilings, floors, cladding or other finishes. Unless opening up work is specifically agreed, concealed conditions may not be visible during the assessment.
If the initial inspection identifies uncertainty or evidence of a more complex issue, further investigation may be recommended. This could include measurements, monitoring, opening up work, material testing, geotechnical investigation or detailed engineering analysis.
The required level of investigation will depend on the issue, the intended use of the report and the available building records.
Our Structural Assessment Process
The process is adjusted to suit the property, the concern and the required outcome.
1. Initial Review
You provide the property address, a description of the concern, photographs and any available plans, reports or repair records.
2. Scope Confirmation
We review the information and confirm the appropriate scope, expected deliverable and any information needed before an inspection.
3. Site Inspection
An engineer inspects the accessible areas relevant to the agreed scope and records the visible structural conditions.
4. Findings and Advice
We explain the findings and provide the agreed report, recommendations or proposal for any further investigation or design work.
Structural Assessments for Christchurch Properties
Christchurch buildings can present a wide range of structural considerations. These may include earthquake damage, completed or incomplete repair work, foundation relevelling, ground movement, changes to floor levels and alterations completed at different stages of the building life.
The available documentation is often an important part of the assessment. Previous engineering reports, repair scopes, building consent records, construction photographs and producer statements can help establish what work was recommended and what was completed.
Where ground performance may be relevant, structural observations may need to be considered alongside geotechnical information. Landmark Consultants provides both structural assessment and geotechnical engineering services, allowing the scope to be coordinated where required.
The purpose of the assessment is not to make assumptions about concealed conditions. It is to examine the available evidence, explain the observed issues and identify an appropriate way forward.
Possible Outcomes of an Assessment
The recommended next step depends on the findings and the purpose of the assessment.
No Immediate Structural Work
The observed condition may not require structural repair, although maintenance or monitoring may still be recommended.
Monitoring
Cracks, floor levels or other conditions may need to be recorded and reviewed over time before a conclusion is reached.
Further Investigation
Additional access, measurements, testing or geotechnical information may be required to understand the issue.
Repair Recommendations
The assessment may identify repair work needed to address a structural defect or restore the performance of the building.
Structural Design
Engineering calculations and drawings may be required for repairs, strengthening, extensions or alterations.
Specialist Assessment
A specific issue may require input from another specialist, such as a geotechnical engineer, surveyor, architect, building surveyor or testing provider.
Why Choose Landmark Consultants
Structural assessments should provide clear information that helps the client understand the issue and decide what to do next.
- Local experience: Knowledge of Christchurch buildings, earthquake repairs and Canterbury ground conditions.
- Defined scope: The assessment is matched to the building, concern and intended purpose.
- Practical recommendations: Findings are connected to clear next steps where possible.
- Integrated services: Structural design, geotechnical engineering and construction monitoring can be coordinated where required.
- Clear communication: We work with property owners, architects, builders and other project professionals.
Related Engineering Services
A structural assessment may identify the need for further engineering work.
Pre-purchase Inspections
Engineering input for structural concerns identified during a property purchase.
Earthquake Repairs
Assessment and engineering design for earthquake damage and structural repair work.
Seismic Strengthening
Assessment and strengthening solutions for existing buildings.
Residential Alterations
Structural design for extensions, renovations and changes to existing homes.
Structural Assessment Questions
General information for Christchurch property owners.
Is a structural assessment the same as a building inspection?
No. A general building inspection typically reviews the overall visible condition of a property. A structural assessment focuses on a specific structural concern or part of the load-bearing system. The required service depends on the reason for the inspection.
Can you assess cracks in walls or foundations?
Yes. The assessment can consider the location, pattern and extent of visible cracking together with other signs of movement. Further investigation may be recommended if the cause cannot be determined from visible evidence.
Will I receive a written report?
A written report can be included where required. The expected deliverable should be confirmed before the assessment, as some clients require initial advice while others need a formal engineering report.
What should I send before requesting an assessment?
Send the property address, a description of the concern, clear photographs and any available plans, engineering reports, repair scopes, consent documents or inspection records.
Can you assess previous earthquake repairs?
We can review visible conditions and available repair documentation within an agreed scope. Additional investigation may be necessary where work is concealed or documentation is incomplete.
Can you provide repair design after the assessment?
Where repair work is recommended, Landmark Consultants can discuss the structural design, documentation and construction monitoring that may be required as a separate stage of work.
Concerned About a Building or Property?
Send us the property address, photographs and available documentation. We will review the information and advise on an appropriate assessment scope.
Request a Structural Assessment