Property Problems: Find the Right Specialist
Cracks in walls, unexplained damp, failing drainage, septic tank problems, unstable ground and issues with older buildings do not always have an obvious solution. Start with the problem and discover the type of specialist who may be able to help.
You Don't Need to Know the Name of the Trade
Finding a plumber when a pipe is leaking is relatively straightforward. Finding the right person when a wall starts cracking, land repeatedly floods or an old stone property develops persistent damp can be much harder.
The right first step may involve a specialist contractor, surveyor, engineer or someone who can investigate the underlying cause before repair work begins.
All Trades Directory helps you work from the problem towards the appropriate type of specialist, rather than expecting you to know who you need from the outset.
What's Happening to Your Property?
Choose the area that most closely matches the problem you are experiencing.
Cracks & Structural Movement
Cracks, movement and distortion can have many causes. Learn what to look for and whether you may need a structural engineer, builder or specialist repair contractor.
Explore cracks & movement →Damp & Water Problems
Damp does not automatically mean rising damp. Water can enter or accumulate within a building for many different reasons, making proper investigation important.
Find help with damp & water →Drainage & Wastewater
Problems with septic tanks, treatment plants, drainage fields and private drainage can require very different types of investigation and repair.
Explore drainage problems →Land & Ground Problems
Waterlogged gardens, repeatedly flooded land, unstable ground and failing retaining structures often need specialist rather than general building work.
Explore land & ground problems →Old & Traditional Buildings
Stone, solid-wall and traditionally constructed properties can behave very differently from modern buildings and may require contractors experienced with appropriate materials and methods.
Find an appropriate specialist →Private Property Infrastructure
Rural and larger properties can have their own roads, water, drainage and access infrastructure that requires contractors with specialist equipment and experience.
Find the right specialist →Cracking or Movement in a Building?
Cracks are one of the most difficult property symptoms for homeowners to interpret. Some are associated with relatively minor movement, while others warrant professional investigation.
Our structural problem guides help explain the different symptoms and the type of professional or contractor who may be appropriate.
Sometimes the First Person You Need Isn't the Person Who Fixes It
Some property problems benefit from independent investigation before repair work is commissioned. Depending on the issue, this could involve a structural engineer, building surveyor, drainage survey, specialist inspection or another appropriate professional.
Understanding the likely cause can help you approach contractors with clearer information and avoid paying for work that does not address the underlying problem.
Describe what is happening rather than trying to diagnose it yourself. We can help point you towards the type of specialist that may be appropriate for the problem.
Still Not Sure Who You Need?
Tell us what's happening, the type of property or land involved and where you are in the UK. We'll help you find the type of specialist relevant to your problem.