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
Very professional, knowledgeable and efficient service from Harding. My surveyor (Al) - was very thorough, he took time to review my property internally and externally, discuss in detail the current situation and then followed up with an excellent detailed report and commentary. His inspection and work have given me vital and essential documentation on my property for now and the future. Thank you Al and I would highly recommend this organisation.
Alaa is a very nice, helpful and knowledgeable, patient person. He was willing to spend time with me to go through the report in detail and provide me recommendations for any problems. Very professional service and highly recommended.
Incredibly efficient and professional service. Survey report was very through and helpful in identifying areas of work needed to be undertaken urgently, together with a ball park cost. Speed with which they undertook the survey and turned around the report ensured the transaction kept to the tight timeline set by the vendors. Can 100% recommend them.
Professional, helpful, friendly, prompt, value-for-money. I cannot speak highly enough of their thoroughly excellent and efficient service - in particular I really commend Kate's quick and friendly service (I always heard back same day on any query), and Jason's thorough but clear survey (he also phoned me to talk through report as well as submitting formal in writing).
The homebuyer's report carried out by Harding Chartered Surveyors was clear informative and timely. The level of detail was just what I needed in order to appreciate what the property needed doing and to help me with my decision to proceed with the purchase process.
Kate is very responsive and also took time to advise me on the phone at the very beginning. Scott Ingham did our report. It was thorough and informative. Felt in safe professional hands throughout.
Scott completed a survey for me on a flat purchase and both he and Kate were great - very quick to respond, knowledgeable, thorough and happy to address any additional questions I had. Would definitely recommend and use them again.
I requested Harding to provide a valuation for a lease extension. Albert Wellington was in charge of my property and he was extremely professional and helpful in addressing all my concerns. I would recommend him and the company with no hesitation.
Very efficient and professional. I had my survey few months ago before buying my house and I am still following the advice from the survey to fix and repair what needed. I dealt with Scott Ingham and I think he worked very accurately and checked everything very carefully. Highly recommended.
Needed a valuation for a property purchase and can honestly say the service was 1st class from start to finish. Queries were dealt with promptly and followed up via telephone to make sure I was happy with the responses.The team are extremely knowledgeable.Thank you Kate, Albert, David and the rest of the team I will definitely use the company again.
Harding Chartered Surveyors are a very professional business who handled a challenging task for us with ease. I highly recommend them and will be using their services again.
The surveyor turned up on time as planned to survey the roof, both inside and out, then was happy to discuss it all with us afterwards. Bit tricky in high winds. Report arrived 2 days later, just what we needed. Professional and thorough. Recommended.
Quick, responsive and very thorough. Would definitely recommend Hardings to others, and will come back to them the next time I need a survey completed.
I highly recommend David. Very good technical knowledge. He was always available for our questions, which included a detailed call on the same day as the survey. The written survey report was clear, detailed and included pictures and estimates of the cost of repairs.
David gave us a fantastic service and has been a huge help during our property purchase process. We have had 2 surveys carried out, both of which were arranged very promptly. Thorough and extremely useful telephone calls and full written reports were received shortly afterwards. David's reports and advice have been invaluable to us.
I have worked with David and his team as a buying agent for many years now. The service they offer is an excellent one, timely with a commonsensical approach. I would recommend them to anyone.
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.
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