Report Entries
External Walls Construction
Button: Solid Brick
Text: The walls are of solid brick construction
Button: Solid Stone
Text: The walls are of solid stone construction
Button: Solid Rendered
Text: The walls are of solid rendered masonry construction
Button: Cavity Brick
Text: The walls are of brick cavity construction
Button: Cavity Rendered
Text: The walls are of rendered cavity construction
Button: Cavity Stone-Faced
Text: The walls are of stone-faced cavity construction
Button: Timber Frame Brick
Text: The walls are of brick faced timber frame construction
Button: Timber Frame Rendered
Text: The walls are of rendered timber frame construction
Button: Timber Frame Stone-Faced
Text: The walls are of stone-faced timber frame construction
Button: Vertical Tiling
Text: There are sections of vertical tiling
Button: Timber Cladding
Text: There are sections of timber cladding
Button: Plastic Cladding
Text: There are sections of plastic cladding
Button: Insulated Cladding
Text: There are sections of insulated cladding
Button: Poured Concrete
Text: The walls are of poured on-site concrete cavity construction. Normally the external leaf contains steel reinforcement bars which can corrode
Button: Parapet Brick
Text: The raised parapets are built in brick
Button: Parapet Stone
Text: The raised parapets are built in stone
Button: Parapet Rendered
Text: The raised parapets are built in rendered masonry
External Walls DPC
Button: No DPC Main Walls
Text: No visible damp proof course was observed in the main walls
Button: No DPC Extension Walls
Text: No visible damp proof course was observed in the extension walls
Button: Felt DPC
Text: The damp proof course appears to be formed in felt
Button: Slate DPC
Text: The damp proof course appears to be formed in slate
Button: Plastic DPC
Text: The damp proof course appears to be formed in plastic
Button: Engineering Brick DPC
Text: There is a blue brick (engineering brick) damp proof course
Button: Bitumen DPC
Text: The damp proof course appears to be formed in bitumen
Button: Chemical Injection DPC
Text: There is a chemical injection damp proof course
Button: Electro Osmotic DPC
Text: There is an electro osmotic damp proof course
Button: DPC Not Seen
Text: The damp proof course was not visible
External Walls Notes
Button: Previous Damp Repairs
Text: It appears that the property has previously received damp treatment. You should confirm whether a valid warranty exists that may cover the cost of any further remedial work
Button: No Visible DPC to Parapets
Text: It cannot be confirmed whether the parapet walls have been constructed with appropriate damp-proofing measures. In their absence, which is common in older properties, dampness may develop following exposure to driving rain
Button: DPC Above Floor
Text: The damp-proof course has been installed above the level of the floor timbers and is higher than the internal floor surfaces, which increases the risk of decay affecting the floor timbers
Button: Replacement DPC to Stone Walls
Text: For solid stone walls of this type, replacement damp-proof courses are generally of limited effectiveness, and some level of residual dampness must be expected
Button: Cavity Wall Insulation Present
Text: It appears that cavity wall insulation has been installed within the external walls. This work should have been carried out in compliance with Building Regulations or under a Government-approved Competent Person Scheme. You should confirm that the installation was completed correctly
Button: Consider Cavity Wall Insulation
Text: Cavity wall insulation is a cost-effective means of reducing heat loss and may be considered as an improvement. Such work should only be undertaken by a suitably qualified contractor after assessing the walls to ensure their suitability
Button: Efflorescence
Text: Efflorescence (white, powdery salt deposits) is present on the walls. Although this can appear unsightly, it is a common and non-serious condition. It generally diminishes over time, though its occurrence may vary seasonally. The best method of removal is to dry-brush the affected areas with a stiff brush during the summer months
Button: Underpinned
Text: The property appears to have been subject to underpinning. Verification should be sought in the form of supporting documentation. This information must be declared to the buildings insurer and any relevant third parties, such as mortgage providers
Button: Clay Soil Shrinkage Warning
Text: It is possible that the property is constructed on clay subsoil, which can shrink significantly during extended dry weather. This effect is intensified by nearby trees and may cause subsidence in structures with shallow foundations
Button: Wall Ties General Warning
Text: Cavity walls are typically secured using iron or steel wall ties. In properties of this age, these ties can corrode over time, potentially affecting the stability of the walls. However, there is no visible external evidence to indicate wall tie corrosion at present
Button: No Lintel Window OK
Text: It appears that the masonry over the openings is supported by the window frames rather than by independent lintels. Some minor cracking was noted; however, this is not currently significant and no remedial work is required at this stage
Button: No Lintel Door OK
Text: It appears that the masonry over the openings is supported by the door frames rather than by independent lintels. Some minor cracking was noted; however, this is not currently significant and no remedial work is required at this stage
Button: Enlarged Windows
Text: Structural alterations have been made to the walls through the enlargement of window openings. Such work requires approval from the Local Authority, which should have been both applied for and granted
Button: New Windows
Text: Structural alterations have been carried out to the walls through the installation of new window openings. Such work requires Local Authority consent, which should have been both applied for and granted
Button: Enlarged Doors
Text: Structural alterations have been made to the walls through the enlargement of door openings. Such work requires Local Authority approval, which should have been both applied for and granted
Button: New Bi-Fold Doors
Text: Structural alterations have been undertaken to the walls to accommodate new bi-fold doors. This type of work requires approval from the Local Authority, which should have been both applied for and granted
Button: Old Foundations
Text: Properties of this age typically have relatively shallow foundations compared with modern construction, making them more susceptible to structural movement. No signs of movement were identified during inspection; however, regular checks of underground drains and service pipes are recommended to mitigate potential future risks
Button: Repairs No Ongoing Issue
Text: Repairs to the wall surfaces were noted and may indicate that movement has occurred in the past. No evidence was seen to suggest that such movement is continuing at present
Button: Trees Warning
Text: Trees are present in close proximity to the building. Such vegetation has the potential to cause structural movement, especially where foundations are shallow or soils are shrinkable. No signs of related damage were evident; however, existing trees and shrubs should be regularly pruned to reduce moisture demand, and new planting should be kept a safe distance from the structure
Button: Bay Window Replaced
Text: The bay window frame has been renewed. It is important that adequate structural reinforcement was incorporated during replacement to ensure the frame is capable of supporting the load from the overlying structure
Button: Cavity Wall Ties Replaced
Text: It is believed that the cavity wall ties have been replaced
Button: Working at Height
Text: Work at height can be costly and may present various challenges that increase overall expense. Scaffolding is often required, and features such as conservatories or extensions can make access more complex and therefore more expensive
External Walls Defects
Button: Render Cracked Repair or Replace
Text: Cracks are present in the render finishes. Re-rendering or substantial patch repairs are necessary to prevent moisture ingress and additional deterioration
Button: Render Hollow Repair or Replace
Text: Areas of the render are hollow. Re-rendering or significant patch repairs are recommended to prevent moisture ingress and ongoing deterioration
Button: Render Loose Repair or Replace
Text: Sections of the render are loose. Re-rendering or significant patch repairs are recommended to prevent moisture penetration and progressive deterioration
Button: Pointing Deteriorated
Text: The existing mortar pointing has deteriorated. Re-pointing is necessary to restore integrity and weather resistance
Button: Coping Stones Loose
Text: The coping stones on the parapet walls are loose and need to be fixed or replaced
Button: Damaged Bricks
Text: Several bricks are weathered and damaged; the affected masonry should be cut out and replaced
Button: Damaged Stone
Text: A number of stones are weathered and damaged. The affected masonry should be cut out and replaced to prevent further deterioration
Button: Parapet Wall Damaged
Text: The parapet wall is damaged where visible and needs to be repaired
Button: Ongoing Movement Front
Text: Cracking is present to the front elevation. Further investigation by a Chartered Structural Engineer is recommended
Button: Ongoing Movement Rear
Text: Cracking is present to the rear elevation. Further investigation by a Chartered Structural Engineer is recommended
Button: Ongoing Movement Left
Text: Cracking is present to the left elevation. Further investigation by a Chartered Structural Engineer is recommended
Button: Ongoing Movement Right
Text: Cracking is present to the right elevation. Further investigation by a Chartered Structural Engineer is recommended
Button: Ongoing Movement Bay Window
Text: Cracking is present to the bay window. Further investigation by a Chartered Structural Engineer is recommended
Button: Ongoing Movement Main Walls
Text: Cracking is present to the main walls. Further investigation by a Chartered Structural Engineer is recommended
Button: Ongoing Movement Extension Walls
Text: Cracking is present to the extension walls. Further investigation by a Chartered Structural Engineer is recommended
Button: Ongoing Distortion Front
Text: Distortion is evident to the front elevation. Further investigation by a Chartered Structural Engineer is recommended
Button: Ongoing Distortion Rear
Text: Distortion is evident to the rear elevation. Further investigation by a Chartered Structural Engineer is recommended
Button: Ongoing Distortion Left
Text: Distortion is evident to the left elevation. Further investigation by a Chartered Structural Engineer is recommended
Button: Ongoing Distortion Right
