Structural engineer's letter of comfort
A short letter from a structural engineer confirming the structural position of a specific item, often needed by a lender, buyer's solicitor or Building Control.
About this service
A structural letter of comfort is a short, signed letter from a structural engineer confirming our opinion on one specific item. It is far briefer than an inspection report. The letter states what we looked at, what information we relied on, our view on its structural adequacy and the limits of that view. Its job is to give a lender, solicitor or Building Control officer the written confirmation they need to proceed.
Letters of comfort come up most often during conveyancing. A buyer's solicitor spots that a wall was removed or a chimney breast taken out with no Building Control completion certificate, and asks for confirmation that the work is structurally acceptable. Sellers who want to avoid delays commission a letter so that a sale is not held up while the question is argued back and forth.
Building Control may also ask for an engineer's letter, for example to confirm that a steel beam has been installed as designed or that an existing element can safely carry a new load. In these cases the letter is a practical piece of the sign-off process, and we send it to Building Control directly and liaise with them where that helps move things along.
London's period homes generate a steady stream of these questions. Many terraces had walls and chimney breasts removed decades ago, long before current records were kept, and a solicitor reviewing the file has no way to judge whether the work was done safely. A letter from an engineer who has reviewed the item gives everyone a clear, documented position at from £300 + VAT.
When you need it
- A solicitor or lender asks for confirmation that past alterations are structurally adequate
- You need written comfort on a specific item to complete a sale
- Building Control needs an engineer's confirmation
What's included
- Review of the item in question, on site or from information provided
- Engineer's opinion on its structural adequacy
- Clear statement of the basis and limits of the opinion
How it works
- Share the requestSend us the solicitor's enquiry, lender condition or Building Control request, plus any drawings, photos or certificates you have. We confirm what the letter can cover and a fixed fee in writing.
- Review the itemWe inspect the item on site, or review the information provided if that is sufficient, looking for signs of distress, adequate support and consistency with any design.
- Form an opinionWe decide whether we can confirm adequacy on the evidence available. If we cannot, we tell you why and what extra information or investigation would be needed.
- Issue the signed letterWe issue a concise signed letter stating the item, the basis of our opinion and its limits, ready to pass to your solicitor, lender or Building Control.
What you receive
Letter of comfort or full report: what will your solicitor accept?
A letter of comfort works when the question is narrow and the evidence is reasonable. If a beam is visible, sits on sound bearings and shows no deflection or cracking above, a letter is usually enough. If the solicitor or lender has asked for a report, or there is visible distress, a Specific Structural Inspection report gives the fuller explanation they will expect.
Be aware that a letter of comfort is an honest opinion, not a guarantee. We will clearly state what was seen and what was not. For a steel beam hidden behind plasterboard, we may only be able to comment on the surrounding structure unless a small area is opened up. Where no approval was ever obtained, a retrospective structural assessment with calculations may be the more robust route, and our guide on chimney breast removal explains why supports matter.
Ask early. Requests often arrive days before exchange, which leaves little time if the item needs opening up or the answer is not straightforward.
Not included
- Full inspection report
- Design or calculations
Frequently asked questions
What is a structural letter of comfort?
It is a short signed letter from a structural engineer giving an opinion on whether a specific item, such as a removed wall or chimney breast, is structurally adequate. It sets out what was inspected or reviewed, the basis of the opinion and its limits. Solicitors and lenders often request one when past alterations lack paperwork.
How much does a structural engineer's letter cost?
Our structural letters of comfort start from £300 + VAT. The final fee depends on whether a site visit is needed and how much information is available. We confirm the fixed fee in writing before starting, so you know the cost before your solicitor's deadline approaches.
Can I get a letter of comfort without a site visit?
Sometimes. If good drawings, calculations, photos or a Building Control record exist, we may be able to review those alone. In most cases involving older alterations with no records, a visit is needed so we can see the item and surrounding structure ourselves before signing anything.
Is a letter of comfort the same as Building Control approval?
No. Only Building Control can issue a completion certificate. A letter of comfort is an engineer's opinion, which a solicitor or lender may accept as reassurance. For unapproved work, the council may offer a regularisation route, and an engineer's assessment often supports that application.
What if the engineer cannot confirm the item is adequate?
We will tell you plainly and explain why, for example because supports are hidden or there are signs of distress. We then set out the options, which may include limited opening up, calculations or remedial work. It is better to know before exchange than discover a problem after completion.