1. PURPOSE OF THIS SERVICE
This service provides an independent professional opinion on visible structural behaviour and condition of a building to assist with:
Property purchase decisions
Pre-sale risk clarity
Crack assessment and classification
Foundation / floor movement concerns
Structural risk awareness for agents, buyers, sellers, or attorneys
The assessment focuses on structural behaviour, not a general property inspection.
2. SCOPE OF SERVICE
The assessment includes:
Visual inspection of accessible areas
Identification and classification of cracks
Evaluation of settlement or subsidence indicators
Assessment of floor level behaviour where relevant
Visual observation of roof condition from ground level only - professional opinion on probable cause and risk level
Clear written report with photographs (where necessary)
3. EXCLUSIONS
The following are specifically excluded:
Destructive testing or opening of finishes
Compliance certification
Waterproofing assessments
Moisture or damp testing
Electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems
Structural design verification
Load capacity calculations
Physical roof access
4. DELIVERABLE
Clients receive:
A concise written structural opinion report
Crack classification where applicable
Risk categorisation (Low / Monitor / Investigate Further)
Practical next-step guidance
Reports are typically issued within 2–3 working days after inspection.
5. FEE STRUCTURE
Fees vary based on:
Property size
Complexity of concerns
Travel distance
Urgency requirements
7. TRAVEL COSTS
Travel outside Hermanus is charged at: R 6.00 per km (round trip)
8. PAYMENT TERMS
Reports will only be released once payment confirmation is received. An invoice will be submitted once the Report is ready for submission.
Secure digital payment methods accepted.
9. PROFESSIONAL DISCLAIMER
The assessment and any accompanying letters or summaries represent a professional, visual, non-invasive opinion based solely on conditions observed at the time of inspection. The assessment is risk-based in nature and is not a full structural investigation, compliance certificate, condition survey, valuation, guarantee, or warranty of performance. No destructive testing, measurements beyond general observation, or specialist testing is undertaken unless explicitly stated. Hidden, concealed, progressive, or future defects, including those arising from changes in use, maintenance, weather exposure, or coastal environmental conditions, may exist and are excluded from the opinion. This assessment does not remove the owner’s or buyer’s responsibility for ongoing maintenance and monitoring typical of coastal properties. No cost estimates, contractor recommendations, or assurances regarding future behaviour are provided. Liability is limited to the fee paid for the assessment.
Roof observations form part of the visual, non-invasive assessment only. No physical access to roof surfaces is undertaken, and no representation is made regarding water tightness, structural capacity, compliance, or concealed defects. Conditions may change due to weather exposure, maintenance, or ageing after the date of inspection.⎕