Top 5 Issues Found in Pre-Purchase Building Surveys

Whether you’re buying your first home or investing in a commercial building, a pre-purchase survey can save you from expensive surprises. At Garside Waddingham, we carry out detailed inspections across Lancashire — and certain problems come up time and again.

Here are the top five issues we regularly flag in residential and commercial surveys — and why they matter.

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1. Damp and moisture ingress

Found in: period terraces, poorly ventilated extensions, basements

Damp is one of the most common (and underestimated) defects. We often find:

Rising damp due to failed DPC
Penetrating damp from damaged render, pointing or flashing
Condensation damp in kitchens and bathrooms with poor airflow

Why it matters: Unchecked damp can cause structural timber decay, mould growth, and major refurbishment costs. If caught early, it’s usually manageable — but sellers rarely highlight it.

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2. Roof deterioration

Found in: properties 30+ years old, or where roof hasn’t been recently inspected

Typical issues include:

Missing or slipped tiles
Damaged underfelt
Rotten timbers in roof voids
Ponding or felt cracks on flat roofs

Why it matters: Roofs are expensive to replace, and even small leaks can cause internal damage. Buyers often underestimate how close a roof is to the end of its serviceable life.

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3. Structural movement or cracking

Found in: older stone-built properties, homes with extensions, or poor drainage

Not all cracking is serious — but some can indicate subsidence, settlement, or poor foundations. We often identify:

Step cracking in brickwork
Diagonal cracks near doors and windows
Movement around bay windows or extensions

Why it matters: Structural issues may require monitoring, underpinning, or at minimum, specialist input — which can delay purchase or trigger mortgage concerns.

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4. Old or non-compliant electrics

Found in: properties not rewired in the last 25+ years

Red flags include:

Rewireable fuses
Exposed or dated wiring
No RCD protection
Inadequate earthing

Why it matters: Unsafe electrics are a fire hazard and often a deal-breaker for lenders. A full rewire is disruptive and costly — especially once you’ve moved in.

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5. Poor-quality alterations or extensions

Found in: homes with loft conversions, conservatories, or internal reconfigurations

We regularly flag:

Missing building regs approvals
Non-compliant fire escapes
Inadequate insulation
Signs of movement where extensions meet original structure

Why it matters: Work without proper permissions can devalue a property or leave the buyer legally responsible. Our surveys help you request the right documents — or negotiate on price.

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Why a Pre-Purchase Survey Matters

Buying a property without a professional inspection is a risk. Even “cosmetically perfect” homes can hide defects that cost thousands.

A proper building survey:

Gives you negotiation power
Informs decisions on repairs or walkaways
Highlights risks that a mortgage valuation will miss

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Book Your Survey with Garside Waddingham

We’re experienced, RICS-accredited surveyors based in Lancaster — trusted by homebuyers, landlords and investors across the North West.

📞 Call: 01772 592900
✉️ Email: info@fwsurveyors.co.uk
🏢 Residential & commercial surveys across Lancashire & Cumbria

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