Clients often ask me what actually happens during a site inspection — will I need to open up walls, how long will it take, what will the report look like? Here is the honest walkthrough of my standard visit.
Before I arrive
You do not need to prepare anything structural. Clear access to the roof space hatch, the subfloor entries and the electrical board helps, and any old plans or previous reports save time. Pets secured, and I am set — my kit (levels, crack gauges, moisture meter, camera, cover meter) comes with me.
What I look at
I work from the ground up. First the site: drainage falls, retaining walls, trees too close to footings. Then the foundations and subfloor: bearers, joists, stumps or slabs, ventilation, any sign of movement or decay. Then the frame and envelope: walls out of plumb, lintels, roof structure, bracing, connections. Finally the finishes that tell on the structure — the cracks, the sticking doors, the stains from my other article.
How long it takes
A standard home takes me two to three hours on site; a commercial building takes longer and I will have agreed the scope in writing beforehand. I take dozens of photographs and measurements as I go, and I am happy to explain what I am seeing while I work — there are no secret findings saved up for the report.
The report you receive
Within five working days you get a photo-documented written report in plain language: what I found, a risk rating for each defect, what needs a contractor now versus what can be monitored, and recommended next steps with honest priorities. It is formatted for insurers, lenders and councils, and every report is signed by me personally.
Ready when you are — request your fixed-fee inspection and I will confirm a site-visit window within one working day.
More site notes
Book your inspection
Fixed fee agreed in writing before I set foot on site.