Specialist Reports

With over 30 years experience, Alan Wright Chartered Building Surveyors can provide specialist reports covering all aspects of a property. Our reports are fully compliant and not filled with technical jargon to confuse any prospective purchaser.

We are full members of The Association of Building Engineers and The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and can provide structural engineers reports tailored to any defect investigated within a property. Usually specialist reports are required as a condition of the mortgage. We can combine the specified reports into one report to save time and money. We are approved by the Banks and Buidling Societies and provide a 48 hour report turn around service. This includes the following features;

  • Damp and Timber Investigations
  • Structural Defects Reports
  • Full Costings
  • Detailed Photographs

Expert Witness

Expert Witness

Disputes involving land, property and construction may require expert evidence to be sought. An Expert Witnesses may assist the court on subjects within their area of expertise. This can include building surveying, planning, development, commercial property and compulsory purchase to name a few.

An Expert Witness may be required to provide a formal report to the court in support of any legal action resulting from a dispute. Property disputes between two or more parties are often costly and complicated. It is extremely important to employ an Expert Witness to acquire techincal evidence to support the case and in gaining an understanding of the position of the client.

This is where a Chartered Surveyor comes in. As a RICS Registered Chartered Building Surveyor, Alan Wright is ideally placed to act as an Expert Witness.

Timber Inspection Reports

View of Underfloor Timbers

Timbers form major structural elemnts in most properties i.e. roof, floors and windows. Damp conditions can lead to various types of infestations. This can cause timbers to become weak and structurally unsound, sometimes in short order. It is important to identify the defect and act as quickly as possible to prevent costly remediation.

Dry Rot is a result of a fungus permeating the masonary and plasterwork and eventually finding the timbre food source. Usually found in concealed timbers it will cause weakening and leave the wood cracked and brittle.

Wet Rot is often associated with ingress of water and permanently damp / wet conditions. It doesn't spread like Dry Rot, usally being isolated to the affected areas. It causes a similar type of damage to Dry Rot.

Wood Worm can also be found in timbers suffering from Wet Rot as it this creates a favourable environment. Wood worm creates tunnels in the timbre and leaves small holes often deposting bore dust close to the area.

Beetles can attack even hardwood timbers and can be found in rooves and floors. They prefer damp conditions but can also found in less moist areas.

A Timber Inspection Report can identify multiple sources of timber defects that affect a property. Our reports explain the type and source of the defects and make recommendations for remedial action and treatment.

Building Engineer Reports

Failing Brickwork

A Building Engineer report is a specialist inspection and report of the main structure of a building which includes the load-bearing walls. Typically it is an assessment of the structural condition and possible defects of the main parts of a building.

The report will outline any observations and conclusions before making recommendations for remediation. This may consist of an intrusive investigation, a schedule for monitoring an issue for a fixed period, or recommend a practical solution to an issue.

A visual inspection of the entire property is carried out to determine the structural condition of the building including inspecting all the load-bearing elements of the property and investigating the surrounding area to identify any risk to foundations from nearby trees for example.

Damp Inspection Reports

Wall with damp damage

A damp inspection is a form of property survey that focuses on any damp issues or ingress of water witin a property. It reports on damp courses, the extent of any damp, mold or water damage and can recommend appropriate steps to resolve the problem.

Rising Damp can affect both external and internal walls. As the name suggests it is caused by moisture rising from ground level up through mortar, brickwork and plaster where it can often result in staining, odor and mold internally. Damp courses will be tested and reported on with recommendations.

Pentrating Damp can affect basement level or cellar spaces and can sometimes be caused by closed cavity external walls being pressured by banking externally. Old or fractured leaking pipework must also be ruled out.

Condensation is caused by high water content in the air sourced from kettles, showers or baths reaching the colder internal surfaces of window and external walls. Left untreated this can lead to odors and mold which can cause a serious health issue if the spores are constantly breathed in.

A damp survey can identify multiple sources of problem damp affecting a property. Our damp reports explain the type and source of the damp and make recommendations for remedial action and treatment.

Please do not hesitate in contacting us with any questions or queries you may have now, or in the future. Alternatively if you are looking for a price quotation straight away, please use our handy online quotation form and one of our staff will get back to you within the next 24 hours.