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MORTGAGE AND INSURANCE APPROVED
RESIDENTIAL DEFECT SURVEYS
Independent diagnosis of property defects by Chartered Building Surveyors
A Residential Defect Survey is a targeted inspection carried out to investigate specific defects or concerns within a residential property, rather than providing a full overview of the building.
AMS Surveys provides Residential Defect Surveys for homeowners, buyers and landlords who require clear, independent advice on identified or suspected defects, supported by appropriate specialist investigation where required.
OUR RESIDENTIAL CLIENT REVIEWS
WHAT IS A REDIDENTIAL DEFECT SURVEY
A Residential Defect Survey is commonly instructed when:
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A specific defect has been identified during a property purchase
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Damp, mould or timber decay is suspected
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Structural cracking or movement is visible
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Roof defects or water ingress are reported
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Further investigation is recommended following a RICS survey
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Independent advice is required before remedial works are undertaken
This type of survey is particularly valuable where clarity and proportional advice are required before committing to repairs or renegotiation.
AREAS WE COVER
Our Chartered Building Surveyors operate across England and Wales, with strong regional coverage in Liverpool, Manchester, Cheshire, Lancashire, Derbyshire, Shropshire and North Wales. We regularly advise on residential property across urban, suburban and rural areas, including traditional housing stock, modern developments, conversions and extensions, supported by local surveyors with detailed regional knowledge.
COMMON RESIDENTIAL DEFECTS WE INVESTIGATE
Residential Defect Surveys commonly address issues such as:
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Dampness, rising damp, condensation and moisture ingress
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Timber decay, rot and insect infestation
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Cracking, subsidence, movement and structural distortion
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Roof defects, leaks and weathering
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Non-traditional construction housing
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Defective alterations or historic repairs
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Poor workmanship or material failure
Each inspection is tailored to the property type, age and construction.
HOW A RESIDENTIAL DEFECT SURVEY DIFFERS FROM A RICS HOME SURVEY
Residential Defect Survey
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Focuses on specific defects
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Problem-led and investigative
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May include specialist testing
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Often follows an initial survey
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Provides a broad property overview
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General condition assessment
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Non-intrusive visual inspection
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Typically instructed pre-purchase
Where appropriate, a Residential Defect Survey may be recommended after a RICS Level 2 or Level 3 Survey to provide further clarity on identified concerns.
INVESTIGATION METHODS USED
A Residential Defect Survey may incorporate one or more specialist investigation methods, depending on the nature of the defect. These techniques are used as part of a wider diagnostic approach, rather than as standalone services.
Used to diagnose rising damp, penetrating damp, condensation and timber decay, including assessment of moisture sources and ventilation.
Used where cracking, subsidence, movement, or structural distress is present, focusing on load-bearing elements and structural behaviour.
Used where roof coverings or high-level elements are inaccessible or unsafe to inspect from ground level, or where spray foam insulation has been installed.
Each of these investigation methods is explained in more detail on its dedicated service page and may be recommended individually or in combination.
REGULATED AND PARTNERED WITH
OUR APPROACH
All Residential Defect Surveys are carried out by Chartered Building Surveyors, independent of contractors or remedial providers.
Our reports provide:
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Clear explanation of the defect and its likely cause
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Assessment of severity and risk
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Photographic evidence
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Practical recommendations and cost estimates
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Advice on whether further investigation is required
Our focus is always on proportionate, evidence-based advice, avoiding unnecessary or inappropriate works.