RICS SPECIFIC DEFECT SURVEY
What is a Specific Defect Survey?
A Specific Defect Survey (also known as a Specific Structural Survey or Specific Structural Inspection) is aimed at identifying a specific problem with a property’s structure or condition.
Any associated building issues found while carrying out this survey will also be listed. The survey goes into the same level of detail as a Full Building Survey, but does not cover the entire property; just the specific area of concern.
When do you need a Specific Defect Report?
This is usually when you want more information about one aspect of the property, usually a structural concern (e.g. removing a loadbearing wall or chimney breast).
If the rest of the property is thought to be fine, you should use the Specific Defect Survey if you are concerned about only one aspect.
Do I need a Specific Defect Survey if I have a Full Building Survey?
A full building survey may flag a potential problem. Occasionally, the building surveyor will recommend more information be obtained from a structural engineer. Other times, mortgage companies might request a structural report dealing with a know certain defect and will not release funds until this has been provided.
Having a specific structural inspection done will give you a really good breakdown on how bad the issue is and the price of fixing it which will allow you to make the right call on if you would like to buy the property or talk to the seller in order to get a bigger discount.
Why get a Specific Defect Survey?
You might have something at home you want to check for peace of mind, maybe before doing building works (structural alterations).
A specific defect survey is commissioned to see how suitable the property is for alterations and how they need to be conducted. They assess whether walls are loadbearing, for example, or whether you’ll need support beams, say, to allow chimney breast removal.
An engineer’s analysis of cracks can also be critical in determining whether there is any movement due to subsidence or whether cracks are merely cosmetic.
What is covered in a Specific Defect Survey?
The following is included in a specific defect report:
- subsidence check (bowing or cracking in the beams or walls due to the foundations sinking)
- quality of construction materials used
- defects in the roof, walls and floors examined
- timber rot/infestation investigation
- steel corrosion inspection
- non-standard construction verification
- flood damage potential
- support structures and their suitability
- guidance on repairs and remedial work options
- estimated costs
- design advice
- structural calculations
The report comprises detailed descriptions of the findings of the structure examination, along with relevant photographs. It states whether or not there is a problem with the building’s structure and, if there is, exactly what needs to be done and how much it will cost to fix the problems that have been found.
RICS Certified Surveyors
Our panel of surveyors consist of building surveyors and structural engineers. All of the chartered building surveyors are members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or other industry standard accreditation body. This means your building survey reports are thorough and should not ever have to be referred to another building surveyor.
Surveys of Commercial Property
If you’re thinking of acquiring, leasing, subletting, disposing of, or altering commercial premises in Manchester, you would be well advised to locate a surveyor skilled in the nuances of commercial building surveying – should you spot a defect in a commercial building you can use that information to negotiate an asking price for the property that’s considerably lower than what the seller originally wanted, or you can talk your way out of a bad deal altogether.
Our Manchester-based team of RICS-compliant commercial building surveyors is equipped to handle matters throughout Manchester.
Contact
Our team prioritizes client care above all else. We look forward to being in touch with you so you can instruct a surveyor in Manchester, London, Bristol, Birmingham or Cardiff. You can reach out to us easily. Just fill out our form, and we’ll get back to you with a free quote for your survey. All our surveyors are qualified as members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and we are one of the UK’s leading providers of building survey and valuation services:
- Accredited Professionals: Certified by organizations like RICS, CIOB, and RPSA.
- Customized Survey Reports: inspections to meet your specific requirements.
- Local Expertise: Deep understanding and specialized knowledge.
- Expert Guidance: Professional recommendations and support.
The property survey you commission will be carried out by an accredited professional. Your chartered surveyor will be a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), or will belong to some other industry-standard professional body. Rest assured; you will receive highest quality of professional service for your survey.
