Building defects review from photos, from £49
A straight, practical opinion on a building defect from your photos and video. Find out what it likely is, how urgent it is and what to do next.
Fixed quote within 24 hours. No obligation.
A quick, independent opinion
A new crack above a door, a sagging ceiling, slipped roof tiles or render coming away from a wall can be worrying, and it is hard to know whether you need a builder, an engineer or nothing at all.
With this service you send me photos and video of the problem and I give you an independent, practical opinion in writing. I review defects every day as part of managing repair projects, so I can usually tell you what you are likely looking at, what probably caused it and what a sensible next step is.
Typical defects I review
- Cracking to walls, ceilings, render and brickwork
- Roof coverings, chimneys, flashings, gutters and downpipes
- Failed pointing, render and other external finishes
- Sagging ceilings, uneven floors and sticking doors or windows
- Defects left by builders, and whether a proposed repair sounds right
What your report covers
A short, plain-English report you can act on or share with a builder.
- What the defect most likely is, in plain English
- The likely cause or causes
- How urgent it is: act now, deal with soon, or monitor
- Recommended next steps and which trade or professional to involve
- A brief outline of the likely repair scope
- Any further information that would firm up the opinion
- A clear statement of confidence and limitations
- Follow-up questions answered by email
How it works
Send photos and video
Use the quote form or email. Include wide shots, close-ups and a short description of when you first noticed the problem.
Fixed quote in 24 hours
I confirm the price and when you will hear back. Simple single defects are often quoted immediately.
Your written opinion
Often delivered within 1 to 2 working days, with clear next steps.
Ask follow-up questions
Reply with any questions and I will answer them by email.
How to take useful photos
Take a wide photo showing where the defect sits on the wall, ceiling or roof, then a closer shot and a close-up. Put a coin or tape measure next to cracks for scale. Tell me roughly how old the property is, when you first noticed the issue and whether it has changed.
Limits of a remote review
This is an opinion based on photos, not an inspection. I cannot see behind finishes or under floors, and I will be honest about how confident I am. If the defect needs a structural engineer or a site visit, I will tell you clearly rather than guess. It is also not a substitute for a pre-purchase survey: I am not RICS chartered and I do not carry out RICS Level 2 or Level 3 surveys.
Pricing
Reviews start from £49 for a single defect. Several defects, or a wider look at a property, are priced on what you send. If repairs are needed, a schedule of works helps you get comparable quotes, and if neighbouring works are planned a schedule of condition gives you a dated record.
Building defects review: common questions
Is this a substitute for a survey when buying a property?
No. If you are buying, you should get a survey from a RICS chartered surveyor. I am not RICS chartered and do not carry out Level 2 or Level 3 surveys. A defects review can still help you understand a specific issue you have spotted on a viewing.
Is my crack serious?
It depends on its width, pattern, location and whether it is changing over time. Hairline cracks are common and often cosmetic, while wider or growing cracks need more attention. Send clear photos with something for scale and I will give you a practical view and next steps.
Can you recommend a builder?
I do not take referral fees or recommend specific firms. I can describe the scope of repair so you can get like-for-like quotes from builders you choose.
What if you need to see it in person?
If photos are not enough I will say so. For properties in the West Midlands I can quote for a visit, and elsewhere I will tell you what kind of professional to approach.
Get a straight answer on your defect
Send your photos and a short description and I will come back within 24 hours with a fixed price.