Building pathology is a field of study and practice that focuses on understanding and analyzing the causes, mechanisms, and effects of defects, deterioration, and failures in buildings. It involves the investigation and diagnosis of building issues to determine their underlying causes and develop appropriate remedies.
The primary goal of building pathology is to assess and understand the condition and performance of buildings, identify defects or failures, and propose effective solutions for remediation.

Building pathology has various applications and can be used for several purposes related to the assessment, maintenance, and improvement of buildings. Below are some common uses of building pathology:
Condition Assessments.
Condition assessments are crucial for property owners, buyers, or investors to understand the current state of the building, estimate repair or maintenance costs, and plan for necessary actions.
Defect Diagnosis.
Through detailed inspections, testing, and analysis, Building pathologists provide insights into the underlying issues and propose appropriate remedial measures.
Remedial Strategies.
Building pathologists work closely with architects, engineers, and contractors to develop effective repair, rehabilitation, or retrofitting solutions.
Maintenance Planning.
By conducting regular inspections and assessments, you can prevent small issues from escalating into major problems and extend the lifespan of buildings.
Retrofitting and Renovation.
Identify areas where improvements can be made to enhance energy efficiency, occupant comfort, or compliance with updated building codes and regulations.
Forensic Investigations.
By gathering evidence, analysing data, and providing expert opinions in legal or insurance-related cases, the cause and origin of building failures, accidents, or structural collapses can be understood.
Research and Development.
The knowledge gained through building pathology research helps improve building design, construction practices, and maintenance strategies in future.
Building pathology is important for assessing building conditions, identifying defects, ensuring safety, extending lifespan, improving energy efficiency, supporting sustainability, and informing decision-making. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and performance of buildings, benefiting owners, occupants, and the wider community.
Here are some key reasons why building pathology is important:


There are a number of reasons why a building may fail. The below building pathology building defects list offers an insight into the most common reasons.
Our building surveyors use building pathology during our building surveys.
Contact us today to book your full building survey and ensure your property remains in excellent condition!
The total cost for the building survey depends on the property in question. Contact our building survey experts to get a FREE no-obligation full structural survey quote.


When using our building pathology services, there are a number of things you can expect, including:
Our panel of experts are regulated by the following regulatory bodies including but not limited to: the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), The Property Ombudsman (TPO), Society of Operations Engineers (SOE), Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE), Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors (FPWS), the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).







