Visible workmanship
Accessible construction, finishes, junctions and installation details are considered for visible defects or poor execution.
Independent building work assessment
Concerned about building work already carried out?
A focused inspection can record visible workmanship, incomplete work, alterations and associated defects, then separate what can be assessed from what requires design, testing, Building Control or another specialist.
Independent inspection
Photographic evidence
Clear written reporting
Visible work in context
Workmanship. Completion. Evidence.
- What is complete, incomplete or visibly defective
- Condition of exposed and accessible work
- Relationship to supplied drawings or scope where agreed
- Matters requiring specialist or regulatory confirmation
Independent, not adversarial
Start with the physical evidence rather than the argument
Building work disputes often combine several different questions: what is actually visible, what was intended, whether the work is complete, whether specialist certification exists and what the contract or law requires.
The inspection is structured around the first of those questions: the physical condition and the technical evidence. Where drawings, specifications, correspondence or specialist reports are reviewed, their source is identified and their relevance is kept separate from matters outside the surveyor's role.
Focused assessment
What we assess
The scope is agreed around the reported concerns and the stage of the works.
Completion & condition
Incomplete items, exposed areas, unfinished interfaces and deterioration are recorded clearly at the inspection date.
Technical context
Supplied drawings, scopes, schedules or specialist reports can be cross-referenced where agreed and relevant to the inspection.
Further verification
The report identifies matters that cannot be confirmed visually and may require structural design, Building Control, electrical, gas, drainage or other specialist input.
When it is useful
An independent building work assessment may be appropriate when:
- work appears incomplete or materially different from what was expected;
- visible workmanship or detailing is causing concern;
- an extension, roof alteration, wall removal or refurbishment needs independent review;
- you want a factual record before work is concealed or further repairs are carried out;
- a contractor and homeowner disagree about visible condition or completion; or
- your solicitor or adviser needs an independent technical report that is not a CPR Part 35 report.
What you receive
A report that separates findings, evidence and limitations
Photographic record
Relevant workmanship, incomplete areas and visible defects are documented and located.
Issue schedule
Material concerns can be organised by element or issue so the report remains practical to use.
Evidence references
Where agreed, relevant drawings, photographs or third-party reports are identified rather than treated as the surveyor's own evidence.
Next steps
Recommendations distinguish remedial work from further testing, specialist design, regulatory records or legal advice.
Know the boundary
What this report is — and what it is not
Keeping the role clear makes the report more useful and reduces the risk of technical observations being mistaken for legal or specialist certification.
It can provide
- independent visible-condition findings;
- photographic evidence;
- assessment of workmanship within competence;
- cross-reference to agreed supporting documents;
- clear limitations and practical recommendations.
It does not replace
- Building Control completion or approval;
- structural engineering design or certification;
- Gas Safe or electrical certification;
- legal interpretation of a contract or liability;
- formal CPR Part 35 expert evidence unless separately instructed.
Common questions
Independent building work assessments
Can you inspect building work that is still in progress?
Yes, where the agreed scope is suitable. An inspection can record visible workmanship, incomplete items and the condition of exposed work at that point in time. It does not replace Building Control, structural design certification or specialist testing.
Can you say whether work is defective?
The report can identify visible defects, incomplete work and concerns that are within the surveyor's competence and the agreed scope. Where technical certification, opening-up or specialist testing is needed, that limitation is stated and the appropriate further investigation is recommended.
Can you review drawings or a scope of works?
Relevant drawings, specifications, schedules or other documents can be reviewed where agreed. They are used as technical context and their source is identified. The report does not determine disputed contractual rights or legal liability.
Is this the same as an expert witness report?
No. An Independent Building Work Assessment is a normal professional inspection and report. CPR Part 35 expert evidence is a separate formal instruction with different duties and requirements.
Can the report be given to a builder or solicitor?
The client may use the report with professional advisers or contractors subject to the agreed terms. The report remains limited to its stated purpose, scope and inspection limitations.
Independent residential advice
Building work assessments across London and South East London
Suitable instructions may include refurbishment, extensions, roof works, alterations, services and incomplete or disputed residential work, subject to the agreed scope and SurveyAll's competence.