This shorter report is of building survey quality and depth, but concentrates on addressing, or giving advice on a specific element, problem or defect affecting a property. Although shorter, this report is still concise, informative, and prepared with the aim of providing firm advice and professional opinion, sufficient to satisfy the mortgage lender as regards whether to forward monies to any prospective borrower – but also to inform the client accordingly.

Probably, its commonest use is in response to a valuers’ adverse comments in a mortgage valuation – usually whilst the purchase of the property hangs in balance precariously. Sometimes, the mortgage lenders valuer requires a further report from a chartered building surveyor to give an opinion on whether the property is in a suitable condition of mortgage lending purposes. Commonly, this request relates to the valuer encountering structural cracking or other movement problems that would need further investigation.

Similar requests arise from other surveyor’s adverse comments in homebuyer’s reports, again when further investigation is beyond the report format. The report is also commonly commissioned by landlords, or tenants, where there is a dispute about dampness or condensation damage.

Expert witness reports, say relating to building are based on the same building inspection report format, albeit with slight adaptations.