Does PorthouseDean Provide Structural Surveys or Site Inspections?

No. PorthouseDean provides structural design — calculations, drawings, and specifications for new structural work — on a remote basis. We do not provide:

– Structural surveys (assessment of an existing building’s structural condition)
– Building condition reports (damp surveys, defect investigations, homebuyer-type reports)
– Site inspections during or after construction as a standard service
– Expert witness assessments of dispute situations
– Reinstatement or insurance assessment surveys

What We Do

PorthouseDean designs new structural elements — beams, foundations, columns, floor structures, roof structures — for extensions, loft conversions, wall removals, and similar domestic projects. Our work is based on architectural drawings provided by the client and on the information gathered during our Design Information Request process.

We work remotely. Our typical turnaround is approximately 7 working days (10 working days maximum), and our designs achieve a 100% Building Regulations approval record across over 9,000 projects.

When a Survey Is Needed

If your project requires investigation of existing construction before structural design can proceed — for example, you need to know what your foundations are, or whether an existing beam is adequate — you will need a surveyor or structural consultant who offers investigation services. PorthouseDean can recommend appropriate specialists.

The types of investigation that typically require a specialist are:

– Trial pits to confirm foundation depth and ground conditions
– Opening up works to identify existing structural members (beam sizes, timber species, existing reinforcement)
– Crack monitoring to establish whether structural movement is active or historic
– Drain CCTV surveys where foundation proximity to drains is uncertain

Once investigation results are available, PorthouseDean can use that information as part of our structural design.

Can PorthouseDean Inspect Completed Work?

In exceptional circumstances, and as a separately quoted service, PorthouseDean may be able to carry out a review of completed steelwork or foundation construction. This is not our standard service and is subject to availability and the nature of the query. Contact us to discuss.