The short answer
Yes. We assess visible cracking and movement, consider the likely cause such as settlement, subsidence, heave, thermal movement or load change, and advise whether monitoring or input from a structural engineer is required. We are clear about where structural engineering design sits outside our role.
Separate observation from diagnosis and decide whether the evidence supports monitoring, further investigation or specialist structural input.
Key considerations
Cracking and movement
Assessment of structural movement, historic cracking and progressive defects.
When to instruct a building defect surveyor
You need to know whether a structural engineer or specialist is required.
Investigation plan
Recommendations for opening-up, monitoring or specialist testing where required.
Changes that warrant specialist assessment
RICS highlights cracks that are new or widening in plaster or external masonry as signs that can need specialist assessment.
Its other warning signs include doors or windows that start sticking without explanation, wallpaper tearing and newly sloping or dipping solid ground floors.
RICS advises seeking specialist help promptly if these signs have no clear explanation.
Why a crack may need monitoring
RICS explains that visible cracks may need measurement and monitoring over time to establish whether there is a problem.
Where further evidence may be needed
Will the report tell me how to fix the defect?
Yes. Once the cause is established, the report sets out a proportionate remedial strategy: what to do, why, in what sequence and what to avoid. Where firm costs or detailed design are needed, we identify where a contractor quotation, structural engineer or other specialist is the right next step.
Turning the answer into a next step
How quickly can you inspect and report?
Timing depends on the building, access and the nature of the defect. We confirm a realistic timescale when we quote and can prioritise urgent matters such as an active leak, a stalled transaction or a dispute deadline where possible.
What to do next
Assess the visible cracking and movement.
Consider likely causes rather than the symptom alone.
Decide whether monitoring is required.
Identify when structural-engineer input is required.
London area guides
Related services
Sources and standards
Related questions
What is building pathology?
Building pathology is the forensic study of why building defects occur, rather than just listing visible symptoms. It looks at the building fabric, construction, environmental conditions, history and previous repairs to establish the underlying cause of a defect, so the right remedy can be specified and money is not wasted on the wrong treatment.
Is building pathology the same as a building survey?
Not quite. A building survey is a general condition assessment of a property. Building pathology is a defect-specific investigation that goes deeper into a particular problem. A pathology instruction is often commissioned after a survey, valuation or managing agent has flagged a defect such as damp, cracking or a leak that needs a proper diagnosis.
Do you carry out opening-up works directly?
Under a building-pathology appointment we specify, and where agreed observe, diagnostic opening-up; the physical work is undertaken under a separate contractor appointment so responsibility, method, insurance and reinstatement are clear. Any later group works quotation with sister practice Hampstead Renovations is optional and subject to a role-conflict review. We scope opening-up so it answers the diagnostic question without unnecessary cost or damage.
Related guidance
Local Level 3 building survey guides
Savas Bulduk
BSc (Hons) MRICS, Director & Chartered Building Surveyor.
Writes on Building surveying, Fire safety and facade, External wall systems, Technical due diligence, Contract administration. See the full team profile.
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