Common defects surveyors encounter in Victorian and Edwardian properties

Abstract

The case study chosen to illustrate this paper provides a clear example of the complexities involved in accurately assessing the causes of defects in buildings of the Victorian and Edwardian period. At a time when the surveying profession is evolving to make best use of IT tools, there is a danger that our understanding of survey fundamentals becomes overshadowed by the adoption of seductive technologies and widespread ‘surveying by app’ and use of pre-programmed text. There is a consequent danger that over-simplistic assessment will result in poor quality advice with increased potential for disputes and claims. This paper proposes that practitioners may benefit from the adoption of a simple ‘root cause‘ system, both as an aid to identifying the true causes of defects and to enhance client communication.