Not every crack, damp patch or building defect requires a specialist survey. However, there are circumstances where a more focused investigation is appropriate.
A Defect Analysis Report can be particularly useful when a defect is persistent, unexplained or potentially significant.
Signs that further investigation may be appropriate
Consider obtaining professional advice where you have:
- Cracking that appears to be increasing
- Repeated water ingress
- Dampness that has not been resolved
- Distortion or movement
- A recurring roof leak
- Damage following neighbouring construction works
- Concerns about defective building work
- A defect identified during a property purchase
The important issue is not necessarily how dramatic a defect looks. Understanding its cause and significance is often more important.
What happens during the inspection?
The surveyor will focus on the affected area and consider the surrounding construction.
Available background information may also be reviewed, including previous reports, photographs, plans or details of recent works.
The inspection will normally be visual and non-destructive, subject to the agreed scope.
What if the cause cannot be confirmed?
That does not necessarily make the report unhelpful.
A surveyor can explain what the available evidence indicates, identify alternative possibilities where appropriate and recommend further investigation if the evidence is insufficient to reach a firm conclusion.
Stokemont’s advice
If a defect is unexplained or appears to be worsening, obtaining professional advice early can help prevent inappropriate remedial work being undertaken before the underlying cause is understood.
Stokemont provides focused Defect Analysis Reports where a specific building problem requires investigation.
