Identify Building Defects
At Robertson Hill Associates, our RICS-accredited surveyors provide Specific Defect Reports for property owners and buyers across the North East of England. These specialist inspections investigate individual issues within a property to determine the cause, severity, and required remedial work.
Specific defect surveys are often recommended following a RICS Homebuyer Survey or when a property owner notices signs of a potential structural or building defect.
What is a Specific Defect Survey?
A specific defect survey is a detailed inspection focusing on a particular issue within a property that has already been identified or suspected. Unlike a general property survey, it concentrates solely on the defect in question to determine:
- The underlying cause of the issue
- The extent of the damage or defect
- Whether repair or remedial work is required
- Recommended next steps and potential repair solutions
These reports are commonly requested when defects such as subsidence, damp, structural movement, or timber decay are suspected.
Such issues may first be noticed by a property owner, buyer, valuer, or surveyor, but further specialist investigation is often required to understand the full scope of the problem.
When is a Specific Defect Survey Needed?
A specific defect durvey may be recommended when a potential issue has been identified during a RICS HomeBuyer Survey or Building Survey. In these cases, the initial survey may highlight a concern but may not provide sufficient detail to fully assess the extent or cause of the problem.
Property owners may also require a specific defect survey if they notice visible signs of damage within their property, such as cracking, damp patches, or signs of structural movement. These indicators can suggest underlying issues that require professional investigation.
In some situations, buyers may request further investigation before purchasing a property in order to gain a clearer understanding of a suspected defect and the potential cost of repairs. A specific defect survey may also be recommended when specialist advice is required to assess damage and determine the most appropriate repair or remedial work.
While standard property surveys are designed to provide an overall assessment of a building’s condition, they do not always investigate individual problems in depth. A specific defect survey focuses on the identified issue, providing a detailed inspection and professional analysis of the defect and its likely cause.
If you suspect a defect in your property or require further investigation following a survey, Robertson Hill Associates can help.
Contact our team today to arrange a specific defect survey with a RICS-accredited surveyor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a Specific Defect Survey and when is it necessary?
A Specific Defect Survey is a targeted inspection by a surveyor focusing on one particular problem, such as damp, cracking, or timber decay. Unlike a full building survey, it is used when a specific issue has already been identified, either by the homeowner or during a standard RICS Level 2 or Level 3 Home Survey. In the North East, where many older properties in areas like Newcastle and Durham are prone to specific historical building issues, this report provides the technical cause and a clear plan for remedial work.
Can a defect report help with subsidence or structural movement in North East properties?
If you notice diagonal cracking, sticking doors, or gaps in masonry, a structural defect report is essential to determine if the cause is active subsidence or historical settlement. Our RICS-accredited surveyors investigate the underlying cause, often related to the clay soils or historical mining activity common across Sunderland and County Durham. A professional report helps property owners understand the severity of the movement and provides the necessary documentation for insurance claims or mortgage lenders.
Does a Specific Defect Survey include a damp and timber report?
Our defect surveys frequently investigate rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation issues. Many properties in the North East suffer from moisture-related defects due to the regional climate and older solid-wall construction. A professional damp report from Robertson Hill Associates identifies the actual source of the moisture rather than just recommending quick-fix chemical injections. We also inspect for related timber defects like wet rot, dry rot, or woodworm infestation to ensure the building's structural integrity is protected.
How much does a Specific Defect Survey cost in Newcastle and the North East?
The cost of a Specific Defect Survey depends on the complexity of the issue and the type of property. Because it focuses on a single problem, it is often more cost-effective than a full building survey. For homeowners and buyers in Newcastle upon Tyne and the surrounding areas, investing in a specialist defect report can save thousands of pounds by providing an accurate diagnosis and preventing unnecessary or incorrect repairs. Contact our team for a bespoke quote based on your specific property concern.