Specific Defect Report - London
What is a Specific Defect Report?
A Specific Defect Report (also known as a Specific Structural Survey or Specific Structural Inspection) is a type of UK building survey to assess a particular problem or suspected problem with a building’s condition or structure.
They would look at specific problems encountered with the structure, such as cracking, damp penetration etc, to advise on the cause and remedies to take.
Unlike an RICS Building Survey, the defect report focuses on just one area of concern, instead of reviewing the whole property. The surveys are professional, flexible, and provide a valuable second opinion when you have a concern. They are generally undertaken by a qualified Chartered Building Surveyor or Structural Engineer.
Whether you’re buying a new property, selling, carrying out renovations, negotiating with neighbours or simply want peace of mind, this report can help you protect your investment in an economical way.
Specific Defect Report Quotation
For any specific defect report enquiries, please click on "Other Services" and the select "Specific Defect Report"
How much does a Specific Defect Survey cost?
The cost of your specific defect report in London depends on various factors. This includes which specific or suspected problem needs to be investigated, the size and type of property, location and accessibility.
As defect reports focus on just one area of concern, you can expect to pay less than Homebuyer Report (Level 2) or a Building Survey (Level 3) report. On average, you can expect to pay between £500-£1500.
Our experienced and skilled surveyors are usually able to identify and diagnose building defects within a single inspection of your property.
Should you have any questions, we are always here to provide advice. Contact us today.
When will I need a Specific Defect Survey?
If you have concerns about your property and want to check whether remedial work is required, or you’re buying a property and your survey has highlighted an issue (such as subsidence that needs further investigation), a specific defect survey can help you understand the full extent of the problem. The report provides independent advice that can help you maintain the condition of your property, protect your investment and update your building insurance company, if required.
When buying, selling or leasing a home or commercial property, the survey can help build confidence and ensure a smooth transaction. Surveyors, residents or property owners may have noticed an issue such as a damp patch and believe that further investigation is required before an agreement can be reached.
Additionally, defect reports can provide unbiased professional advice to provide you with peace of mind before you start renovations or redecorating. For example, you may have noticed a problem such as a crack in a wall and have tried to repair it yourself. However, you still have concerns and want to benefit from an expert opinion before you decide on the right course of action.
What specific defects does the survey examine?
The survey can investigate a wide range of potential defects. Many of these may be superficial whilst others could point to more serious issues that require further investigation.
They include:
- Subsidence
- Lintel movement
- General cracking
- Structural beam assessment
- Chimney stacks and detailing defects
- Timber decay and rot
- Water ingress
- Pointing issues
- Poor construction
- Inadequate alterations
- Decay of external elements of fabric
- Dampness and condensation within the building
- External factors such as retaining walls, trees and vegetation
- Issues relating to extensions, conservatories, porches and other building work
- Advice on wall removal
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What does a Specific Structural Inspection include?
The surveyor will ask you details about the nature of the defect. They may ask you to open up areas of the building in order to investigate further, such as removing plaster to expose beams or lifting floorboards. Generally this is undertaken prior to the surveyor inspecting. They may need to open up areas themselves, or make small holes in which to insert a microbore camera. Generally the surveyor will not ‘make good’ areas that are opened up (i.e. redecorate) so you should take this into account. They will make a detailed investigation of the area(s) concerned and provide a report on:-
- What investigations were made
- The nature and cause of the defect
- Suggestions for repairs or remedial work that should be carried out to address the problem
- Estimated costs for the repairs or remedial work
- Recommendations for further investigations and any associated costs (if required)
- Further guidance such as detailed designs or structural calculations for any additional work (if required)
Occasionally, the initial survey may identify the need for further investigation, such as trial holes to assess foundations, or they may recommend that structural calculations are undertaken, and this can involve a further fee, however in most cases they can reach a conclusion on the first inspection.
Get a quote for your Specific Defect Survey today
Book your Specific Structural Inspection with our team of skilled London surveyors today or contact us for an instant quote. We are always here to help.
