Specific Property Defect Investigation
A focused inspection when one problem needs a much closer look.
Not every property concern needs a full building survey. Sometimes the issue is specific: a recurring leak, cracking, failed repair, poor workmanship, a roof detail, an external defect or a disagreement about what has actually been completed.
IPD's Specific Property Defect Investigation is designed for those situations.
The inspection focuses on the agreed concern, records the accessible evidence and produces a clear report explaining what was observed, what the evidence supports and what may need to happen next.
Typical concerns
• Water ingress and recurring leaks.
• Roofing, chimney, flashing, guttering and external-envelope defects.
• Cracking and movement that requires a documented first-stage assessment.
• Poor, incomplete or disputed workmanship.
• Failed repairs or repeated attempts to correct the same problem.
• Visible deterioration of building components.
• Defects involving several possible causes where a broader evidence review is needed.
• A need for a clear independent photographic record before further work is authorised.
How IPD approaches a defect
A useful defect report should do more than list photographs.
We consider how the relevant part of the property appears to have been constructed, the visible condition at the time of inspection, previous work or repairs where relevant, the relationship between different defects and the strength of the evidence supporting each possible explanation.
Where the evidence is conclusive, the report will say so. Where it only indicates a likely cause, that distinction will be made clear.
Where the cause cannot be established without opening-up or specialist input, the limitation will be stated rather than presented as certainty.
What you receive
• Pre-inspection review of the concern and relevant information supplied.
• Focused visual inspection of the agreed accessible areas.
• Photographic evidence and measurements/readings where relevant to the scope.
• Drone, moisture or drainage evidence where separately agreed and appropriate.
• Clear description of visible defects and workmanship concerns.
• Assessment of likely contributing factors where supported by the evidence.
• Priority of concerns and practical recommended next steps.
• Structured digital report for your records.
Workmanship and contractor disputes
IPD can be particularly useful where a customer needs an independent record of completed work and the visible defects or outstanding concerns.
The objective is not to manufacture a case for either side. The report records the evidence available at the time, explains apparent departures or concerns where they can reasonably be identified and makes clear where something cannot be determined from a visual inspection alone.
This can help customers communicate more clearly with contractors, insurers, managing agents or other professionals and can provide useful supporting evidence when deciding how to proceed.
Important scope information
This is a targeted defect investigation, not a RICS Home Survey, structural engineering report, valuation, quantity-surveying service, legal opinion or CPR Part 35 expert-witness report. It does not guarantee acceptance by a court, insurer or other third party.
Destructive opening-up is not included unless specifically agreed. Where structural engineering, specialist testing or legal advice is appropriate, the report will recommend it.
One problem. Proper evidence.
If you have a specific property defect, workmanship concern or repair that has not solved the problem, book a Specific Property Defect Investigation or contact IPD first to discuss the scope.