When you’re walking through a potential new home, it might look picture-perfect on the surface, a fresh coat of paint, a shiny new kitchen, maybe even staged furniture. But at iSurv, our surveyors are trained to look past the gloss and straight at the bones of the building.
Every week, our surveyors across Ireland uncover serious hidden problems in homes that otherwise look fine. Cracks in foundations, damp behind walls, and poorly built extensions are far more common than you’d think even in modern or renovated properties.
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most frequent and costly issues we uncover during our surveys. If you’re buying a home, especially without a proper inspection, these are the kinds of surprises you’ll want to avoid.
1. Cracks that signal trouble (not all are harmless)
Cracks in walls and ceilings are incredibly common but not all cracks are created equal. Our surveyors are trained to distinguish between superficial hairline cracks (often due to drying plaster or minor settlement) and more serious structural movement.
What we look for:
- Direction, location, and width of cracks
- Whether they’re live (still moving) or historic
- If they indicate deeper issues like subsidence or structural instability
2. Damp: The hidden enemy behind the walls
Damp is one of the most common, and often most overlooked, issues in Irish homes. We frequently find evidence of rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation-related mould during pre-purchase surveys.
What causes damp?
- Poor insulation or ventilation
- Defective guttering or flashing
- Groundwater rising through masonry
- Leaks from unseen pipework
Unchecked, damp can damage timber, ruin plaster, and create unhealthy indoor environments. It’s also one of the most common reasons for post-purchase regret among homebuyers.
3. Dodgy extensions: Looks nice, built badly
That bright new kitchen extension might feel like a bonus, until you find out it was built without proper planning, structural design, or Building Regulation compliance. We’ve seen:
- Unsupported steel beams
- Block walls built on unreinforced concrete slabs
- Roofs with zero insulation
- Extensions with no damp proof membrane (hello, mould!)
- Services rerouted dangerously
Why it matters:
Dodgy extensions not only reduce your home’s safety and efficiency, they can also cause legal and insurance headaches. Some even need to be removed.
4. Bonus: Other “little” things that add up fast
Even smaller issues can add up when you’re trying to budget for your new home. Every week, we spot:
- Blocked or collapsed drains
- Loose tiles on roofs
- Missing insulation in attics
- Substandard wiring
- Hidden leaks under floors
- Incorrect boiler flue installations
These often go completely unnoticed by buyers and agents, until a professional eye spots them.
What our property surveys include:
At iSurv, our detailed building surveys include:
- A full visual inspection of the entire property
- Photographic documentation
- Moisture and thermal checks
- Structural assessments
- Roofing, drainage, insulation and ventilation reviews
- Clear, plain-English reporting with prioritised findings
We don’t just inspect, we help you understand what the issues mean, how serious they are, and what actions to take.
Thinking of buying? Don’t go in blind.
Whether it’s your first home or your fifth, a professional property survey can save you serious money, time, and stress.
Book your survey with iSurv today, serving Dublin, Cork, Louth, Galway and beyond.
