Scope of Services, Review Process and Terms & Conditions:

Inspection and Review Process

Upon scheduling, we will require inspection, property and access details, which can be provided in the booking form. Access is to be organised by the client.

This service involves an on-site structural inspection focused on specific nominated items or areas, which may include renovation-related queries (such as wall removal) or observed structural concerns.

Following the scheduled inspection, Structural Review Reports can typically be issued within 24-36 hrs. If your review is time-critical, please get in touch prior to booking.

Scope

The following items are included for this service:

• Targeted on-site inspection of a specific nominated structural item or concern, which may include either:

  1. 1) A structural condition issue (one or two related items maximum) for assessment of observed cracking, movement, detoriation or distress; or

  2. 2) A nominated structural item for renovation or alteration purposes, such as confirming whether a wall is load-bearing to inform proposed removal or modification.

• Visual inspection of readily accessible and visible structural elements directly related to the nominated concern or item.

• Review and assessment of the observed condition of relevant structural elements associated with the issue (for 1) or nature of the nominated structural item (for 2)

• Structural engineering commentary explaining what the observed structural condition may mean and how significant it may be

• Practical engineering recommendations to assist with informed decisions (e.g. renovation planning or addressing identified concerns)

Inspection commentary may include, where relevant:

• confirmation of whether walls appear structural or non-structural (e.g. for removal or alteration)

• whether the observed issue appears structural or non-structural (aesthetic)

• discussion of cracking, deformation, or visible distress associated with the nominated concern

• commentary on specific structural elements such as footings, slabs, stumps, piers, columns, beams, lintels, or framing, where relevant to the issue inspected

• discussion of observed or reported indications of movement or settlement

• general commentary on the apparent severity and relative priority of the issue inspected

Please note:
In some isolated cases, the inspection may identify the need for more detailed structural assessment or intrusive investigation, in particular the structural element may be covered by finishes or access affect our assessment. These services are not included in this scope; however, where identified, they will be outlined in the report as recommendations. Examples may include complex subsidence or building movement-related issues, or situations where finishes or access limitations restrict visibility of structural elements.

Deliverable

The inspection will be provided to the client as a structural engineering report, which typically includes:

• brief description of the nominated structural items or concerns

• summary of observations relevant to the inspected issue or item

• engineering commentary on the observed structural condition or nature

• general commentary on the apparent significance and priority of the issue or nature of the element (e.g. commentary of the wall as load bearing or significance of the cracking)

• suggested next steps, which may include

  • monitoring, rectification, or no action where issues are assessed as non-structural or of low significance (excluding design details) for assessment of an issue or

  • high-level recommendations for structural item review (e.g. suggested actions for removing a wall) if applicable.

• identification of circumstances where further investigation, monitoring, or a more detailed or complex structural assessment may be warranted

Typical Inspection (Inspection Limits)

This service is intended to address a single, specific structural concern, and generally includes:

• inspection (and report) of one (1) nominated structural item only either:

  • 1) A structural condition issue (one or two related items maximum) for assessment of observed cracking, movement, detoriation or distress; or

  • 2) A nominated structural item for renovation or alteration purposes, such as confirming whether a wall is load-bearing to inform proposed removal or modification. Generally limited to walls or other structural framing for one or two rooms.

• inspection is limited to areas that are readily visible and safely accessible at the time of inspection

• inspection within subfloor or roof cavity areas where required and where safe access is available

• residential dwellings of a size and complexity generally consistent with standard residential construction

• this service is limited to structural engineering matters only

Please note that this inspection and review rely on the conditions observed and the level of accessibility available at the time of the site visit.

While most focused inspections fall within the typical scope outlined above, some conditions may require a more detailed or complex assessment, or intrusive investigation. Where this is identified, it will be noted as a recommendation within the report. If you have any questions beforehand, please feel free to get in touch.

Exclusions

The following items are specifically excluded from this service:

• comprehensive whole-of-dwelling structural assessments.

• inspection of structural elements unrelated to the nominated concern

• retaining walls exceeding 2.1 m in height or involving multiple locations or situations.

• complex structural assessments or intrusive investigations

• removal of linings, finishes, fixtures, or services

• detailed measurements, monitoring, testing, or calculations

• assessment of compliance with current building codes or standards

• structural capacity checks or load calculations

• structural design, rectification detailing, or construction documentation

• contractor cost estimates or repair pricing

• certification, approvals, or sign-off

• dilapidation surveys or condition schedules

• assessment of non-structural building elements and review of other engineering disciplines

• ongoing engineering advice or assistance beyond the issued deliverable

Additional Terms & Conditions

• Nature of service: Targeted on-site structural review of specific nominated items only. Inspection is visual and limited to areas that are readily visible and safely accessible at the time of the visit.

• Service area: This service is offered within our general servicing areas. Bookings outside these areas may be cancelled with a full refund.

• Access, attendance & site conditions: The client must arrange safe and timely access to the property. Williams Structural does not collect keys, manage access, or liaise with agents, tenants, or owners. If access is unavailable at the scheduled time (including no-shows), additional fees may apply for wasted time, travel, or rescheduling. Observations are limited to areas that are safely and reasonably accessible at the time of inspection.

• Incidental disturbance or damage: While reasonable care is taken, Williams Structural is not responsible for minor or incidental disturbance or damage that may occur as a result of reasonable inspection activities (including access to subfloors, roof spaces, or confined areas).

• Intended use: For information purposes only. Not for construction, rectification, design, certification, approvals, insurance, or legal purposes.

• No certification or compliance: This service does not constitute a Form 15/16, certification, or confirmation of compliance with current codes or standards.

• Information reliance: The review is based on conditions observed at the time of inspection and any information provided. Williams Structural is not responsible for concealed conditions, inaccessible areas, or conditions that change after the inspection.

• Professional opinion only: All commentary is an engineering opinion based on limited available information and observed conditions. Hidden or latent defects may exist.

• Timeframes: Report turnaround times (e.g. 24–36 hours) are indicative only and not guaranteed.

• Cancellation & refunds: Full refund if cancelled before work commences. If cancelled after work has commenced or where access is unavailable at the scheduled time, fees may be charged for work completed plus a 30% administration and overhead fee.

• Intellectual property & use: All reports remain the intellectual property of Williams Structural. The client may use the report for personal informational purposes only; it may not be reused, modified, or relied upon by third parties without written consent.

• Variations: Any request outside the stated scope (including additional issues, expanded inspection areas, or follow-up assessments) will be treated as a variation and may incur additional fees. No additional work will proceed without prior agreement.

• Non-payment: Williams Structural may suspend or withhold delivery if payment is not received, reversed, or disputed.

• Service refusal or cancellation: Williams Structural may refuse or cancel this service at its discretion prior to delivery. A full refund applies if cancelled before work commences. If cancelled after work has commenced, fees may be charged for work completed.

• No purchase advice: This service does not advise whether a client should or should not proceed with a purchase or otherwise.

• Limitation of liability: To the maximum extent permitted by law, liability is limited to the fee paid for the service.

• Third-party reliance: No third party may rely on this review without written consent.

• Severability: If any part of these terms is invalid, the remainder will continue to apply.

• No waiver: Failure to enforce a right does not waive that right.

• Entire agreement: These terms and the published service description form the entire agreement for this service.

• Governing law: These terms are governed by the laws of Queensland, Australia.

Note: If you’d like assistance outside the scope outlined above, we’re happy to discuss this with you and provide a separate fee proposal if required.