Defect Diagnosis Services
C W Johnson Limited Chartered Surveyors provide independent and professional defect diagnosis services across residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties. Our advice is delivered in accordance with RICS professional standards and is focused on accurately identifying defects, advising on appropriate remedial solutions, and supporting informed decision-making.
Residential Properties
We provide defect diagnosis services for houses, flats, and residential blocks, advising owners, landlords, and managing agents on issues affecting safety, habitability, mortgageability, and long-term maintenance.
Commercial Properties
We advise on defects affecting offices, retail, industrial, and other commercial buildings, with a focus on operational risk, compliance, and asset performance.
Mixed-Use Properties
We provide coordinated defect diagnosis advice for mixed-use buildings, recognising the differing construction types, occupancies, and legal responsibilities that can arise within a single property.
Investigation and Diagnosis of Building Defects
We undertake systematic inspections and investigations to identify the cause, extent, and implications of building defects. Our approach is evidence-based and proportionate, taking account of construction type, age, materials, exposure, and maintenance history.
Common Defects and Building Pathologies
We regularly advise on defects including:
Cracking and structural movement
Water ingress and dampness
Condensation, mould, and ventilation issues
Timber decay and infestation
Roofing and building envelope failures
Defective workmanship or materials
Spray foam insulation defects, including moisture retention, timber decay, restricted ventilation, concealed structural issues, and implications for mortgageability and resale
Spray Foam Insulation Defects
We provide specialist advice on properties affected by spray foam insulation, including:
Identification of spray foam type and extent
Assessment of impact on roof structures and timber elements
Advice on risks associated with moisture, condensation, and decay
Guidance on remedial options, including removal, ventilation improvements, and further investigation
Advice in relation to lender, insurer, and valuation considerations
Advice on Remedial Works and Schemes of Work
As well as inspecting and identifying defects in buildings, we can also work with you to put in place a professionally supervised scheme of works to rectify the issue. Working with private householders, commercial occupiers, and insurance companies (where claims are needed), we can deliver a practical remedy to most building defects. We liaise closely with local contractors to ensure solutions are affordable, effective, and aligned with professional standards.
Monitoring and Further Investigation
Where defects are progressive or movement-related, we can advise on suitable monitoring regimes and review findings to inform future action.
Reports and Professional Advice
We prepare clear written reports suitable for owners, landlords, tenants, managing agents, lenders, and professional advisers. Reports are structured to support informed decision-making, risk management, and planning of remedial works.
Independent and Professional Service
All defect diagnosis advice is provided by Chartered Surveyors acting independently and in accordance with RICS professional and ethical standards.
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What is defect diagnosis?
Defect diagnosis is the process of investigating and identifying the underlying cause and extent of building defects, rather than simply addressing visible symptoms.
Do you advise on spray foam insulation issues?
Yes. We provide independent defect diagnosis advice on properties affected by spray foam insulation, including assessment of risks, implications for timber structures, ventilation, mortgageability, and potential remedial options.
Why is spray foam insulation a concern?
Spray foam insulation can restrict ventilation, trap moisture, conceal defects, and increase the risk of timber decay. It can also affect mortgage lending, insurance, and resale, depending on the type and installation.
What types of properties do you inspect?
We provide defect diagnosis services for residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties, including houses, flats, blocks, offices, retail units, and industrial buildings.
Will you recommend removal of spray foam?
We provide independent advice based on inspection findings. Recommendations may include further investigation, monitoring, ventilation improvements, or removal, depending on the circumstances.
Can you help fix the defects you identify?
Yes. In addition to inspecting and identifying defects, we can work with you to put in place a professionally supervised scheme of works to rectify the issue. We work with private householders, commercial occupiers, and insurance companies (where claims are needed) to deliver practical, cost-effective, and professionally managed remedies. We liaise closely with local contractors to ensure solutions are affordable, effective, and compliant with professional standards.
Do you provide written reports?
Yes. We provide clear written reports suitable for property owners, landlords, tenants, managing agents, lenders, and other professional advisers. Reports support informed decision-making and planning of remedial works.
Can defect diagnosis support legal, insurance, or lease matters?
Our reports can assist with insurance claims, lease disputes, lender requirements, and professional advice. They are not expert witness reports unless specifically instructed.
Are your services independent of contractors?
Yes. We do not carry out repair works ourselves, ensuring that our advice remains objective, unbiased, and in compliance with RICS standards.
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C W Johnson Limited Chartered Surveyors is a RICS-regulated practice. All services are provided in accordance with the RICS Global Professional and Ethical Standards, relevant RICS professional statements, and applicable guidance notes ensuring that our services are delivered with integrity, independence, and a commitment to best practice. Clients can be confident that our advice is professional, transparent, and compliant with current RICS guidance.
The information provided on this website is for general guidance only and does not constitute specific professional advice. Formal advice will only be provided following receipt of written instructions and confirmation of agreed terms of engagement.
Any opinions expressed are based on information available at the time of instruction and may be subject to change as further information becomes available or circumstances alter.
No responsibility is accepted to third parties who rely on information contained on this website without our prior written consent.
C W Johnson Limited Chartered Surveyors operates a formal Complaints Handling Procedure in accordance with RICS requirements. Details are available on request.
Professional Indemnity Insurance is maintained in accordance with RICS regulations.