What is a Defects Survey?

The Defects Survey will involve the following:-

  • Survey:- An inspection will be made to all reasonably accessible parts of the property, including external and internal surfaces. Particular attention will be paid to rising and penetrating damp to timber defects and to assessing the significance of any cracks visible in the main walls. A short ladder will be used where appropriate for access to lofts and externally for access to flat roofs, etc, which cannot be readily seen from ground level. 

 

  • Written Report:- After the inspection, the Chartered Surveyor will provide a Report covering the main issues to the exterior, interior, services and grounds (normally about 10 to 20 pages). Having various referenced photo’s.  

 

  • Telephone Call:-  Discussion on the Chartered Surveyor’s findings will take place in a phone call. 

 

This is intended to provide useful information on the building’s condition, action points and input on our deemed more significant issues. It can also be tailored to your requirements. 

Additional input can also be requested, e.g. providing information on proposed alterations, costings on the repair works, etc. This would be charged at the Surveyor’s hourly rate. 

 

Would a Defects Survey be Suitable for Me?

We have been getting great feedback from this form of Reporting. Reading a 50 page Report might not be what you are after, or how your mind works!

You might also not want to know about everything within the property e.g. internal finishes, bathroom/kitchen, boundaries, etc. You could be planning a full refurbishment exercise where generally most aspects will be replaced in any event and therefore not need to be gone into much detail. The Defects Survey would be perfect for you here.

Following the survey, any written Report can be focussed on that area being of concern. The Defects Survey would certainly be useful in making your decision whether or not to buy. It is also much cheaper than the full written Report exercise whilst also providing a breadth of information.

 

Why Instruct PA Surveyors?

Our Chartered Surveyors will aim to provide the information in plain terms, as well as provide indication on the urgency of any works. Furthermore, the character and age of the building will be taken into consideration within the advices to help you gauge the magnitude of any issues.

We will always send you the various photographs taken during the survey – we usually take about 200 images to illustrate our findings. These will be sent as a digital copy so you can flick through and relay everything that was discussed.

We are also only a phone call/email away should you or a partner want to go over anything, or ask further questions.

More importantly, our Chartered Surveyors are professionals but also friendly individuals that you can come to at any stage.

Our RICS Chartered Surveyors operate throughout East & West Sussex; to include Brighton, Hove, Portslade & Shoreham, as well as Crawley, Haywards Heath, Eastbourne and beyond. Our Award Winning Surveyors are here to help!

Please contact us to obtain further free advice and a no obligation quotation.