Specialist Surveys

If you have had a house survey carried out that wasn’t completed by a Chartered Building Surveyor, specifically by Dabinett, you may have come across two familiar bolt-on recommendations, a ‘damp and timber survey’ and a ‘structural survey’.

Whilst Dabinett’s focus is on commercial work, we do undertake a limited number of residential surveys. When we do, we take pride in producing reports that provide our clients with everything they need to make informed decisions.

Common Denominators

Too often, Level 1 or Level 2 surveys (commonly referred to as valuation or condition reports), include generic recommendations for a ‘damp and timber survey’ and/or a ‘structural survey’. These add-ons can lead to unnecessary delays, additional costs, and frequently (in the case of damp and timber) expensive and often inappropriate remedial works.

When we are not carrying out full house surveys, we will often be completing targeted reports, where a Chartered Building Surveyor is needed to provide a structural report. Usually this is to comment on whether cracking is a serious problem.

Dabinett’s building survey reports not only assess the condition of the property and identify defects but also clearly outline the necessary remedial works. Importantly, we include independently prepared budget costs based on our professional judgment of what is genuinely required to address the issues. These estimates provide a valuable tool during the negotiation process and can often save clients thousands of pounds. Our ability to offer this level of insight stems from our expertise as Chartered Building Surveyors. We take great care in producing detailed, thorough reports.

‘Damp and timber surveys’ are often carried out by companies specialising in damp treatments. Through our expert witness work, we’ve seen how such reports often misdiagnose issues, leading to inappropriate and costly works.

As Building Surveyors, we are trained to assess the building as a whole. Often, what appears to be a localised issue can be caused by a completely different, and more complex, building defect. Experience and training are what allow us to correctly diagnose the problem, assess it, and recommend clear next steps.

Who to Ask?

Occasionally, buyers approach builders for advice on defects. However, all too often their lack of expertise in diagnosing causes and specifying appropriate remedial work becomes evident. Furthermore, there is often a conflict of interest when those recommending the work stand to benefit financially from carrying it out. If matters go awry, there is unlikely to be any easy recourse, as few builders have professional indemnity insurance to protect consumers.

If your property shows signs of dampness or structural issues, the best course of action is to commission a full survey by a Chartered Building Surveyor. If you have already had a house survey that recommends a damp and timber or structural survey, feel free to contact Dabinett.

We can provide sensible advice and often our reports will potentially save thousands of pounds.