Partial Inspection and Reports

Partial Inspection and Reports… to find defects

What is a Specific Defect survey?

A Specific Defect Survey is used to assess a particular problem with a property’s fabric and condition. Any related building problems which are found during the inspection will also be covered. The survey goes into a similar level of detail to a level three survey, but does not cover the whole property, just the specific area of concern.

Specific Defect Surveys are suitable if you believe that the rest of the property is sound, but you have concerns about one aspect.

You may be worried about something that you have spotted in a property you wish to buy. A structural inspection would allow you to get detailed information on the extent of the issue and the costs of rectifying it; this would allow you to make an informed decision on whether to proceed with the purchase or renegotiate the price.

Sometimes another surveyor will recommend further investigation by a structural engineer (particularly if their firm does not have engineers as part of the team). At other times, mortgage companies ask for a structural report covering a specific defect, and will not agree to a mortgage until this has been provided.

Alternatively, it could be something in your own home that you want to check for peace of mind, perhaps before carrying out building works. An engineer can carry out a structural alterations survey to determine the suitability of the property for alterations. For example, we often carry out surveys to assess whether walls are load bearing, or whether a steel lintel is needed to allow chimney breast removal.

Sometimes a vendor may wish to get a second opinion on an issue highlighted by a purchaser’s survey, to aid negotiations. A structural engineer’s assessment of cracking can be particularly crucial for determining whether there is movement due to subsidence, or whether cracks are superficial.

Examples of issues a Partial Inspection or Defect Survey may include:

Subsidence investigation
Cracking or bowing of walls or beams
Suspected instability or movement of walls or floors
Roofing and chimney defects
Timber rot or infestation assessment
Issues with water penetration
Flood damage assessments, sampling for dry relative humidity levels, speedy meter testing.

These surveys will include detailed descriptions of what has been discovered during the building inspection, along with relevant images, and remedies for your consideration