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.

Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors

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

Recent Reviews from Harding Chartered Surveyors

Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Excellent
Harding Chartered Surveyors
5.0
Based on 125 reviews
The team at Harding Surveyors is great and very customer-oriented. Kate assisted us all the way through the process - from our first inquiry up to the conclusion of the project. She was very informative and replies promptly.Alaa, our surveyor, was very thorough, asked all the relevant and difficult questions whilst having a good rapport with the property representative.Received the report on time with much needed and detailed information about the property.
Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Kimberly L.
Alaa was great, not only the report was very detailed and with good pictures, he has also been replying to my questions even a month after the survey took place.Alaa is also a structural engineer and this came in handy in my case. He took the time to explain, more than once as I am not an expert, all the critical points of the property.Also very quick turnaround of the report as I had urgent need to exchange contracts
Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Federico R.
We used Hardings to compile an independent expert witness report for some poor workmanship we had completed at our home. Their report helped us win our case and reclaim our costs.The report was concise, succinct and detailed - providing everything we needed to win our claim.
Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Thomas G.
I have used Harding Chartered Surveyors service for a new build snagging survey. The report was thorough and detailed beyond expectations. The communication with the surveyor was excellent and the end-to-end process was very easy and efficient. I would definitely use them again and recommend to a friend.
Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Vincenzo R.
The team at Harding Chartered Surveyors were fantastic to work with. Kate helped us identify the work we needed and arranged a surveyor to visit our property. Throughout, she was clear about timescales, costs, and next steps. Our surveyor, Scott Ingham, was thorough and helpful, speaking with us by phone immediately following the survey about the largest areas of concern (which, thankfully, were not major!). The report that was produced was easy to read and helped us understand what areas of the property might need work with approximate timelines and costs. All of the work happened on time, and there were no surprises in the process. Everyone was friendly, professional, and helpful. I highly recommend!!
Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Diane F.
I highly recommend Hardings. All communication and interactions with them was high professional. Alaa dealt with my survey. He approached it with a high level and depth of knowledge, he was honest and considerate giving balanced advice. Throughout he was a pleasure to deal with.I also dealt with Kate making the arrangements. She was also prompt, professional and polite . Harding’s came highly recommended to me. My experience would endorse that they are a family run business with integrity and professionalism at their core.
Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Sarah M.
Carried out a structural defect report and was very satisfied by the service provided. Millbrook Housing Association
Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Gary B.
We are very pleased with the service you have provided and would certainly recommend you in future .
Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Joseph H.
Very positive experience. We hired Harding Surveyors to carry out a building survey on a commercial property to be leased from the council. They did a great job and we went back to them again to carry out a schedule of condition report, prior to us moving in. Very helpful, friendly, good communication, and reasonable price. Would recommend.
Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Amy R.
Dependable and timely - would recommend
Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Michael J.
Harding Chartered Surveyors have provided very efficient and professional services with their valuation for Probate purposes. Very good communications at the outset when inquiring about their services with prompt response, as well as addressing questions after their report was sent to me.I also found their fees reasonable compared to other quotes. Highly recommended
Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors
verdi Y.
The report is excellent and was provided promptly. All aspects of the service were handled efficiently and professionally. Many thanks to Charles and the team.
Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors
R. M.
Seamless experience. Very swift and well organised with a thorough survey completed and report returned within less than a week of booking!
Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors
L P.
Cannot recommend enough. Communication has been excellent throughout the entire process, very accommodating and fast turnaround. Everyone I have spoken to has been so helpful and kind, to make a difficult process much easier.
Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Tiffie D
Excellent and professional services by Mr. Ali. I am indeed very pleased. I will recommend to my friends and others who wants to avail the services of Harding Chartered Surveyors.
Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Bazlur R.
Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors

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.

Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors