Building defect investigation

Building components fail for many reasons — age, lack of maintenance, poor products or poor workmanship. We find out which, and specify a repair that deals with the cause rather than the symptom.

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What it is

In plain English

We diagnose timber decay, structural movement and cracking, condensation, plumbing and roof leaks, and drainage defects, and write it up in a clear defect report.

Where the cause is not visible, we arrange the right investigation: CCTV drainage surveys, leak detection, damp investigation, material sampling, or opening up. Where we need specialist input we bring in our consulting structural, mechanical and electrical engineers.

If the repair goes ahead, we can specify it, tender it and manage the remedial works on site.

Who it’s for

Housing providers

Disrepair claims, recurring leaks and cracking across your stock — investigated and specified quickly.

Schools & trusts

Roof, structure and drainage problems diagnosed with an eye on term dates and funding.

Owners & managing agents

An independent view of what has gone wrong, what it will take to fix and who is responsible.

Deliverables

Deliverable	What you receive	When
Inspection	A chartered surveyor on site, with photographs and measurements	Within 5 working days
Further investigation	CCTV drainage, damp readings, leak detection or sampling as needed	As required
Defect report	Cause, extent and a prioritised repair recommendation	10 working days after inspection
Repair specification	A schedule of works ready to price	On instruction
Remedial works	Tender and contract administration of the repair	On instruction

Typical timescale

How it runs

Step 01
Brief
You tell us what you have seen and when.
Step 02
Inspect
Visual inspection and any testing.
Step 03
Report
Cause, extent and recommendation.
Step 04
Repair
Specify and manage the works if needed.

Common questions

Common questions about defect investigations

Not answered here? Call 01245 460222 and speak to a surveyor.

Is this the same as a homebuyer survey?

No. We do not carry out RICS Home Surveys. A defect investigation is a targeted inspection of a specific problem — cracking, movement, water ingress, a failing roof — to find the cause and tell you what to do about it.

Is cracking always subsidence?

Rarely. Thermal movement, shrinkage, a failed lintel or a rotting timber cause far more cracking than subsidence does. We look at the pattern, width, taper and age of the cracks before jumping to conclusions, and recommend monitoring where the cause is not yet clear.

Will you open things up?

Where it is needed and the owner agrees. That can mean lifting floorboards, a CCTV drainage survey, trial pits at foundations, or sampling for testing. We say in advance what is proposed and why.

Can you monitor movement over time?

Yes. We fit crack monitors or level studs and take readings over a set period, usually six to twelve months, to show whether movement is ongoing, seasonal or historic.

What will the report tell me?

The cause, the extent, how urgent it is and a prioritised recommendation for repair. If the work goes ahead, we can prepare the specification, obtain prices and administer the contract.

Can the report be used in a claim or dispute?

Our reports are written to be relied on. If a claim or court proceedings are likely, tell us at the start so the report is prepared to the standard required for expert witness evidence.

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