What it is
What is a specific defect report?
A specific defect report is a shorter, focused report on one defect or perceived problem. When a particular problem has been identified or is suspected, perhaps in a valuation report or home survey, or by the person who owns the property, we inspect and report on that one aspect only.
The inspection is carried out with the same care as a Building Survey, but only on the area of concern, so you get a clear view of the cause and the next steps rather than a survey of the whole building.
Typical issues
Cracking
Cracks in walls, ceilings or around openings, and whether they point to a deeper problem.
Damp
Damp patches, staining or musty areas, and what is causing them.
A structural concern
Sagging, movement or distortion that has made you want a specialist opinion.
A point raised in another report
Something flagged in a valuation report or home survey that needs a closer look.
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Homeowners
Noticed a new crack or a damp patch and want to know what it means.
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Buyers
A survey or valuation raised a concern. A clearer view can give reassurance to go ahead, or help you renegotiate the purchase price if needed.
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Landlords
One reported problem in a rental property that needs an independent view.
Who it helps
Who is a specific defect report for?
Anyone with one clear concern about a property who wants a clear, independent answer.
YOUR REPORT
What you receive
A written report limited to the problem you asked us to look at. It gives you:
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Investigation of the specific issue, with advice on what is causing it
Who carries out the inspection
Knight Surveys is a family-run, RICS-regulated practice based in Horsforth. Inspections are carried out by chartered building surveyors David Knight MRICS MISVA, who qualified in 1990, and Joe Knight MSc MRICS, covering West and North Yorkshire.
✓
✓
Guidance on the nature and extent of the problem
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Guidance on the repairs that are needed
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Reassurance where the issue turns out to be minor
A note where specialist testing or other expert input is advisable
You can speak to the surveyor who inspected the property about the findings.
Choosing the right report
How it differs from a full survey
A full survey looks at the whole property. A specific defect report looks at one problem.
Buying a home? See our RICS Level 2 Home Survey and RICS Level 3 Building Survey. Planning extensive refurbishment works? Ask us about an Overall Structural Appraisal.
Specific defect report
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One defect or concern
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A shorter report limited to the area of concern
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Useful when you already know what worries you
Full survey
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The whole property, inside and out
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Condition ratings and key defects across the building
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Useful before you buy, or when you do not yet know what to look for
QUESTIONS
Questions about specific defect reports
What is the difference between a specific defect report and a Level 3 Building Survey?
A Level 3 Building Survey looks at the whole property. A specific defect report looks only at the issue you are concerned about, so the report is shorter and focused on that one problem.
Can I ask for one if a survey or valuation has already raised a concern?
Yes. A specific defect report is often used when a valuation report, home survey or an existing owner has identified or suspected a particular problem that needs a closer look.
Will the report tell me what repairs are needed?
The report gives guidance on the nature and extent of the problem and on the repairs that are needed. Where a problem needs specialist testing or other expert input, the report will say so.
Can I speak to the surveyor about the findings?
You can speak to the surveyor who inspected the property about the findings.
Ask about a defect report
Tell us about the problem
Send an enquiry and we'll call you to discuss the property, or we can email the fee quote if you prefer.
CALL
0113 293 0600
admin@knightsurveys.co.uk
VISIT
Network House, Lister Hill, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 5AZ
