At NI Surveys, our building pathology service focuses on diagnosing and resolving building defects with precision and clarity. Our RICS Chartered Building Surveyors apply scientific and technical analysis to uncover the root causes of deterioration — from structural movement and damp ingress to material failure and environmental decay.
Building pathology is the science of understanding how and why buildings fail. It combines engineering, materials science and environmental analysis to diagnose underlying defects. Our investigations go beyond surface symptoms to identify the true cause of damage, ensuring effective long-term solutions rather than temporary repairs.
We use a systematic, evidence-led process to diagnose faults accurately and recommend targeted solutions. This includes:
Unresolved building defects can escalate quickly — increasing costs, creating safety risks, and reducing asset value. Our pathology surveys deliver clarity and confidence by identifying underlying causes and practical next steps. Reports are structured to support informed decisions on maintenance, repair, and investment planning.
We work across commercial, industrial, heritage and public sector buildings throughout Northern Ireland. Whether you’re managing a school, warehouse, office or historic site, our defect analysis reports are tailored to each structure’s materials, age and use.
Our pathology expertise can be combined with complementary services such as Construction Surveys, Building & Rooftop Surveys and Retrofit & Sustainability Consultancy — giving you a complete view of building condition and performance.
A building survey provides an overview of condition, while a pathology report focuses specifically on identifying and explaining the cause of a defect, such as dampness, cracking or material failure.
Yes — we use non-invasive diagnostic tools such as moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras and damp mapping to accurately identify problem areas and hidden defects.
Our reports are regularly commissioned by landlords, property managers, housing associations, insurers, architects and contractors to resolve disputes, guide repairs or support funding applications.
Absolutely. Alongside diagnosis, our Chartered Surveyors can prepare detailed repair strategies and specifications to ensure effective, lasting remediation.
If you’re experiencing ongoing issues with damp, cracking, leaks or structural deterioration, our Belfast-based Chartered Surveyors can help. Contact NI Surveys for professional defect diagnosis and building pathology reporting anywhere in Northern Ireland.
NI Surveys is an independent firm of RICS Chartered Building Surveyors based in Belfast, providing professional surveying and consultancy services to the commercial, industrial and public sectors across Northern Ireland. We support landlords, developers and occupiers with expert advice on property condition, compliance, and project delivery.
Customer Testimonials
We needed a homebuyer's report and NI Surveys did a fantastic job. The report produced was very thorough and comprehensive. The response time was very quick, NI Surveys were very helpful and answered all the questions we had.
Paula S
NI Surveys produced a very comprehensive and detailed house buyer report, containing practical suggestions for potential works required. Communication after was good and I was confident that any future questions that I may have, would be answered. Definitely recommend.
Eoin Q
NI Surveys provided us with an excellent, well-detailed survey full of illustrations, pictures and helpful advice. The communication from the company was excellent, they were always at hand for a quick phonecall or to help clarify anything I didn't understand, and they were competitively priced. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a home report or full survey in Belfast (and beyond!). Thank you very much.
Semeon O
NI Surveys was very accomodating to me, needing a survey done at shorter notice. Excellent service by way of communicating, answering my questions and keeping me updated at each stage of the process. Should I need a surveyor again I would absolutely use NI Surveys.
Sophie G
Excellent service from NI Surveys. Their structural survey report was very comprehensive whilst also being very reader-friendly and was completed in a very quick-turnaround. They were very helpful with additional questions I had regarding the report and responded within less than 24 hours too, which was a huge help. Would certainly highly recommend.
Gerard S
NI Surveys were brilliant. They completed a comprehensive homebuyer survey for us and turned it around really quickly. So polite and helpful. Would highly recommend. Thank you.
Claire K
We required a building survey for our new home and NI Surveys were fantastic. They were very fast response time and our survey report was extensive, easy to read and understand.
Aaron & Jessica R