BUILDING DEFECTS

Question 1

What is an inherent defect?

Answer 1

A defect present from construction due to design or material failure.

Question 2

What is a latent defect?

Answer 2

A defect not discoverable during a reasonable inspection.

Question 3

What are the main causes of building defects?

Answer 3

Movement, water ingress and deterioration of materials.

Question 4

What are common signs of movement?

Answer 4

• Subsidence (downward movement), heave (upward movement), and differential settlement.
• Horizontal cracking indicating wall tie failure.

Question 5

What are common forms of damp?

Answer 5

• Rising damp up to 1.5m above ground.
• Penetrating damp from roof or walls.
• Condensation from poor ventilation.

Question 6

What is wet rot?

Answer 6

• Damp‑related timber decay producing soft timber and musty smell.

Question 7

What is dry rot?

Answer 7

• Fungal decay producing mycelium and fruiting bodies, causing cuboidal cracking.
• Capable of spreading across materials.

Question 8

What steps should be taken when identifying a defect?

Answer 8

• Photograph the defect and attempt to determine cause.
• Inform the client and recommend specialist advice.

Question 9

What defects are common in older buildings?

Answer 9

• Dry/wet rot, slipped tiles, beetle infestation, damp at roof/ground levels.

Question 10

What defects are common in modern industrial buildings?

Answer 10

• Leaks around roof lights, damaged cladding, blocked gutters and cut‑edge corrosion.