Building Defect Reports


Silk Sharples Jennings have over 20 years’ experience in providing property valuations and surveys including RICS HomeBuyer Reports and Building Surveys. In cases where these types of surveys are not entirely appropriate or sufficient, we can prepare specific Building Defect Reports for additional investigation and assessment.

Why do you need a Building Defect Report?

Sometimes, in the course of the property purchasing process, one or more specific building defects can come to light that require further expert examination. A Building Defect Report can focus on individual parts of the building structures, such as individual cracking or distortion, or it can be a more general investigation of issues such as the condition of mortar pointing, roof coverings, damp or timber defects.

At Silk Sharples Jennings, we can prepare Building Defect Reports for a variety of issues such as:

  • Dampness and condensation
  • Subsidence and settlement
  • Substandard materials and/or workmanship
  • Defective roof structures and roof failures
  • Overloaded floor structures
  • Compacted sub bases
  • Timber decay, rot and woodworm

A Building Defect Report is often commissioned by a potential purchaser following a more general survey that may have left matters unresolved. A Report may also be requested by a building owner prior to sale to ensure that there are no issues that need to be resolved before marketing the property. What’s more, a Building Defect report can be used for negotiation with contractors, settlement of disputes and for insurance companies.

At Silk Sharples Jennings, our Building Defect Reports are tailored to the individual needs and requirements of the client and the property in question, giving you a more in-depth understanding of the problem and practical recommendations for remedial action.

Read Our Reviews

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Michelle Moore profile picture
Michelle Moore
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Silk Sharples Jennings, (SSJ) have staked their reputation on thorough assessments of two properties for us, bringing peace of mind about the good the bad and the ugly in all they expertly surveyed. With years of practice, Paul Sharples saved us thousands of pounds in what would have been a disastrous investment. He left no stone unturned, and from the tallest to the smallest of details he exhausted all efforts to expose his findings until the proof became apparent. We exited his office feeling relieved that the SSJ survey had been carried out, rather than full of regret that we had not purchased the property. Attention to detail has been a key theme throughout both survey reports. With a quick turnaround from Sian in the office, we could liaise using our brochure to pinpoint exactly what we needed to do and obtain realistic quotes, so we could continue with executive decision making and keep our senses tuned in to where we were at and what we needed to do. Mr. Sharples went beyond his inspections, seeing us personally to review exactly what his findings were. He ensured a descriptive and fair assessment of the second property and nailed every detail until we knew exactly what we were looking at. We are now confident about our purchase. Don't waste time buying a house and all it encompasses without consulting the best that money can buy. You might think you will save time and money by not doing a survey; but I sincerely doubt it. Even when the jobs listed are finalised on the property, we will continue to save thousands more than it cost us to pay Silk, Sharples, Jennings to ensure everything is correct and proper inside and out of the house, making a decent survey from SSJ the ultimate weapon in ensuring a watertight home If you are fortunate enough to come across a limited survey report, lucky you; it won't be because SSJ have cut corners, it'll be because you found an amazing house with nothing more than a solid foundation with iron clad assurance! 100% recommended.
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Martin Ward profile picture
Martin Ward
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Very detailed report which has helped us seek out the appropriate contractor to carry out the requisite improvement work.
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Antony David Davies FRSA
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Grand professional company, highly recommended.
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R Benson profile picture
R Benson
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Fantastic service! David Silk at SSJ recently designed plans for an extension for us, and managed the planning application from start to finish. The process ran smoothly throughout, entirely due to the professional, reliable and friendly service I received from David. The plans were excellent, David understood what we were trying to achieve and used his knowledge & experience to suggest changes, which improved the design immeasurably. We were kept updated regularly during the process and David always delivered on time and exceeded my expectations. I would recommend David at SSJ to anyone in a heartbeat, clearly expert at what he does and a pleasure to work with.
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sophie groom
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Professional, reliable and helpful. David Silk recently designed and guided us through planning for a first floor extension, without his guidance I'm convinced we would not have planning permission. The drawings I received were high quality, David thought of everything from head height to space and light. David used his expertise, experience and initiative to liase with the planning office, ensuring an acceptable solution to meet planning requirements could be reached without the need for a lengthy appeal. When required David submitted redraws for my review within hours. David even took the time to contact me to inform me of regulation changes that would effect the build. I could not be happier with the level of service I have received.
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Sam Hartley profile picture
Sam Hartley
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Really helpful, David was professional and friendly and has helped us right through the process.
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Andrew Stephens profile picture
Andrew Stephens
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As a novice to the planning game. It can be daunting to say the least! on friends recommendation my partner and I approached David Silk as our preferred surveyor to plan our home extension. We have found David to be very professional, helpful, easy to talk to. Approachable and considerate to what we thought might have been at times, basic questions. David always listened to our concerns and has assisted with instructing a structural engineer and approved building inspectors. We have no hesitation in recommending David Silk of Silk Sharples Jennings Chartered Surveyors to assist anyone with their building ventures.
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John Smith profile picture
John Smith
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From overseas we bought an old house needing extensive renovation which due to Covid were unable to see it. We engaged Colin to design and manage the renovations and alterations. Despite all our communications being over Zoom etc Colin quickly grasped what we were wanting and developed plans meeting our requirements to retain the character of the house whilst bringing it up to modern standards and complying with all the regulations. and attending to the smallest detail. He obtained us an excellent builder and as they ran in to various and some significant challenges kept us informed and overcame them to great results! Colin handled all the beaurocracy, finances etc and made the whole process stress free for us. Despite significant extra unforseen work being necessary he was able to make savings elsewhere that enabled it to come in pretty much on budget. Now we have finally seen the house and are living in it we are very pleased with the result. We have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Colin.
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Keithyboy25
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Couldn't have done more for us in our extension planning and application. David was clear in his communication every step of the way, listening to our needs and guiding us through the possibilities and their implications. Felt well looked after and the entire process was smooth and trouble free. Would definitely recommend and use again
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Tim Robbins profile picture
Tim Robbins
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Excellent customer service from Dave, very friendly, honest and trustworthy. Dave was very knowledgable and informed us about everything. We would highly recommend the service.

About the team

Silk Sharples Jennings are an independent firm of Chartered Building Surveyors and Chartered Valuation Surveyors. From our base in Shrewsbury, we serve a wide range of clients with properties in Shropshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire, The West Midlands and Wales.

Silk Sharples Jennings is a RICS regulated firm offering a full range of survey and valuation services, including Building Defect Reports, as well as a broad range of general practice work including Party Wall issues, lease and rent review negotiations, schedules of condition and dilapidations and expert witness representation. For independent and professional advice on any residential and commercial property issue, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Contact SSJ Surveyors

For details about any of our residential surveys and valuations, or to discuss your requirements for specific Building Defect Reports and to obtain a no-obligation quote, please contact Silk Sharples Jennings. You can reach our team by phone 01743 461777 or email info@ssjsurveyors.co.uk, or send us a short message via our Contact Us page.


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