Cracks and movement
Progressive cracking, clay shrink-swell, settlement, drought claims.
Crack survey →Building defects expert in Avignon
Finding the origin of defects before deciding on works
An expert in building defects is a professional who specialises in analysing damage to buildings. They are called in to identify the origin of cracks, water ingress, subsidence or poor workmanship.
Their role is to diagnose the technical causes of defects, whether they relate to materials, design or the way the works were carried out. They also assess how serious the defects are and their consequences for the stability or use of the building, and propose suitable, lasting repair solutions.
Why call in an expert?
Building experts need in-depth knowledge of current building codes and safety standards, as well as of the technologies and materials used in construction.
The expert can also inspect buildings before a purchase or sale to assess potential problems and repair costs.
Our report helps you
- Understand the defects and their consequences
- Identify the probable causes
- Assess how serious they are for stability and use
- Decide on further investigations
- Choose suitable, lasting repairs
Which defects do we examine?
Damp and water ingress
Water coming in through roofs, façades and terraces, rising damp, condensation, suspected leaks.
Damp and water ingress survey →Poor workmanship and handover of works
Investigating the causes of building defects and construction faults, and assistance at the handover of works.
Thermal audit
Thermal compliance audits with an infrared camera report.
Drone inspection
For areas that cannot be reached, we use a drone flown by our DGAC-licensed expert (French civil aviation authority).
Measurements
Measuring and calculating the floor areas of shops and homes.
How does the assignment work?
Reviewing your situation
You describe the defects, when they appeared and how they have developed. We review the relevant documents: photographs, plans, invoices for works, previous reports.
The inspection
We examine the visible and accessible parts of the building and record the defects. A drone and a thermal camera complete the inspection if needed.
Analysing the case
We compare our findings with the history of the building and the documents provided, and set out the probable causes.
The expert report
Findings, analysis, seriousness of the defects, repair recommendations and further investigations where appropriate.
What we offer
Technical support that goes beyond the findings
- Assistance in disputes, mediation or arbitration
- Assistance at the handover of works
- Feasibility studies
- Estimating the cost of works and forecasting investment returns
- A technical review of your property before or after works
- Preparing applications for review by the CDAC (French commercial planning committee) for your retail project
Photographic record
A certified photographic record with Proov-it
Our findings come with a photographic report produced using the Proov-it® process: photographs that are dated, geolocated, secured and certified.
You keep a record of the condition of the building on the day of the inspection, useful for documenting defects and how they develop.
Discover Proov-it →When should you contact us?
A defect appears or gets worse
To understand its origin and decide what to do next with full knowledge of the facts.
Before or after works
To carry out a technical review and inform your choices.
At the handover of works
To be assisted at handover and when listing reservations (snags).
After an insurance claim or in a dispute
To establish findings and a reasoned opinion, in mediation or arbitration.
For a retail project
To prepare an application for review by the CDAC.
Worried about a defect?
Tell us about your situation and send us your photographs. Together we will define the survey that fits your needs.