SCOPE OF WORKS

A Billingham Forensic Consultants Ltd (ABFCL)

Pre-Purchase Residential Dwellings
To be included in a report on the structure and fabric

Inspection Scope

All parts of the building made accessible will be inspected, including garages (whether in battery blocks or otherwise).
No intrusive opening-up will be carried out.

Geology

British Geological Society data will be included.

Subsidence

Whether the building shows visible signs of subsidence will be confirmed.
If subsidence is present, building insurance may not be available.
Only monitoring over time can determine if subsidence is progressive.

Heave Movement

Can occur if trees are removed; if suspected, it will be confirmed.
Monitoring over time is needed to determine if heave is progressive.

Dampness

Damp anywhere will be noted — all damp-proof course (DPC) levels checked for potential failure.
Protimeter readings record relative damp levels, but only a Carbide Test (which checks for nitrates/phosphates) can confirm rising damp.
This test will not be carried out due to its intrusive nature.

Timber Disease

Any visible timber disease will be confirmed.

Roof

External roof fabric (tiles, slates, thatch, flat coverings) photographed with a 10m telescopic camera, including chimney stacks and flashings.
All visible external defects recorded.
Excessive moss may obscure defects.

External Walls

Examined for defects.
Construction type confirmed (single skin, solid, or cavity).

Floor(s)

Ground floor: confirmed as solid or suspended and probable materials noted.
- Ventilation of suspended floors checked (e.g., presence of air bricks).
First floor: expected to be timber, but distinguishing engineered joists from standard timber may not be possible.

Windows

Materials of frames confirmed.
Glazing type (single/double/triple) noted.
Low-emissivity coating or toughened glass confirmed where applicable.

Electrical Sockets

Vacant sockets tested for correct wiring and earthing.

Electric Extractors & Lighting

All extractors (bathrooms, hobs) and lighting will be activated and checked if working.

Floor / Ceiling / Wall Finishes

Visible finishes suspected of containing asbestos will receive a warning.
- This is not a specialist asbestos survey.
- No liability if asbestos is later found, whether a warning is given or not.
Uncoated boarding suspected to contain asbestos will be flagged, though lab testing is required to confirm.

Drainage / Manhole Covers

Readily removable manhole covers lifted to inspect chambers for blockages or historic surcharges.
Recommendations may include CCTV survey or jetting if chamber is unclear.

Solicitor Comments

A paragraph will highlight legal issues for the conveyancing solicitor to consider:

Alterations and extensions — check if all approvals have been issued.
Irregular boundary lines — flagged for solicitor attention.
Any visible trespass will be identified.
Suspected extensions over public sewers — raise need for a Build-Over Licence.
Any potential easements affecting the property will be warned about.

Additional Client Requirements

Clients can request additional matters not listed above by emailing details for review.
ABFCL will confirm whether these can be included (and quote any extra fee) or advise if they are outside expertise.

Building Stability

ABFCL will confirm whether the building is considered stable or otherwise.

Eur. Ing / C.Eng / F.I.Struct.E / M.C.I.Arb / M.A.E / M.R.ILC.S
A Billingham Forensic Consultants Ltd
Registered in England & Wales — Company No. 6990118