Specific Defect Surveys
Professional Investigation. Practical Solutions.
Not every property problem requires a full building survey.
If you've noticed a new crack, damp patches, mould growth, sticking doors, movement, unusual smells or another isolated issue, a Specific Defect Survey allows us to investigate that individual concern in detail without the cost of a full Level 2 or Level 3 Building Survey.
Our inspections are designed to identify what the problem is, why it has occurred, how serious it is, and what should happen next.
From just £195, you'll receive professional, independent advice from an experienced residential building surveyor.
What Can We Investigate?
A Specific Defect Survey can be used to investigate almost any individual building defect, including:
- Cracks in walls, ceilings or brickwork
- Subsidence, settlement and structural movement
- Damp, condensation and mould growth
- Timber decay and wet rot
- Woodworm and insect infestation
- Roof defects and leaking roofs
- Chimneys and lead flashings
- Flat roof failures
- Sticking windows and doors
- Uneven floors
- Suspicious odours or moisture problems
- Loft defects and roof structure concerns
- Water ingress following storms
- Defective gutters and rainwater goods
- Building alterations causing concern
- General structural defects
Advanced Diagnostic Equipment
Where appropriate, your inspection may include specialist equipment to help identify hidden defects, including:
✔ Drone roof inspections (CAA Approved Operator)
✔ Professional moisture meter testing
✔ Thermal imaging (available upon request)
✔ Laser measuring equipment
✔ Humidity and environmental monitoring
✔ Voltage detection equipment
✔ Detailed photographic recording
This allows us to investigate areas that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to inspect safely from ground level.
What You'll Receive
Every Specific Defect Survey includes a clear, easy-to-understand report explaining:
- What has been found
- The likely cause of the defect
- Whether the issue is cosmetic or structural
- The level of urgency
- Recommended repairs
- Whether further specialist investigation is required
- Likely implications if left untreated
- Maintenance advice to help prevent recurrence
Our reports are written in plain English and include clear photographs to help explain our findings.
Practical Remedial Advice
Unlike many inspections that simply identify a problem, we explain how it can usually be resolved.
Depending on the defect, we may recommend:
- Improving ventilation
- Localised repairs
- Damp-proofing measures
- Timber treatment
- Roof repairs
- Masonry repairs and repointing
- Structural repairs
- Drainage improvements
- Further investigation by a structural engineer
- Electrical or Gas Safe inspections where appropriate
- Specialist contractor recommendations
Where possible, we'll also explain the order in which repairs should be carried out and which issues are most important.
Ideal For
A Specific Defect Survey is ideal if you're:
- Concerned about a new crack
- Experiencing damp or mould
- Selling your home and want reassurance
- Buying a property with one obvious defect
- Concerned about possible structural movement
- Investigating roof leaks
- Looking for independent professional advice before spending money on repairs
- Unsure whether a defect is serious
Why Choose DB Property Surveyors?
With over 20 years of experience inspecting residential property throughout Kent, we combine traditional surveying expertise with the latest inspection technology to provide accurate, practical advice you can rely on.
Our aim is not simply to identify problems—but to help you understand them and provide clear guidance on the most appropriate and cost-effective way forward.
Whether the solution is a simple maintenance repair or further specialist investigation, you'll receive honest, independent advice to help you make informed decisions with confidence.
Call to Action
Concerned About a Problem?
Don't wait for a small defect to become a costly repair.
Specific Defect Surveys from just £195
📞 07349 946623
✉️ darren@db-property-surveyors.co.uk
Professional. Independent. Practical Advice.
