Frequently Asked Questions

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A building inspection is an examination of the condition of a property, typically performed before it is sold or purchased.

A building inspection can reveal issues with the property that may not be apparent during a casual viewing. This information can be used to negotiate a better price or to avoid purchasing a property with significant issues.

The length of a building inspection can vary depending on the size and complexity of the property. Generally, inspections take between 2-4 hours.

Before any works are carried out to remedy damp issues, it is important to understand the route cause. in 99.9% of cases damp issues surface when a moisture source has been introduced by either ground water, penetrating dampness or airborne  moisture such as condensation. Many companies will ignore diagnosis and move straight to a solution and this can lead to a masking of the issues. At PCPS we will carry out comprehensive testing including invasive and non invasive measurements with the latest technology. Actual moisture readings deep within the wall and a robust investigation to identify moisture sources. Once a moisture source has been identified, PCPS will specify remedial action.

Thermography is a vital tool in diagnosing building defects such as damp and heat loss. It is also very useful in diagnosing trapped moisture. This can be a useful tool in tracing moisture in flat roofs or where the source of moisture can't be located. This is achieved as the water soaked areas hold the heat longer than the dry areas and such the image will show the areas of concern. This leads to a focussed repair rather than a blind stripping of a roof covering or wall system

Although a fee adds to the overall construction costs, we are your professional advisors and will ensure that the works are carried out to specification and that contractors aren't taking advantage of a lack of management. An example of this would be builders cutting corners or procuring materials of inferior quality than those specified. We manage payments on behalf of the client and ensure that no works are paid for until completed to the correct standard.

A fire risk assessment is a holistic look at the fire safety systems in your building and will cover areas such as fire doors, fire compartmentation, alarm systems,  fire fighting equipment as well as systems in place for the safety of the occupants.