Inspections
Roof and Building Inspections in Edinburgh
Most building defects are found too late because nobody looks closely at the roof, chimneys and upper walls until water comes in. We inspect them close up, by rope access or from the roof itself, and give you a written report with photographs and clear, prioritised recommendations.
- Close-up inspection
- Written photo report
- Prioritised findings
- Fully insured
What we inspect
- roof coverings: slates, tiles and flat roofs
- leadwork, flashings, valleys and skylights
- chimney stacks, pots, copes and flaunching
- gutters, rones, outlets and downpipes
- stonework, pointing, parapets and copes
- windows and timbers at high level, where accessible
Our inspectors are roofers and stonemasons, so they can tell the difference between a cosmetic issue and one that needs attention, and can often fix minor problems during the same visit.
What you receive
- photographs of each element inspected
- a condition summary for each part of the building
- defects ranked as urgent, short term or planned
- recommended repairs with prices
- a record you can share with owners, a factor, an insurer or a buyer
We agree the scope and report turnaround with you when we book the inspection. The inspection covers what can be seen and safely reached; concealed defects, such as decay under slates or inside walls, may only show once the roof or wall is opened up.
Who inspections are for
Homeowners
Before winter, after a storm, or before buying or selling a top-floor flat or house.
Tenement owners
A shared report gives every owner the same information before agreeing repairs.
Landlords
A dated record of the condition of the building and the work recommended.
Property factors
Regular inspections across a portfolio, reported in a consistent format.
Listed and heritage buildings
Close inspection of lime pointing, traditional stonework, lead and cast iron so that repairs can be planned like for like.
Why close-up inspection matters
Binoculars and drone photos show what a roof looks like. They cannot show whether a slate is loose, a stone is moving or a lead joint has opened. A hands-on inspection can. That matters most on tall buildings, where a loose stone or slate can fall onto a pavement.
Inspection and repair in one visit
Where we find a minor defect, such as a slipped slate or a blocked outlet, we can usually fix it while we are there, with your agreement. Larger repairs are priced in the report.
What happens after the inspection
You receive a written report with photos of each area we inspected, a condition summary and any defects ranked as urgent, short term or planned. Each defect comes with a recommended action and a price, so you can budget and decide what to do first. If something is unsafe, such as loose masonry above a pavement, we will tell you on the day and can usually make it safe straight away.
Many clients use the report to plan maintenance over several years, to support a shared repair decision between tenement owners, or to brief a factor or insurer.
Written quoteThe work, materials and access method explained
PhotosBefore and after photos of the work
Clear findingsDefects explained in plain English, with priorities
£5 millionPublic liability and employer’s liability insurance
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Can you carry out repairs found during the inspection?
Yes. Small repairs can often be done during the same visit with your agreement. Larger work is quoted separately with photos of the defect.
How often should I have my building inspected?
Once a year is sensible for most traditional buildings, ideally before winter, and after severe storms.
Is this the same as a surveyor’s report?
No. We provide a practical condition inspection by tradespeople. It does not replace a chartered surveyor’s valuation or structural survey, but it is often more detailed on the roof and high-level elements because we inspect them close up.
Will scaffolding be needed?
Not for the inspection in most cases. We use rope access or roof access.
How much does an inspection cost?
It depends on the size of the building and how we need to access it. We give you the price before we book the visit.
Do you cover listed buildings?
Yes.
Related services
Book an inspection
Tell us about the job and send a photo if you can. We cover Edinburgh and the surrounding areas.