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Independent building defect investigations
When something has gone wrong with a building, an independent investigation of what the defect is, its likely cause and the options for putting it right.
Typical instructions
Moisture and mould
Persistent damp, condensation and mould in occupied buildings, including where previous treatments have failed.
Water ingress
Leaks through roofs, walls, windows, flat roofs and junctions, and failed tanking or waterproofing.
Workmanship defects
Cracking, failed finishes, poor detailing and incomplete work following building or refurbishment projects.
Failed repairs
Investigation of why a repair has not worked and what a durable remedy would involve.
Recording defects
Close-up of a recorded building defect
Site inspection in progress
The report
Each report sets out the instruction and scope, a description of the building, the evidence gathered with photographs and measurements, my opinion on the likely cause, the remedial options and any further investigation required.
Reports are factual and technical, to help resolve the problem or inform advice. They are not expert witness reports under the Civil Procedure Rules unless that is agreed at the outset as a separate instruction.
Scope & limitations
What the inspection does and does not cover
- Where opening up, testing or specialist input such as structural engineering is needed to confirm the cause, this is identified in the report and agreed separately.
- The inspection is visual and non-invasive unless intrusive investigation or testing is agreed in writing beforehand.
- Only areas that are safely accessible on the day are inspected. Concealed, covered or inaccessible parts are not inspected, and the report says where access was limited.
- Gas, electrical and drainage installations are not tested. Where a specialist test is advisable, the report says so.
- Any costs given are indicative ranges for budgeting and prioritising. They are not quotations, and contractors' prices will vary.
- Opinions are given within my professional competence as a construction professional, based on the evidence available at the time of inspection.
Full scope, exclusions and fee are set out in the terms of engagement agreed before every instruction.
Need a defect investigated?
Describe the building, the problem and what the report is for.