Text: Distortion is evident to the right elevation. Further investigation by a Chartered Structural Engineer is recommended
Button: Ongoing Distortion Bay Window
Text: Distortion is evident to the bay window. Further investigation by a Chartered Structural Engineer is recommended
Button: Ongoing Distortion Main Walls
Text: Distortion is evident to the main walls. Further investigation by a Chartered Structural Engineer is recommended
Button: Ongoing Distortion Extension Walls
Text: Distortion is evident to the extension walls. Further investigation by a Chartered Structural Engineer is recommended
Estimated Repair Cost
Button: Estimated Cost
Text: I estimate the cost for the above External Walls works to be approximately:
Button: £0-£500
Text: £0-£500
Button: £500-£1500
Text: £500-£1500
Button: £1500-£2500
Text: £1500-£2500
Button: £2500-£5000
Text: £2500-£5000
Button: £5000+
Text: £5000+
External Walls Defects
Button: Thin Walls Possible Damp
Text: The slender walls to the property are uninsulated and are therefore susceptible to condensation, penetrating dampness, and significant heat loss. It is recommended that the walls be upgraded to improve thermal performance
Button: Low DPC No Damp
Text: The damp proof course is positioned too close to the external ground level. Although no dampness was detected at the time of inspection, the ground level should be lowered slightly to reduce the risk of future damp penetration
Button: Finishes Bridge DPC Render to Ground
Text: The render has been carried down too close to ground level, which can lead to dampness within the walls. It should be cut back and properly finished with a bell-mouth drip to prevent moisture ingress
Button: Render Hollow
Text: The render sounds hollow when tapped, showing it’s coming away from the wall. It should be repaired to stop damp getting in
Button: Render Poor
Text: The render is in poor condition and requires repair to reduce the risk of dampness and further deterioration
Button: Render Coming Away
Text: The render is coming away in places and requires repair to reduce the risk of dampness and further deterioration
Button: Render Cracked
Text: The render is cracked in places and requires repair to reduce the risk of dampness and further deterioration
Button: Painted Finishes Poor
Text: The painted finishes are deteriorating, which may trap moisture and lead to further damage. Repairs and redecoration are required to reduce the risk of dampness and ongoing deterioration
Button: Localised Repointing
Text: The mortar pointing is weathered, and localised repointing is required to prevent further deterioration
Button: Bricks Weathered
Text: Some bricks are weathered and damaged, and localised repairs are required to prevent further deterioration
Button: Stones Weathered
Text: Some stones are weathered and damaged, and localised repairs are required to prevent further deterioration
Button: Bricks Missing
Text: Some bricks are missing, and localised repair and making good are required to restore the masonry
Button: Stones Missing
Text: Some stones are missing, and localised repair and making good are required to restore the masonry and prevent further deterioration
Button: Tile Hanging
Text: Some roof tiles are broken and require repair or replacement to maintain weather resistance
Button: Finishes Claddings
Text: Some sections of cladding are damaged and require repair or replacement to maintain weather protection and appearance
Button: Ivy Growth
Text: Ivy growth is present on the walls, which can cause damage to the masonry. It is recommended that the ivy be removed, and localised repairs may be necessary to the exposed wall surfaces once cleared
Button: Sills Poor Projection
Text: Some window sills do not project sufficiently beyond the wall face, increasing the risk of dampness. The sills should be improved or replaced to provide adequate overhang and weather protection
Button: Sills Poor Drip
Text: Some window sills do not have a throating groove on the underside, increasing the risk of dampness to the wall below. The sills should be improved or replaced to incorporate an adequate throating detail
Button: Sills Tiles Cracked
Text: Some windowsill tiles are cracked and require replacement to reduce the risk of dampness and further deterioration
Button: Parapet Coping Stones Loose
Text: The coping stones to the parapet walls are loose and should be repaired or replaced to ensure stability and prevent water ingress
Button: Parapet Coping Stones Weathered
Text: The coping stones to the parapet walls are weathered and should be repaired or replaced to maintain weather protection and prevent further deterioration
Button: Parapet Coping Stones Missing
Text: The coping stones to the parapet walls are missing and should be reinstated or replaced to provide adequate weather protection and prevent water ingress
Button: Parapet Coping Stones Damaged
Text: Damaged coping stones were noted to the parapet walls; repair or replacement is required to restore weatherproofing
Button: Cracking Old Movement
Text: Some cracking is present to the walls. The movement appears longstanding, with no evidence to suggest further movement is occurring. However, repairs are required to reduce the risk of damp penetration and further deterioration
Button: Distortion Old Movement
Text: Some distortion is present to the walls. The movement appears longstanding, with no evidence to suggest that further movement is occurring