Specific Defect Surveys

Specific Defect Surveys (also known as a Specific Structural Survey or Specific Structural Inspection) is used to assess a particular problem with a property’s structure or condition. Any related building matters which are found during the inspection will also be covered. The survey goes into a similar level of detail to a Full Building 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. 

Whether you’re looking for quotes or you’re ready to hire, or if you’d like to speak with some trusted local building inspectors , we can help. Our members are amongst the best rated inspectors in the state !

First time looking for a building inspector and not sure where to start? Let us do the legwork for you. Tell us about your project and we’ll send you a list of our members who have availability for you to review.

There’s no pressure to hire, so you can compare profiles, read previous reviews and ask for more information before you make your decision and our easy to use tool provides you with an online estimate from local, trusted building inspectors.

Why get A Specific Issues Survey?

Examples of issues a Specific Defect Survey could address include:

• Subsidence investigation
• Cracking or bowing of walls or beams; suspected instability or movement of walls or floors (subsidence)
• Issues with the quality of specific aspects of the building or alterations, such as wall removals and loft conversions
• Roofing defects
• Chimney defects, or structural assessment prior to chimney breast removal
• Timber rot or infestation assessment
• Steel beam corrosion assessment
• Non-standard construction survey
• Issues with brickwork quality
• Structural engineer flood damage assessment
• Problems with supporting structures such as beams.

Because our network includes structural engineers, we can offer a full service, including designs and calculations for remedial works on supporting structures, if required.

For more information about the expert investigations our members offer, please visit our services page.

A specific issues survey report includes detailed descriptions of what is found during the building inspection, alongside relevant photos. It states whether or not there is a problem with the structure of the building, and if there is, what needs to be done and how much it will cost to rectify the problems found.