Building Surveys: (Erroneously known as Structural Surveys) Carried out in accordance with the RICS standard terms of engagement. Suitable for all types of property but also including:

A greater description of the construction.
Detailed matters.
An attempt to accurately determine the cause of the defects discovered.
Suggested remedial works and estimates of cost.
A valuation in accordance with the RICS standard terms of engagement for valuations.

It is likely to be needed for properties that have been extensively altered, are dilapidated, of unusual construction, very large or old, or if major alterations are required.

Structural Surveys: Normally carried out by a Chartered Building Surveyor or Structural Engineer who has been asked to further investigate defects which have shown up in a survey or valuation but which the cause of is not a immediately clear. Usually specific to certain elements of the property and limited to defects which the surveyor or engineer has been asked to investigate. If you need one of these you really ought to be considering I the property is really worth the extra fees. The defect is likely to reduce future saleability as many people will be put off by the defect and the property may be difficult to mortgage.