DIRECTOR-LED DEFECT INVESTIGATION REPORT
If you have noticed damp patches, cracking, mould growth or other signs of concern within your property, a focused diagnostic inspection can provide clarity.
Our Defect Investigation Reports are designed primarily for homeowners seeking an independent professional opinion on a specific issue within their own property.
Each inspection is carried out personally by Chartered Building Surveyor Tom Whitworth MRICS.
WHEN IS A DEFECT REPORT APPROPRIATE?
A Defect Investigation Report is suitable where you have identified a particular issue and require a professional diagnosis of the cause and appropriate remedial approach.
Common examples include:
- Dampness and moisture ingress
- Condensation and mould growth
- Structural cracking or suspected movement
- Roof leaks or deterioration
- Timber decay or wood-boring insect activity
- Thermal performance concerns
- Localised building defects
- Health and safety risks
This service focuses on targeted investigation of the issue(s) identified, rather than a full survey of the entire property.
SPECIALIST MOISTURE INVESTIGATIONS
All dampness investigations to traditionally-built properties are undertaken in accordance with the 2022 Joint Position Statement: Investigation of moisture and its effects on traditional buildings.
This approach prioritises:
- Understanding the source and movement of moisture
- Identifying underlying building pathology
- Avoiding unnecessary or inappropriate remedial treatments
- Recommending proportionate and compatible repair strategies
Independent diagnosis is particularly important for older and traditionally-constructed properties.
WHAT MAKES OUR DEFECT REPORTS DIFFERENT?
DIRECTOR-LED DIAGNOSIS
Your inspection is carried out personally by an experienced Chartered Building Surveyor. We do not provide contractor-led “free surveys”.
INDEPENDENT, EVIDENCE-BASED ANALYSIS
Advice is based on professional investigation and building pathology principles, not on the sale of remedial products.
ADVANCED INVESTIGATION TECHNIQUES
Where appropriate, inspections may utilise thermal imaging, moisture profiling equipment, endoscopes and high-level camera access equipment to assist diagnosis.
CLEAR, PRACTICAL ADVICE
Reports identify:
- The likely cause of the issue
- Contributing factors
- Severity and urgency
- Recommended remedial approach
- Whether further specialist investigation is required
Advice is proportionate and tailored to the specific building.
COMPLIMENTARY POST-REPORT CONSULTATION
A post-report telephone consultation (up to 30 minutes) is included on request to discuss findings and recommended next steps.
SCOPE OF SERVICE
A Defect Investigation Report is limited to the issue(s) agreed at instruction.
It is not a full Building Survey of the property and does not assess unrelated elements unless specifically requested.
If broader concerns are identified during inspection, we will advise accordingly.
FEES
Due to the varied and individual nature of defect investigations, each instruction is quoted individually.
To provide an accurate quotation we require:
- Full property address
- Clear description of the issue(s) of concern
- Any relevant history (previous reports, contractor advice or remedial works)
- Any specific questions you would like addressed
Our fees reflect the time required for careful investigation and professional diagnosis.
A MEASURED, INDEPENDENT OPINION
Defect investigations require careful analysis rather than assumption.
Our objective is to provide clear, technically grounded advice so that you can make informed decisions about appropriate remedial action to your property.
Please contact us for a tailored quotation.
