Defect Specific Reports

October 22, 2015 By

Specific DefectsIn addition to property surveys, RMA Surveyors Ltd undertake Defect Specific Reports. Each written report provides a clear, comprehensive and professional opinion regarding a particular problem (or ‘defect’) within a building.

In recent months, RMA Surveyors Ltd have visited a property in Thatcham to inspect a sagging roof, a site in Didcot to investigate cracking and building movement and a property in Hungerford to assess a damp issue.

Defect specific investigations and reports encapsulate the specific materials, construction and associated issues surrounding a specific building defect. Reports can be provided in a formal written report or in a letter or email format depending on the client’s requirements.

Specification for reinstatement and an estimate for repair costs can also be included.

If you have a concern regarding your property, get in touch for advice. Call us on 01635 579208 or complete the enquiry form.

As chartered surveyors, RMA Surveyors Ltd are members of and are regulated by the governing body RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors). As such, any client can be guaranteed a high professional standard of inspection and report.

Filed Under: building survey, Building Surveying, Defects, diagnosing damp, Insurance reinstatement, Newbury, Residential, RICS, RMA Surveyors, West Berkshire Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Lack of Ventilation leads to Mildew

May 21, 2014 By

Lack of ventilationRecently we undertook an RICS Homebuyer’s Survey in Reading and found mildew staining to the underside of felt and roof timbers. It indicated that the roof ventilation was not adequate, causing moist air to condense on the cold surface on the underside of the roof covering.
This defect is more and more common as building owners are taking advantage of government incentives to improve energy performance in properties, adding additional insulation in their roof spaces. However, if insulation installers are not careful they can block up gaps between rafters at the eaves and prevent the cross flow of ventilation through the roof void.
Ventilation in the roof space is important as it is required to ensure roof timbers are protected from such moisture and the resulting consequences.
A defect like this is not costly to remedy but needs immediate attention to prevent damage to the timber roof structure. Potentially we saved our clients thousands of pounds in future repairs were this defect left unnoticed.
If you’re in need of some advice on a property defect, a Homebuyer survey or building survey, contact us on 01635 579 208.

Filed Under: building survey, Building Surveying, Defects, diagnosing damp, Newbury, Residential, RICS, ventilation Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Case of the Missing Party Wall

May 15, 2014 By

No Party WallWhile conducting a recent Homebuyers Survey in Reading, we noticed something missing from the main roof space – a party wall.
It was common in Victorian terraces for there to be no separating wall at the party line in the roof space. In some cases, one could walk all the way through the roof space straight down the terrace.
Nowadays we are a little more security and fire conscious and walls have been installed.
It is rare in Reading to find a property where this has not been done. We advised our client that a party wall should be installed. In doing so we saved the client considerable additional cost.
Installing an adequate wall may require a party wall agreement before remedial works are undertaken.
If you need Party Wall advice in Reading or Newbury call us for a quote.

It is rare that property purchasers look in the roof space they are often dirty and detract from the glamour of buying a new property. Why not let us look for you?
If you need a property survey in West Berkshire, call us for a quote. Get in touch on 01635 579 208.

Filed Under: building survey, Building Surveying, Defects, Party Wall, Residential, RICS, West Berkshire Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,