Sometimes you may need a surveyor to visit your property to give advice on a specific area or issue.

At Cosey Homes, our experienced RICS accredited Chartered Surveyors produce some of the most insightful reports on the market. We offer a full range of RICS home surveys and specific structural inspections to give you the benefit of our professional expertise and help you make the right decision when it comes to your property and investments. We are experts in the construction of buildings and are recognised by all the major financial and insurance institutions.

What is a Specific Structural Inspection/Survey?

A Specific Structural Inspection, also known as a Specific Structural Survey or a Specific Defect Survey, focuses on a particular problem with the property’s structure or condition. The survey report goes into a similar level of detail as a general RICS Building Survey but it only covers a particular area of concern.

You may be satisfied with the overall condition of a property you wish to buy but are worried about a particular issue. In this case, a residential structural inspection would allow you to get in-depth information on the scope and urgency of the issue and the likely cost of remedial action. You can use the information to decide whether to proceed with the purchase or whether to renegotiate the price.

Sometimes, your home survey may flag up the need for further investigation by structural surveyors or engineers, or the mortgage lender may insist on a structural home inspection covering a specific defect before the loan is approved.

How does a Specific Structural Survey compare to a Full Structural Survey?

Formerly known as a full structural survey, a RICS Building Survey is a Level 3 investigation and the most comprehensive home survey carried out by Cosey Homes surveyors. Recommended for buildings that are older than 70-80 years or have significant historical damage, the survey report will provide an in-depth explanation of any defects found, based on a visual inspection of all the building elements, inside and out, including walls and ceilings, roof and guttering, windows and doors. It also includes an assessment of structural problems including subsidence, damp issues and timber decay, woodworm and rot.

While a structural Building Survey is a powerful tool to provide an overall assessment of the building’s condition and state of repair, there are limitations with regard to the amount of detail that can be given on each individual issue. In this case, the surveyor will recommend that a Specific Defect Survey be carried out to provide the extra information.

What does a Specific Structural Inspection/Survey include?

If you are looking for a detailed investigation into any specific structural building issue, our Specific Structural Inspections will deliver the answers you need. Our skilled Chartered Surveyors, Structural Engineers and Building Engineers can focus their investigations on any building issue that may be of concern.

From suspected subsidence, roof defects and dry rot to an assessment of the quality of recent building extensions or loft conversions and much more besides, our Specific Structural Survey report provides expert insights:

  • Detailed descriptions of what is found during the site visit, along with relevant photographic evidence
  • Recommendations for repairs and remedial works including cost estimates
  • Recommendations for further investigations, where necessary, and cost estimates
  • Designs and structural calculations for remedial works upon request

Whatever specific building defect or issue you may need to address, you are in good hands with Cosey Homes Chartered Surveyors. Contact us to discuss your requirements for Specific Structural Inspection and get an instant online quote here.

Here are some typical examples that a Specific Structural Inspection may cover:

  • Wall or ceiling cracks and suspected subsidence

  • Quality of loft conversion

  • Issues with supporting structures or wall removals

  • Roof and chimney defects

  • Damp, timber decay or infestation

  • Quality of brickwork

  • Steel beam corrosion

  • Non-standard construction survey

Reviews

What our clients say

Posted on Google Google
Richard D'Cruze
04/11/2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Very informative and thorough the whole team there are great, absolutely would use again
Posted on Google Google
Ricardo Fugas
04/11/2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We recently used Cosey Homes for a property survey and were very impressed with the service provided. The survey was arranged quickly, communication was clear throughout. The survey itself was thorough, detailed, and easy to understand, highlighting both major issues and areas that may require attention in the future. The findings gave us a much clearer understanding of the property's condition and helped us make informed decisions during the purchase process. Overall, a reliable and professional service that provided excellent value for money. I would happily recommend Cosey Homes to anyone purchasing a property.
Posted on Google Google
Marta Blizniuk
02/11/2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I'm very happy with the service I received from Ian for my Level 3 Survey. His report was thorough, detailed and highlighted important issues that I wouldn't have been aware of otherwise. He also took the time to answer my follow-up questions in detail after the survey, providing clear explanations and helping me better understand his findings. This gave me a much clearer picture of the property's condition and what needed further investigation before proceeding with the purchase. I really appreciate his professionalism, attention to detail and willingness to help. I would happily recommend his services!
Posted on Google Google
Julie Eliza
29/10/2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We recently had a Level 3 Building Survey carried out and couldn’t be happier with the service we received! We dealt with Sadie over the phone, who was always so polite, friendly and helpful. Philip carried out our survey and was incredibly thorough and detailed. He provided so much useful information and really took the time to cover everything, which gave us great peace of mind. Our survey was carried out on the Wednesday and we received the full report by Monday, which was an amazing turnaround compared to other companies we had looked into! Fantastic service from start to finish. Would definitely recommend! 😊
Posted on Google Google
David Pickles
21/10/2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Very good communications with the office, the surveyor turn up as arranged and produced a very good survey on time.
Posted on Google Google
Jakki van Neuren
21/10/2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Easy to book ...good clear communication and advice, and the survey was completed quickly and efficiently. The written report was detailed and helpful and was sent through very swiftly after the survey was completed.
Posted on Google Google
Muhammad Khan
21/10/2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Excellent service on a tight deadline We needed a retrospective RICS Red Book valuation of our London flat for a Right to Buy District Valuer case, with barely two weeks to the submission deadline. Cosey Homes delivered from start to finish. Kit Lam responded to our enquiry the same day, asked the right questions about the brief and kept us updated throughout. Hugh Barber inspected the property within days and produced a thorough, well-reasoned report four days ahead of the promised date. The report covered everything in our instruction: the retrospective valuation date, the statutory basis, comparable evidence including a same-block sale, and clear reasoning behind the figure. The quality control from the wider team, including Anthony who followed up afterwards, was a nice touch. A professional firm doing exactly what they promise, when they promise it, at a fair price. We would use Cosey Homes again without hesitation and recommend them to anyone needing a specialist valuation under time pressure. Muhammad & Sania, London E16
Posted on Google Google
Jonathan Burke
20/10/2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great service from the start of booking right through to the completed survey report.