# Structural Survey vs Building Survey | Which One Before Buying? > Structural survey vs building survey in Ireland: what each covers, who does it, typical cost, and when a buyer needs a structural engineer as well. URL: https://structuralengineer.ie/guide/structural-survey-vs-building-survey/ Decision Guide # Structural Survey vs Building Survey: Which Do You Need? Two different inspections by two different professionals. When one is enough, and when you need both. By StructuralEngineer.ie · Reviewed by Joachim Louw, CEng MIEI · Updated 19 October 2026 [StructuralEngineer.ie](https://structuralengineer.ie/)'s short answer on structural survey vs building survey: a building survey checks the whole house (finishes, damp, windows, services and the structure at a general level), usually by a chartered building surveyor. A structural survey goes deeper on the structure (load paths, cracking, alterations and whether they were engineered) and is done by a structural engineer. If there's an obvious structural question, get the engineer. ## Side by side | | Building survey | Structural survey | | --- | --- | --- | | Who | Chartered building surveyor | Structural engineer | | Scope | Whole fabric, general condition | Structure in depth | | Cracking | Flagged | Categorised, cause assessed | | Removed walls, attic rooms | Flagged | Checked for engineering and paperwork | | Damp, windows, services | Yes | Not in scope | | Typical cost | Varies by firm | €400–€800 | ## When a building survey is enough - A house with no visible cracking or major alterations - A newer house still under structural warranty - Where you want an overview of everything, not a deep look at one thing A good building surveyor will refer you to an engineer if they find something structural. ## When you need a structural engineer - Visible cracking, especially stepped, tapering or wider than about 5 mm - A removed wall, an attic room or an extension without paperwork - A period house with bowing walls, a basement or removed chimney breasts - A boom-era house in a pyrite area with cracking at floor level - The building surveyor recommends it ## Using both Many buyers get a building survey first and add a structural engineer only if something is flagged. If you already know there’s a structural question, start with the engineer to save time, because closing dates rarely wait. ## Bottom line A building survey covers the whole house broadly, and a structural survey covers the structure deeply. If you can already see a structural question, get the engineer. For a fixed-fee structural survey, call [01 270 9764](tel:+35312709764). Want a fixed fee for your job? Call 01 270 9764. Callback the same working day. Fixed fee confirmed in writing before the visit. [Call 01 270 9764](tel:+35312709764) [Request a fixed quote](https://structuralengineer.ie/contact/) ## Frequently asked questions **Is a snag list the same as a survey?** No. A snag list for a new home checks finishes and workmanship against the spec. A structural or building survey assesses the condition of an existing house. **Does the bank's valuation check the structure?** No. The lender's valuation, typically €150–€185, confirms the property is worth the loan. It isn't a condition survey and it doesn't protect you. **Can a building surveyor sign off structural work?** A registered building surveyor can give opinions of compliance and act as assigned certifier for many works. Structural design and complex structural assessments are the structural engineer's field. Sources - [Banrach: How much does a structural engineer cost in Ireland](https://banrach.ie/how-much-does-a-structural-engineer-cost-in-ireland/) - [Dublish: The true cost of buying a home in Dublin 2026](https://dublish.ie/blog/total-cost-buying-home-dublin-2026/) - [Ask About Money: Getting a structural survey done](https://www.askaboutmoney.com/threads/getting-a-structural-survey-done.183565/) Get a fixed engineering fee Two short steps. We call back the same working day. Prefer to talk? [Call 01 270 9764](tel:+35312709764). A live person answers during office hours. [Related service Structural Surveys Pre-purchase structural survey with clear limits and a written report before you sign. See the service](https://structuralengineer.ie/structural-survey/) Talk it through 01 270 9764 Mon–Fri 8:00–18:00 [Call now](tel:+35312709764) ### More guides - [Structural Survey Cost in Dublin (2026) What a pre-purchase structural survey costs in Dublin, what it covers, and how it compares with a building survey.](https://structuralengineer.ie/guide/structural-survey-cost/) - [Are Cracks in Walls Serious? How to Tell Crack width, pattern and whether it's moving: the three things that separate cosmetic cracks from structural ones.](https://structuralengineer.ie/guide/when-are-cracks-in-walls-serious/) - [Opinion of Compliance vs Certificate of Compliance: The Difference One is a professional opinion, the other a statutory certificate. Which one your works have, and what your buyer's solicitor will accept.](https://structuralengineer.ie/guide/opinion-of-compliance-vs-certificate-of-compliance/) - [Chartered Engineer vs Engineer: Who Can Sign Off Your Works? What the letters after an engineer's name mean, and why they matter for BCAR and for your buyer's solicitor.](https://structuralengineer.ie/guide/chartered-engineer-vs-engineer/)