Defect Surveys
A Specific Defect Report is a focused inspection of one problem you already know about, such as a crack, a damp patch, a leak or a sagging roof. A Chartered Surveyor inspects the issue, explains its most likely cause and sets out the repairs that may be needed, so you can deal with it properly the first time. We carry out defect inspections across Essex.
About the Survey
When something goes wrong with a building, the visible symptom is rarely the whole story. A crack might be caused by settlement, a leaking drain, a nearby tree or simple thermal movement. A damp patch might be rising damp, a roof leak, a defective gutter or condensation. Treating the symptom without understanding the cause often means paying for the wrong repair.
A Specific Defect Report gets to the bottom of it. Our surveyor inspects the defect and the surrounding parts of the building, considers the likely causes and explains in plain English what's happening and what should be done about it.
The inspection is non-invasive, so we won't open up walls or floors. Where a defect needs a more intrusive investigation or specialist expertise, we'll tell you, and recommend the right type of specialist.
Problems We Investigate
Cracks in walls and ceilings, distorted door and window openings, sloping floors and bulging walls. We assess the pattern and size of the cracking, whether movement appears historic or ongoing, and the likely cause, from settlement and clay shrinkage to tree roots and leaking drains.
Damp patches, tide marks, peeling paint, musty smells and mould growth. Using a moisture meter, and thermal imaging where needed, we help identify whether the problem is caused by rising damp, penetrating damp, a leak or condensation, as each needs a very different solution.
Water coming through roofs, ceilings, chimneys, flat roofs, windows or walls. Where weather conditions allow, we use a drone or extendable pole camera to inspect roofs and chimneys that can't be seen from the ground.
Soft or springy floors, crumbling timber, fungal growth or signs of woodworm. We look at the extent of the problem and the conditions causing it.
Sagging roof slopes, slipped or missing tiles, failing flashings, leaning chimneys and defective flat roof coverings.
Independent Advice
Some companies offer free damp or structural inspections and then quote for their own treatment or repair work. We're different. We don't sell damp-proofing, treatments or building work, so our only interest is giving you an accurate diagnosis.
That means you can take our report to any contractor, get like-for-like quotes for the right repair and avoid paying for work you don't need.
Who It's For
How It Works
Describe the defect when you get in touch, and send photos if you can. It helps us understand the issue and plan the inspection.
We inspect the problem and the parts of the building around it, inside and out, using a moisture meter and, where needed, thermal imaging and other equipment.
Your report is emailed within 5 working days, with photographs, our findings and recommendations.
You can book a follow-up call to discuss the findings, the repair options and any next steps.
Your Report
If we recommend a specialist, such as a structural engineer, a drainage contractor with a CCTV camera, an electrician or an arboriculturist, we'll explain why and what they should be asked to look at.
Across Essex
Much of South Essex sits on London Clay, which shrinks in dry summers and swells in wet winters. Combined with mature trees and older drainage, this makes cracking and movement one of the most common reasons we're asked to inspect homes in Southend-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea, Rayleigh and Hockley. Along the Thames Estuary, wind-driven rain and coastal exposure also lead to penetrating damp and roof problems.
See all the areas we cover, or get in touch with the property address for a quote.
Other Surveys
if you're buying and want the whole property inspected in detail
a full check of a rental property, including hazards for tenants
to record a property's condition before a new lease or tenancy
Get in touch
Tell us about the problem and the property, and we'll come back to you with a quote. Photos of the defect are really helpful if you can send them.
Prefer to talk?
WhatsApp us:
Send us a message, the property listing link and any photos or questions. Handy if you're busy during the day.
If you're unsure which survey you need, tell us about the property and your circumstance and we'll guide you through it.
Many cracks are minor and caused by normal shrinkage or thermal movement. Others can be a sign of subsidence or another structural problem. The width, pattern and location of the crack, and whether it's getting worse, all help tell the difference. If you're unsure, a Specific Defect Report will give you a clear answer.
Not quite. A Specific Defect Report is carried out by a Chartered Building Surveyor and covers a wide range of defects, including damp, leaks and timber decay as well as cracking. If a structural problem requires further investigation or significant remedial work, we'll recommend a structural engineer.
Yes. Damp is one of the most common defects we're asked to investigate. As we don't sell damp-proofing treatments, our advice is completely independent.
No. Our inspection is non-invasive. If the cause can't be confirmed without opening up part of the building, we'll recommend a specialist investigation.
Our report gives you an independent record of the defect and its likely cause, which you may find useful when speaking to your insurer, a contractor or a neighbour.
Our Specific Defect Reports are suitable for homeowners, landlords and property managers. Tell us about the property and the problem, and we'll confirm whether we can help.
The fee depends on the property and the nature of the defect. Tell us about the problem and we'll give you a quote.
Our Surveys
From RICS Level 2 and Level 3 home surveys to new build snagging, buy to let and schedules of condition, we'll help you choose the right report for your property.
Get a Quote
Tell us the property address and the survey you need, and we'll come back to you with a quote.
Prefer to talk? Call or WhatsApp 07375 390466.
Lima Surveys is an independent firm of Chartered Building Surveyors based in Leigh-on-Sea, regulated by both RICS and the RPSA. Every survey is carried out and written by a Chartered Surveyor, with a clear photographic report issued within 5 working days and a follow-up call to talk through the findings. We cover the whole of Essex.
Lima Surveys Ltd
Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 3PL
Registered in England & Wales, Company No. 13556609
Registered office: C/O Kingsley House, 22-24 Elm Road, Leigh-On-Sea, Essex, England, SS9 1SN.
VAT Reg No. 458 5578 39
T: 07375 390466
E: info@limasurveys.co.uk
