Building Defect Survey — From £295
A standalone specialist survey to investigate a known or suspected building defect. You can book this service directly, without commissioning a Homebuyer or Comprehensive Building Survey.
Request a Building Defect Survey quote
Price
From £295. The final fee depends on the defect, property, location, access and agreed scope. All fees are confirmed before instruction.
When a Building Defect Survey is appropriate
This focused service can investigate cracking, dampness, water ingress, roof defects, masonry deterioration, wall-tie concerns, movement, timber deterioration, spray-foam-related roof concerns, localised building failures and other specific defects.
What the report covers
The defect and its location
Clear photographic evidence
The likely cause or causes
The extent, where reasonably determinable
The significance of the defect
Recommended remedial work and repair priorities
Further investigation where genuinely required
Guideline repair costs where appropriate and within the agreed scope
The assessment is construction-led and concentrates on diagnosing the issue and explaining a practical repair approach. It does not turn a focused defect instruction into a full building survey.
Specialist investigation methods — price on request
Borescope inspection, thermal imaging and targeted opening-up can be commissioned within a standalone defect investigation. The methods are selected to suit the problem, with the investigation scope, access arrangements and fee agreed for the individual instruction. Specialist investigation work is priced on request.
Borescope investigations
A small inspection camera can help examine accessible cavities and concealed voids through existing openings or agreed small access holes. The report explains the areas viewed and any limits on what could be seen.
Thermal imaging
Non-intrusive thermal imaging can help investigate temperature patterns associated with heat loss, insulation gaps, thermal bridging or possible moisture. Findings are interpreted alongside the inspection and other evidence, in suitable conditions; a thermal image alone does not confirm the cause of a defect.
Targeted opening-up and intrusive investigations
Subject to access and suitability, this may include localised trial pits to expose accessible foundations, lifting selected floorboards, removing limited areas of plaster or finishes, or carefully removing selected bricks or stones to examine concealed construction.
Before intrusive work, we agree the locations and extent, who will carry out the work, and the property owner's written permission and any required consents. Relevant checks for asbestos and buried or concealed services, and any necessary structural support or specialist input, must be addressed before work proceeds.
Your quotation confirms the investigation, reporting, waste removal and making-good arrangements, including any exclusions. Work proceeds only where it can be carried out safely.
Discuss a defect or request an investigation quote
Related specialist surveys
Need a whole-property assessment?
For a detailed assessment of the wider property, see our Comprehensive Building Survey.