Specific Defect Surveys
A focused investigation of one known or suspected problem, whether damp, cracking, a roof leak or movement. We establish the cause rather than the symptom, so that money is spent on the right repair.
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Survey: Specific Defect Surveys
What type of property is it?
🔒 No obligationRICS regulated
- RICS Regulated Firm since 2020
- 4.9 on Google and Trustist
- We aim to respond the same day
What is a specific defect survey?
A focused building inspection addressing one particular problem. Rather than reporting on the overall condition of a property, it investigates a known or suspected defect and sets out what is causing it.
- Across London, the South East and throughout the UK
- One problem, investigated properly, rather than a whole-property condition report
- The cause identified and evidenced, not just the symptom described
- Practical repair advice, in priority order, with a photographic record
- Quoted individually: tell us what you are seeing and we will confirm the scope
What the investigation covers
- Visual assessment of the affected areas and their surroundings
- Moisture profiling where dampness is suspected
- Assessment of structural movement, cracking and its likely cause
- Review of the construction and how the element was built
- Identification of the probable cause, and the evidence for it
- Risk assessment of what happens if it is left
- Repair recommendations, in priority order
- Photographic record of what was found
- Referral to structural, drainage or timber specialists where that is the right next step
When a defect survey is the right instruction
- A defect has already been identified and you need to know why it is happening
- A Level 2 or Level 3 survey recommended further investigation
- Visible damage or deterioration has appeared, or is getting worse
- You want advice before committing to repair work or accepting a contractor's diagnosis
- An insurance claim, warranty claim or dispute turns on the cause
- The problem has been "fixed" before and has come back
Specific Defect Surveys explained
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Problems we are commonly asked to investigate
- Dampness, moisture ingress and condensation
- Roof leaks and roofing defects
- Structural cracking, movement and suspected subsidence
- Timber decay, including rot and insect attack
- Cavity wall insulation problems
- External wall cracking and failed render
- Drainage problems and their effect on the building
- Floor movement and deflection
- Chimney defects
- Water ingress around windows and doors
- Thermal bridging and cold spots
- Defects arising from poor workmanship
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How the investigation works
- We start from what you have observed: when it appears, how it has changed and what has already been tried
- The affected area is inspected along with the elements around it, because the cause is often not where the symptom shows
- Readings and measurements are taken where they help: moisture profiling, crack monitoring, levels
- The construction is considered, because how that element was built determines how it fails
- Where a specialist is genuinely needed, we say so and explain what to ask them for
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What you receive
- A written report explaining what was found and what is causing it
- Photographs tying the findings to the property
- Repair options and priorities, with the consequences of leaving it
- A clear statement of anything that could not be assessed, and what would be needed to assess it
- A call with your surveyor to talk the findings through
Specific Defect Surveys: your questions answered
How is this different from a Level 2 or Level 3 survey?
A Level 2 or Level 3 survey reports on the condition of the whole property. A specific defect survey looks at one problem in depth and sets out what is causing it. If you are buying, the home survey comes first; if it recommends further investigation, or if you already own the property and something has appeared, the defect survey is the right instruction.
Will you tell me exactly what the repair will cost?
The report sets out the repair options and their priority, and explains what each involves. Precise costs come from the contractor who will carry out the work, but the report gives you the information to obtain comparable quotations and to judge whether what you are being told matches the evidence.
Can you investigate damp that other people have already tried to fix?
Yes. That is one of the more common reasons clients come to us. Recurring damp usually means the original diagnosis was wrong rather than the repair being done badly. We look at the construction, take moisture readings and work back to the source.
Is the inspection invasive?
The inspection is normally visual and non-invasive, with readings taken where they help. Where opening up is the only way to be certain, the report says so and explains what would be involved, so that you can decide whether to take that step.
Do you work with structural engineers or other specialists?
Where a problem needs a structural engineer, drainage survey or timber specialist, we say so and explain what to ask them for. We would rather refer a specific question to the right specialist than give you an opinion beyond our expertise.
Can the report be used for an insurance claim or a dispute?
The report records what was found, what is causing it and what should be done, with photographs. That is often exactly what an insurer or the other side needs. If a matter is heading towards formal proceedings, tell us at the outset so the instruction can be scoped appropriately.
What clients say
From clients across our surveying and building consultancy work.
4.9 from Google and Trustist reviews
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My experience with Huxley Surveyors more than met expectations. Mathew did our Level 3 pre-purchase survey of a flat in a Grade II listed property in Hove. His very extensive report was well presented, and upon receipt Mat proactively suggested a follow up phone call to clarify any points in the report and to answer any questions. All in all, a good experience. I can highly recommend Huxley Surveyors.
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The survey itself was exceptionally detailed and comprehensive, leaving no stone unturned. The report was clear, well-structured, and easy to understand, highlighting both major concerns and smaller issues that could have easily been overlooked.
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Fabulous service from Chris. We have used Huxley surveyors twice and would recommend without doubt. The service was professional, informed and really efficient. Following a survey, Chris offered follow- up calls to help with anything that wasn’t clear. A fantastic service.
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