Residential

Specific Defect Survey

Address concerns with a comprehensive report and honest advice with specific defect surveys from Fourth Wall.

What is a Specific Defect Report?

If you have identified an issue in your home that’s causing you concern, you may need a specific defect report. If a particularly complex problem is uncovered, you must get a clear picture of the extent and develop a clear roadmap for remedial actions to be taken.

The report offers a detailed analysis of the issue with remedial options and budget costs, all in a short form letter report. Our team of chartered surveyors can expand on the likely cause, advice on repairing said issues, as well as offering cost and timeline estimates.

We’re on hand to make this process stress-free and straightforward. Our team offers reporting in a format and language that works for you, going above and beyond to provide bespoke solutions and a personal service. If you’d like to find out more about our tailored specific defect surveys, why not contact the Fourth Wall team?

What Does a Specific Defect Survey Include?

An in-depth and jargon-free report covering the issue at hand, highlighting the most concerning areas and probable causes.

A comprehensive list of recommended remedial measures to be taken alongside any further investigations that may be required, so you can easily see what should be actioned next.

Help planning and prioritising tasks to fix the issue at hand, alongside estimations of costs and realistic timelines.

An outline of legal matters noted as part of our inspection, which may cover recommended warranties, guarantees, and leasehold considerations.

A final inspection following remedial actions to ensure that the issue is resolved, alongside further suggestions and recommendations if necessary.

Free, ongoing advice from our team of RICS chartered surveyors, whenever you might need it.

What is Meant By a ‘Serious Defect’?

Properties can benefit from defect reports if you are an existing owner or for a property you are looking to purchase in the near future. This type of report can also provide benefits prior to renovations, offering unbiased advice on repairs you plan to make.

– Serious defects include but are not limited to:
– Structural failure (may include the roof, flooring, or walls)
– Damp, including condensation
– Cracks or damage in the walls or foundations
– Workmanship issues

Need additional advice?

Get more from your survey

We don’t work from a standard template at Fourth Wall. Our surveys are bespoke and developed with you in mind. We believe this sets us apart.

Architectural Feasibility Review

When conducting your survey, we can also provide you with a initial Architectural Feasibility Review if you have any alterations or extensions in mind.

This will include a review of feasibility of your project and initial Planning, Building Regulations and Party Wall considerations.

Building Reinstatement Cost Assessments

If you own a property, no matter what size or for what purpose, you need to ensure you’re insured to the right level should anything happen.

Our experts will provide a report outlining the insurance reinstatement value based on the latest cost data and our expert knowledge.

Drone Surveys of Roof Area, Chimneys and hard to reach places

If you invest or develop property, we conduct reports focused at seasoned investors with key considerations included when purchasing a buy to let property.

If you own or are purchasing a portfolio, we can inspect and report on the condition and the key considerations of the entire portfolio.

Snagging Survey FAQs

Browse some of the common questions that our team are asked when it comes to choosing the survey that’s right for you.

What Are the Components Of a Defect Report?

When you have a defect survey created, you’ll receive a report that includes:

  • A detailed description of the issue at hand including likely causes 
  • Our recommendations for remedial actions to be taken
  • Advice on budgets and timescales
  • A review of remedial actions once completed
  • Ongoing advice from our team concerning repairs, ongoing issues, and building improvements
What Are Examples Of Defects?

Defects come in all shapes and sizes, depending on the size, location, and purpose of your property. Most commonly, serious defects include:

  • Damp, decay, or wood rot
  • Structural issues including walls, the roof, floors etc
  • Wall removal
  • Construction defects
  • Animal or bug infestations 
  • Asbestos 
  • Workmanship issues, including inadequate building works
  • Faulty electrical or plumbing works
Who Pays For a Specific Defect Report?

Typically if you are a homeowner who is looking to complete renovations on your own home or on or near a party wall, you’ll be the one paying for the specific defect survey. Again, if you’d like this kind of survey completed on a property of potential purchase interest (both residential and commercial), you’d be required to pay for the survey.

Why Should You Choose Fourth Wall?

Our services cover the entire life cycle of a property for clients who own, occupy, develop or fund real estate. When you work with Fourth Wall, you’ll benefit from a breadth of knowledge and experience, whilst working with surveyors who go above and beyond to understand your needs. Benefit from jargon-free reporting, with honest advice every step of the way. To start working with us today, book a free no-obligation consultation with one of our talented RICS chartered surveyors.

What Our Clients Say.

We could tell you how great our team and services are, but that would be too easy. Why not take a look at what some of our previous clients have said?

“Fantastic report with great technical detail. We recently had a building survey conducted on a property by another surveyor and the report provided by Fourth Wall was leagues ahead.”

– Robert Sykes

“High quality, clear and practical: Really useful report, very clear with helpful photographs and budget for repairs. They gave some really helpful extra insight on the phone post survey. Would recommend.”

– Rachel Morrison

“Great service, with a detailed final report for a good price. Everything was completed on time.”

– Thomas Worthington

“A detailed report was provided in a week. It was well presented, clearly laid out and each point colour coded. A pleasure to deal with. I would highly recommend and will definitely use their services again in the future.”

– R.C

“Our survey was as detailed as the sample one, yet it was easy to understand and explained exactly all the issues. I’d definitely use Fourth Wall again, if I needed to.”

– Louie Parkin

Ready to take the next steps?

Book Your Specific Defect Report

If you’re interested in our specific defect report service, why not contact a member of our team for more information? We offer free consultations where we’ll work closely with you to establish your needs, goals, and desired outcomes, before advising you on the best course of action to take. To book your chat with us, either contact us via phone, email, or by completing the contact form below.

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