Defect Diagnosis
Defect Diagnosis in London
Unexpected cracks, damp patches, or mould can signal deeper problems in your property. Our Detected Defect Diagnosis service identifies the root cause of structural, moisture, and material issues—whether it’s subsidence, roof failure, water ingress, or timber decay—and provides clear, actionable advice on repairs, costs, and ongoing maintenance.
Accredited & Experienced Team
Information on the Act
Professional
Fixed Free Quotation
What is Defect Diagnosis?
Defect Diagnosis is a targeted inspection that investigates specific building issues. Rather than a general survey, we focus on the precise symptoms you’re experiencing—cracks in walls, rising damp, condensation stains, bulging plaster, or sagging roofs—and use specialist equipment and expertise to determine the underlying cause. Our RICS-accredited surveyors combine visual inspection with moisture meters, levels, crack gauges, and thermal imaging (where necessary) to produce a definitive diagnosis.
When Do I Need A Defect Diagnosis?
You should consider defect diagnosis if you notice:
- Cracks (horizontal, stair-step, or vertical) in walls, ceilings, or chimneys
- Damp patches, mould growth, or peeling paint indicating water ingress or rising damp
- Bulging or bowing brickwork suggesting structural movement or subsidence
- Sagging roof timbers, ridge tiles slipping, or leaking gutters pointing to roof failure
- Rot or woodworm in visible timber elements such as joists, rafters, or floorboards
- Staining around windows or external walls showing potential condensation or defective insulation
Early diagnosis can prevent minor issues escalating into major structural defects, saving you thousands in repair costs and preserving your property’s value.
Why Choose Lloyd Dixon Group For Defect Diagnosis?
- RICS-Accredited Expertise
Our surveyors hold RICS accreditation and have extensive experience diagnosing defects in Victorian terraces, modern builds, and period homes across London and the Home Counties. - Specialist Equipment & Techniques
We employ moisture meters, crack monitors, laser levels, and thermal imaging (where required) to identify hidden defects behind plaster, cladding, or beneath floor finishes. - Clear, Jargon-Free Reports
Each diagnosis report explains causes, severity, and recommended repairs in plain UK English, supported by annotated photographs and sketches. - Practical, Costed Recommendations
We outline immediate repair options, likely costs, and long-term maintenance strategies—empowering you to make informed decisions and budget accurately. - Fast Turnaround & Ongoing Support
Typically, you receive your defect diagnosis report within 5–7 working days. Our team remains available to clarify findings, recommend trusted contractors, or advise on insurance claims. - Local Knowledge
Understanding London’s common building fabric—soft mortar in Georgian terraces, back-to-back houses, and post-war concrete frames—enables us to anticipate likely failure modes before they worsen.
What Does A Defect Diagnosis Include?
- Initial Consultation & Enquiry
- Discuss symptoms, duration, and any previous investigations.
- Confirm scope: cracks, damp, subsidence, roof issues, or timber defects.
- On-Site Inspection
- Visual survey of affected areas, adjoining structures, and potential water sources (e.g., gutters, downpipes).
- Use of moisture meters to quantify damp levels in walls, floors, and timbers.
- Crack width measurement with crack gauges to assess movement over time.
- Laser or dumpy level checks (if subsidence or heave is suspected) to record settlement.
- Thermal imaging (where necessary) to identify hidden moisture paths or insulation voids.
- Technical Analysis & Interpretation
- Correlate readings, crack patterns, and construction details to pinpoint root causes—rising damp, lateral water ingress, defective roof liners, or foundation movement.
- Assess severity: cosmetic vs. structural, urgent vs. watchful waiting.
- Detailed Defect Diagnosis Report
- Clear explanation of identified defects, cause-and-effect relationships, and severity.
- Photographs annotated to illustrate problem areas, sensor readings, and structural considerations.
- Costed repair schedule: immediate remedial works, mid-term maintenance, and monitoring recommendations.
- Guidance on selecting appropriate repair methods—for example, damp-proof course injection, underpinning, roof re-covering, or timber replacement.
- Advice on selecting competent contractors and monitoring post-repair performance.
- Follow-Up & Support
- Telephone or email consultation to answer questions.
- Assistance liaising with insurers or mortgage lenders if a claim is involved.
- Optional re-inspection after repairs to confirm defect resolution.
How Does The Defect Diagnosis Process Work?
- Enquiry & Quotation
- Complete our online enquiry form or call us with property details: age, construction type, and visible symptoms.
- We provide a fixed fee based on complexity (e.g., suspected subsidence vs. minor damp).
- On-Site Survey
- A RICS surveyor visits at a mutually convenient time, spending 1–3 hours depending on the nature and extent of defects.
- We inspect both affected internal areas and external surroundings (soil levels, drainage runs, guttering).
- Report Drafting
- Within 5–7 working days of inspection, you receive a draft diagnosis report in PDF format.
- We review key findings with you, clarifying any technical points and confirming scope.
- Final Report Delivery
- After incorporating feedback, we issue the final report—complete with photos, measurements, and cost estimates.
- We highlight urgent repairs requiring immediate action and outline longer-term monitoring or specialist referrals (e.g., structural engineer, timber specialist).
- Post-Delivery Consultation
- Our surveyor calls to discuss next steps: selecting contractors, liaising with insurers, or scheduling a re-inspection.
- We remain your point of contact throughout the remedial phase to ensure defect resolution and prevent recurrence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Difference Between A General Building Survey And A Defect Diagnosis?
A general building survey (RICS Level 3) assesses the overall condition of a property. Defect Diagnosis is a targeted investigation into specific symptoms—cracks, damp, subsidence—using specialist tools to identify root causes and recommend repairs.