Local Defect Diagnosis
Local defect diagnosis is essential if you suspect a property is suffering from some form of structural or construction-related defect. With an accurate defect diagnosis report, you can identify the underlying cause of the problem and determine its impact on the structural integrity of the property.
In addition to this, a professional defect diagnosis report will provide an estimated cost for remedial works, so you can plan ahead and budget for necessary repair or restoration.
Why Are Surveyors Important for Defect Diagnosis?
Defect diagnosis should be carried out by qualified and experienced professionals, which is why chartered surveyors are ideally suited to undertake defect assessments. With extensive experience in assessing properties in all states of repair, surveyors have the necessary skills and qualifications to identify potential issues, even if they aren’t immediately apparent to property owners, tenants, developers or investors.
Often, potentially major defects are only minimally visible via a visual inspection, but surveyors are adept at identifying indicators of hidden defects. If necessary, a more intensive inspection can then be undertaken to determine the extent of the issue. Only a trained professional will be properly equipped to complete such an assessment, so it’s important to ensure you choose a specialist in local defect diagnosis.
What to Look for When Finding a Local Diagnosis Surveyor
Choosing the right surveyor is always important but it’s particularly critical if you suspect a property has some form of defect. To ensure you’re able to access the right help, be sure to consider the following factors when selecting a local diagnosis surveyor:
Defect Diagnosis Specialist
While many surveyors may offer defect diagnosis surveys, this doesn’t necessarily mean they will specialise in this area. Before you hire a surveyor, ask them about their recent experience with defect diagnosis to determine whether they can provide the expert support you require.
Local Knowledge
Properties in the same locale can often succumb to similar types of defects due to the impact of the environment on the building and surrounding land. Furthermore, properties in the same area are likely to be subject to the same rules and regulations. As you might expect, working a chartered surveyor with extensive local knowledge can be advantageous as it can help them to accurately identify defects and accurately estimate remedial costs.
Chartered Surveyor Status
It’s important to recognise that a ‘surveyor’ and a ‘Chartered Surveyor’ are not the same thing. A Chartered Surveyor is a regulated professional who has training, experience and qualifications, whereas a non-chartered surveyor is not required to have any particular qualifications or experience and isn’t regulated. When you’re looking for a defect diagnosis surveyor, choosing a Chartered Surveyor can ensure you have access to the highest quality work, professionalism and expertise.
If a defect is diagnosed, the next step is to plan remedial works. If your local defect diagnosis surveyor also offers contract administration and/or project management services, you can rely on them to assist with every aspect of the project, from diagnosis right through repairs or restoration.
The Importance of Specialist Skilled Defect Diagnosis Surveyors
Properties can be affected by a wide range of defects, including:
- Leaking roofs
- Damp exterior walls
- Structural movement
- Cracked walls
- Dry rot
- Condensation
- Failed guttering
- Eroded pointing
Only a skilled defect diagnosis professional can identify and assess these issues, which is why it’s vital to look for a surveyor who specialists in defect diagnostics.
What Happens In a Defect Diagnosis Report?
A defect diagnosis report should provide a comprehensive commentary on the reported defects, as well as an overview of the construction of your property. The expected causes of the defect(s) should be thoroughly explained, along with recommendations for necessary remedial actions.
To learn more or to talk to a specialist local defect diagnosis surveyor now, contact TCL Surveyors on 020 3176 0029, email us at info@tcl-surveyors.co.uk or send us a message here.