One problem. Proper investigation.
A targeted inspection where you already know what the concern is. We investigate the visible evidence, consider likely causes and explain the implications, repair options and any further investigation that is genuinely needed.
What can a specific defect survey investigate?
The service works best where there is a defined concern rather than a request to assess the whole property. The inspection scope is agreed around the defect before attendance.
Cracking & movement
Localised cracking, stepped masonry cracks, bay movement, separation around openings and other visible signs where you need an opinion on likely significance and next steps.
Dampness & moisture
Staining, high moisture readings, mould, damaged finishes and recurring damp symptoms assessed in the context of rainwater disposal, ground levels, ventilation, plumbing and construction.
Roof leaks
Targeted inspection of water penetration, failed flashings, valleys, roof junctions, chimneys, rainwater goods and related internal staining where accessible.
Condensation & mould
Investigation of moisture generation, ventilation, heating patterns, cold surfaces and insulation weaknesses where condensation is a credible cause.
Alterations & structural openings
Visible concerns around removed walls, chimney breasts, widened openings or other alterations where support, workmanship or historic approvals may need further review.
Timber & localised decay
Accessible timber deterioration, moisture-related decay and conditions that may be contributing to defects in floors, roof structures or external joinery.
Render, masonry & pointing
Localised failure, cracking, detachment, weathering and inappropriate repairs where the cause and suitable repair approach need clarification.
Drainage-related symptoms
Surface signs that may relate to defective drainage, local settlement, overflowing gullies or poor rainwater disposal, with CCTV or drainage testing recommended where justified.
Other isolated defects
If your concern does not fit one of these categories, send photographs and a short description. We will confirm whether a targeted survey is appropriate before instruction.
Focused advice without paying for a whole-house survey
A specific defect survey is useful when the question is already defined and you need an independent building surveyor’s opinion on that issue.
- You own the property and a new defect has appeared
- A contractor has suggested expensive work and you want independent advice first
- Your buyer’s survey has raised one particular concern
- You are buying a property but only need one known issue investigated in more detail
- You need a written professional opinion to discuss with a contractor, insurer or legal adviser
Define the problem before we attend
A tight scope makes the inspection more useful. We review the concern first, then focus the site visit on the areas and evidence relevant to that defect.
Send the details
Provide the property address, a description of the concern and photographs if available. Tell us when the issue started and whether any repairs have already been attempted.
Agree the scope
We confirm whether a specific defect inspection is suitable, what areas will be considered and the information or access needed on site.
Inspect the defect
The affected area and relevant surrounding construction are inspected visually and in context, using appropriate surveyor tools where relevant.
Receive the report
The written report records the evidence, likely cause or causes, significance, recommended action and any further investigation that is proportionate.
Evidence, interpretation and a practical next step
The report is deliberately focused on the instructed defect. It is not padded out with unrelated commentary on the rest of the building.
Where the visible evidence supports more than one plausible cause, that uncertainty is explained rather than presenting a guess as fact.
Observed condition
What was visible at the time of inspection, supported by relevant photographs.
Likely cause
The likely defect mechanism and any contributing factors supported by the available evidence.
Significance
What the defect may mean for the building, including whether it appears active, progressive or primarily maintenance-related where this can be reasonably assessed.
Recommended action
Balanced advice on repair, monitoring, maintenance or obtaining specialist investigation.
Further investigation
Targeted recommendations where opening-up, laboratory testing, drainage CCTV, structural analysis or another specialist service is justified.
A visual survey can’t answer every concealed question
A useful defect diagnosis depends on the evidence that can be inspected. We make the limitations clear and recommend further work only where it is proportionate.
Non-destructive unless agreed otherwise
Fixed finishes, floors, ceilings, wall linings and other construction are not opened up unless a specific invasive scope has been agreed and suitable permissions are in place. Concealed defects may therefore remain.
Moisture meters are evidence, not a diagnosis
Meter readings are interpreted alongside construction, ventilation, weather, staining, salts, plumbing and other evidence. A high reading alone does not establish the source of moisture.
Cracking may need monitoring
A single inspection records conditions at one point in time. Where movement cannot be reliably classified from the available evidence, monitoring or structural engineering input may be the correct next step.
Specialist investigations remain separate
The service does not replace laboratory analysis, invasive timber inspection, CCTV drainage surveys, electrical testing, gas safety checks, asbestos sampling or specialist structural/geotechnical design.
Specific defect or whole-property survey?
Choose a Specific Defect Survey when:
- There is one defined concern
- You need targeted diagnostic advice
- The rest of the property is outside your required scope
- You want a concise written opinion on that issue
Choose a Level 3 Building Survey when:
- You are buying the whole property
- There are several unrelated concerns
- The building is older or extensively altered
- You need broader repair priorities and cost guidance
Defect inspections across Bristol and South Wales
Specific defect surveys are available across our core Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire and South Wales service area. Send the postcode, photographs and a short description and we’ll confirm whether the issue is suitable for a targeted inspection.
Before booking a defect survey
Can you tell me whether a crack is subsidence?
We can inspect the cracking, building form and surrounding evidence and provide an opinion on likely significance and possible causes. It is not always possible to confirm or exclude foundation movement from one visual inspection. Monitoring, drainage investigation, trial pits, arboricultural advice, structural engineering or geotechnical investigation may be needed in some cases.
Can you diagnose rising damp?
We investigate the moisture problem rather than beginning with a predetermined diagnosis. Ground levels, rainwater disposal, plumbing, ventilation, salts, construction and internal conditions may all be relevant. Destructive sampling or laboratory analysis is outside a normal visual defect survey unless specifically agreed.
Can the report be sent to my contractor or insurer?
The report can provide useful written evidence for discussions with contractors, insurers or legal advisers. Whether another party will formally rely on or accept the report depends on the purpose of the instruction, the agreed terms and that party’s own requirements.
Do you carry out destructive opening-up?
Not as part of the standard inspection. Targeted opening-up may sometimes be appropriate, but it must be agreed in advance with the property owner’s permission, safe access and a clear scope including responsibility for making good.
What should I send before you quote?
Send the property address, photographs of the concern, a short explanation of what has happened and when you first noticed it. Include details of previous repairs, leaks, insurance claims or contractor advice if relevant.
Is this suitable before buying a property?
Yes, where a wider survey has already identified one issue that needs further investigation or the concern is genuinely isolated. If you still need an overall assessment of the property, a Level 2 or Level 3 survey will usually be more appropriate.
Got a defect you need properly understood?
Send the property address, photographs and a short description of the concern. We’ll review the issue, confirm whether a targeted survey is appropriate and provide a quotation.