Focused investigation. Clear diagnosis. Practical advice.
Helix provides independent Specific Defect Surveys and Single Fault Assessments for homeowners, purchasers, landlords and property professionals across Bath, Somerset, Wiltshire and the surrounding area. Led by an experienced RICS Professional Building Surveyor, the service provides focused investigation and diagnosis of dampness, cracking, water penetration, roof defects, timber decay and other building problems.
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The service is founded on building pathology. This is the process of examining defects, understanding the construction of the building and assessing the factors that may be causing materials or components to deteriorate or fail.
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Rather than simply recording the visible symptoms or referring you immediately to a contractor, Helix considers the building as a whole. We examine how it was constructed, how it has been altered, how moisture and ventilation are managed, how materials interact and whether previous repairs may have contributed to the problem.
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Our aim is to provide an independent, technically reasoned assessment that allows you to make an informed decision.
Specific Defect Surveys & Single Fault Assessments
What is a Single Fault Assessment?
A Single Fault Assessment is a targeted inspection and report relating to a defined defect, concern or part of a building.
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It is more limited in scope than a Level 2 or Level 3 Home Survey because it does not provide an assessment of the general condition of the entire property. The inspection instead concentrates on the agreed issue and on those surrounding parts of the building that may be relevant to understanding it.
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The scope is agreed with you before the inspection so that the purpose of the assessment is clear. We will also review the available information in advance and advise where the concern appears too broad, complex or interconnected to be addressed reliably through a focused inspection.
Problems we can investigate
A Single Fault Assessment may be appropriate where you are concerned about cracking or suspected structural movement, dampness, mould or condensation, water penetration, roof defects, defective external walls or render, timber decay, problems following building work, deterioration to a particular building component or the repeated failure of previous repairs.
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It can also be useful where conflicting explanations have been provided by contractors, where proposed remedial work appears disproportionate, or where you require an independent professional opinion before instructing repairs.
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The service is available to homeowners, prospective purchasers, landlords, managing agents and other property professionals.
Looking beyond the visible symptoms
Building defects are not always caused by the most obvious problem.
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Damp staining, for example, may result from rainwater penetration, leaking services, condensation, defective external ground levels, unsuitable modern materials or a combination of factors. Cracking may be associated with structural movement, thermal expansion, moisture-related movement, inadequate detailing, poor workmanship or historic settlement that is no longer active.
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Treating the symptom without understanding the cause can result in unnecessary expenditure, inappropriate repairs and the problem returning.
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Helix does not approach the inspection with a predetermined diagnosis or a product to sell. We assess the available evidence, consider the most probable causes and explain where the evidence supports a firm conclusion and where uncertainty remains.
What does the service include?
Before the inspection, we will discuss the problem with you and review any photographs, plans, previous reports, contractor quotations or other relevant information that is available.
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The inspection will concentrate on the reported defect and the accessible parts of the building that may be contributing to it. Appropriate non-destructive survey equipment may be used to assist the assessment, but readings are interpreted alongside the construction, environmental conditions and visible evidence rather than relied upon in isolation.
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Following the inspection, you will receive a clearly written report explaining the observations made, the most probable cause or causes, the significance of the defect and the identifiable risks to the building or its occupants.
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Where appropriate, the report will outline the likely nature of the repairs required, their relative priority and the consequences of leaving the defect unresolved. It will also identify any further investigation that is reasonably necessary before an appropriate repair can be specified.
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The precise scope and format of the report will reflect the nature and complexity of the instruction.
Independent advice before repairs
Contractors are often consulted first when a defect appears, but their advice may understandably be influenced by the services or repair systems they provide.
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Helix does not undertake the remedial work identified within the assessment. Our role is to provide independent professional advice so that you can approach contractors with a clearer understanding of the problem and the likely scope of work required.
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This can help reduce the risk of commissioning unnecessary treatment, addressing the wrong cause or accepting a repair proposal that is unsuitable for the age and construction of the building.
Arrange a Single Fault Assessment
To request a quotation, please provide the property address, a brief description of the concern and any photographs, reports or contractor recommendations already available.
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We will review the information and advise whether a Single Fault Assessment is the appropriate service or whether a broader inspection would be required.