Advice Hub: Single Defect Report

Not every property concern requires a full building survey. Our guides explain when a single defect report is the most appropriate solution and how Collier Stevens delivers focused, cost-effective advice. Our guides bring together advice from experienced building surveyors in Kent and property surveyors in London, and reflect our approach to diagnosing specific issues, such as cracking or damp, while providing clear recommendations you can rely on. Get in touch to speak to one of our specialists and get a free quote.

broken rat run garden wall; party fence wall; blackheath; london

Why garden walls lean and collapse

It is important to inspect garden walls to ensure they are in good condition, as they are subject to collapse and can cause accidents. Different factors can cause walls to lean, so when carrying out a building survey, inspectors look for misaligned walls, deteriorated brick piers or pointing, flaking or eroded surfaces, and cracks.
garden wall failure

The power of roots and poor retaining walls

This garden retaining wall was found to be cracking and failing during a single defect survey. The absence of reinforcement and weep holes, combined with growing tree roots caused the wall to bulge outward. Proper design, including reinforced concrete and weep holes, is essential for retaining walls to hold back ground and prevent premature failure.
water damaged brickwork and pointing

Don’t put off minor building repairs – 79p now or £1,000 then?

Neglecting a small issue like a missing gutter end cap can lead to major problems in a property, as demonstrated by a recent survey. Water dripping down the front elevation due to a missing end cap had caused damage to the soft red bricks, leading to internal penetrating damp and the need for costly repairs. Don't overlook small repairs as they can save you from bigger expenses in the long run.