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
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
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.
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.
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.
Very professional and diligent in their assessment. Our surveyor Alaa Ali has been very responsive and patient with all of our queries providing excellent professional advice on the matter. Will definitely recommend them.
I would thoroughly recommend this company. The appointment for a surveyor came quickly. The surveyor was thorough and explained the items he found wrong. The report came through very promptly.
We received fantastic service from Harding Chartered Surveyors. The report by Kash was comprehensive, and his survey was thorough but unintrusive. Although our needs were not urgent, we managed to get an appointment for the survey to be carried out within a week and the report itself was delivered well within the two week period that they quote. I highly recommend them and understand why they are the surveyors of choice for so many home-owners and buyers in the area as well as banks and building societies.
Jessica came to survey my flat for a valuation. She was very fast and professional, I received the report back in under a week. I will use Hardings again.
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.