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
Based on 147 reviews
Jessica Togood was excellent. A friendly and efficient service.
Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Amanda J.
Incredible service, fast, efficient, knowledgeable and helpful. Highly recommend.
Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Laraine G.
Very responsive and professional. Gave us a rendezvous quickly, bang on time including with subsequent report. Cost seemed reasonable. Happy to have chosen Harding.
Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Stefan B.
Thanks so much to all the team at Harding! They were extremely helpful in arranging the survey for us at very short notice.

Scott did the survey on the day and he was incredibly thorough - it's given us great peace of mind for our house move. The report he gave was detailed, well laid out with excellent photographs of every aspect of the house and surrounds. He also took the time to call and walk me through his preliminary findings, which I really appreciated.

Thanks again!
Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors
john H.
Guy was helpful in explaining the survey and findings over the phone.
Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Bukhosi
A very efficient and professional. Communication was excellent and the whole process from booking to the report was around 3 weeks. Good value for money. I would recommend without hesitation.
Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Alan F.
Harding Chartered Surveyors were really quick and helpful throughout this process. Our Level 2 survey was completed quickly and we received an extremely detailed report the next day. Would absolutely recommend using their services!
Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Amelia M.
I requested a structural survey couple of years ago due to hairline cracks appearing in my walls.
The report was thorough, advising me that neighbouring trees need to be dealt with.
April 2025 I am in the process of getting the repairs done. The surveyor Alaa Ali has been very helpful assisting and advising my builder in the work that needs to be undertaken to rectify the not so hairline cracks in my Edwardian flat.
The process is not cheap, but it provides a peace of mind to the structural state of my property.
Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Jan S.
Valuation of property for selling purposes, Harding were quick and efficient, and the survey provides peace of mind that a professional surveyor carried out a proper valuation according to the RICS valuation standards. Estate agents are not necessarily qualified, surveyor always are
Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors
I. H.
The service I received was excellent . The surveyor Charlie Colville was thorough and highly professional .
Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Lisa D.
Jessica was very pleasant, helpful and produced our report in the timeline she predicted.
Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Pete H.
prompt service and a thorough survey report
Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Andrea J.
Very efficient in their service, and prompt when responding to any queries.
Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Tamara Z.
Just want to say that Alaa has been a fantastic help to us, particularly following on from the survey itself - helping us to understand the work needed and interpret the quotes we have received to make sure they match our needs. Thank you!
Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Matt W.
Very good service, Kate kept us up to date and well informed.
Very happy with the comprehensive survey report completed by Charlie.
Would use this company again. Thank you
Specific Defect Report – London, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Amanda G.
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