building pathology

Building pathology is the science of analysis of defects which can arise in buildings, their causes and remedies after the event, and it is also applicable in the design, specification and use of preventative building methods, techniques and planned maintenance. It is, of course, an element contained within a broader survey of a whole property, but it is often the case that a specific problem may need to be investigated and resolved, particularly if previous attempts to do so have failed, or if there is a recurrence after other attentions, or if consequential effects become manifest.

The first step for the building pathologist is to make a visual inspection of the problem area, and to identify what in his depth of experience may be the potential cause or causes. This step is non-invasive, but it may transpire that exposures and testing need to be performed to further explore the issue, either as a one-off or in a series of explorations, and at which point the surveyor will likely need to be attended by an experienced builder to act under his direction.

The principal and most common issues which will be addressed by a building pathologist are those that relate to a) structural instability and which are manifest in cracks, fractures, distortions, misalignments, etc affecting the load bearing structures; b) dampness and water penetration either from above or below ground, and which can have far reaching consequences for timber elements of structures in such as dry rot, wet rot, insect infestation, etc; and c) services installations in such as electrical, plumbing and heating faults, drainage issues both above and below ground, etc. Whilst the surveyor will not have the depth of expertise of such as a specialist services engineer, and will not conduct specialist tests, etc of services installations himself, his role would in relevant circumstances be to direct such specialist tests and examinations as may be appropriate and recommended, and to bring together the input of such specialist disciplines within the context of the building as a whole.

Uppermost in the mind of most clients will be the question of costs. It is often not possible for the surveyor to give final cost details at the outset of an investigation of this nature, but a client will be led by the surveyor at each stage of the process with, firstly, an initial fee agreement so as to get the ball rolling, then a preliminary report following first inspection as to potential budget for both works and associated fees, then ongoing costs as the situation may develop, and always with prior approval of expenditures at each staging post. Further advice may be given in appropriate circumstances with regards to such as making an insurance claim, or in seeking recovery from others who may be deemed responsible (but not beyond the point of instructing lawyers if disputed).

Whether you are a lay individual with little or no knowledge of the intricacies of building construction and performance, or a professional client whose hitherto attempts to resolve a particularly thorny issue have been unsuccessful, this is the time to call upon an expert in the field of building pathology who can apply his particular expertise and guide and assist you through the necessary processes to get the problem resolved once and for all.

Costs will vary depending on the type, location and complexity of a particular problem, but fees are generally assessed on the basis of time expended. There is, however, no 'blank cheque' involved, and our initial fee quotation will be for a set amount depending on circumstances, as will any further input which may be required following first inspection as each appropriate stage is reached.

We believe you will find that our charge out rates in our geographical area are highly market competitive, and will compare favourably with those charges sought to be levied by our competitors.