Common Issues Found in House Surveys
House surveys can identify a wide range of visible defects and maintenance concerns, from dampness and roof problems to cracking, deterioration and issues that may require further investigation.
What problems can a house survey uncover?
A property survey looks at visible and accessible areas of the building and can identify defects, deterioration and maintenance concerns that may not have been obvious during a normal viewing.
Common findings
Typical survey findings can include dampness, cracking, roof defects, defective rainwater goods, timber deterioration, poor ventilation, external weathering and issues associated with previous alterations.
Some findings may be relatively routine, while others can require further investigation or significant repair work.
1. Dampness and moisture-related problems
Dampness is one of the most common concerns buyers associate with house surveys.
Visible dampness
Staining, discolouration or deterioration can indicate a moisture problem that needs further consideration.
Condensation
Poor ventilation and excess internal moisture can contribute to condensation and mould growth.
Penetrating moisture
Defects to roofs, walls, windows or rainwater goods can allow moisture into the building.
Further investigation
Where the cause or extent cannot be established visually, specialist investigation may be recommended.
Read more in our guide to damp in properties .
2. Roof and chimney defects
Roof defects can range from general age-related deterioration to more significant problems affecting coverings, chimneys or associated components.
Visible concerns may include damaged or deteriorated coverings, defects around chimneys, poor detailing or maintenance issues that could allow water penetration.
Accessible roof spaces can also provide useful evidence of leaks, condensation or other visible defects.
3. Cracking and possible movement
Cracks are common in buildings and do not automatically mean there is a serious structural problem.
The location, width, pattern and surrounding condition can all help determine whether a crack appears relatively minor or whether further investigation may be appropriate.
Where the surveyor cannot establish the cause or significance during a visual inspection, additional specialist advice may be recommended.
4. Defective gutters and rainwater goods
Gutters and downpipes play an important role in directing rainwater away from the building.
Damage, blockages, poor joints or deterioration can contribute to localised dampness and external decay if they are not maintained.
These issues may be relatively straightforward to repair, but prolonged water exposure can sometimes lead to wider deterioration.
5. External wall and finish deterioration
Brickwork, pointing, render and other external finishes can deteriorate over time through age, weather exposure and lack of maintenance.
A survey may identify cracking, damaged render, deteriorated pointing, weathering or other visible defects that require repair.
6. Timber deterioration
Timber elements can be affected by age, moisture and inadequate maintenance.
Visible deterioration may affect windows, doors, roof timbers or other accessible components.
Where more detailed investigation is required, the surveyor may recommend specialist advice.
7. Poor ventilation and condensation
Poor ventilation can contribute to condensation, mould growth and moisture-related deterioration.
Survey findings may highlight evidence of condensation or areas where ventilation could be improved.
8. Problems associated with previous alterations
Extensions, conversions and other alterations can introduce additional areas where defects or maintenance concerns may arise.
Visible issues could relate to cracking, junctions between old and new construction, roofing details or general workmanship.
Your solicitor may also need to consider relevant documentation where appropriate.
Does finding defects mean the property is a bad purchase?
No. Most properties have some defects or maintenance requirements, particularly older homes.
The important question is the significance of the findings, how urgently work is required and whether further investigation or substantial expenditure may be needed.
A house survey does not technically pass or fail a property. Read Can a House Survey Fail? for more detail.
What should you do if your survey finds problems?
Start by understanding which findings require immediate attention and which are longer-term maintenance issues.
You may need to ask your surveyor questions, arrange specialist investigation or obtain contractor quotations before exchange.
Our guide to reading a house survey report explains how to work through the findings.
You can also read What Happens After a House Survey? for the wider buying process.
Which survey should you choose?
Both Level 2 and Level 3 surveys can identify visible property defects. Dunford Penrose carries out the same level of inspection for each survey type.
Level 2 Home Survey
Suitable for many conventional properties in reasonable condition where clear reporting on visible defects is required.
Level 3 Building Survey
Provides greater reporting detail and estimated repair costs where appropriate, particularly useful for older or more complex properties.
More help understanding survey findings
For more advice on property defects, survey reports, choosing the right survey and what happens before and after the inspection, visit our Property Survey Help Centre .
Common House Survey Findings FAQs
What are the most common issues found in house surveys?
Common findings include dampness, cracking, roof defects, defective gutters, external deterioration, timber concerns and poor ventilation.
Does finding damp mean I should not buy the house?
Not necessarily. The important factors are the cause, extent and likely repair requirements. Further investigation may be recommended where necessary.
Is cracking always serious?
No. Cracking can have many causes. Where its significance cannot be established visually, the surveyor may recommend further investigation.
What happens if a survey finds a major problem?
You may decide to obtain specialist advice, request quotations, ask further questions or discuss the findings with the seller before exchange.
Can both Level 2 and Level 3 surveys find defects?
Yes. Dunford Penrose carries out the same level of property inspection for both. Level 3 provides more detailed reporting and estimated repair costs where appropriate.
Buying a property and want to understand its condition?
Arrange an independent property survey and get clear information about visible defects and condition concerns before exchange.
