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Defect library

Timber and pest defects in surveys

These entries are aimed at surveys of older homes, where rot, woodworm and pests are more likely than on a new build. They also cover Japanese knotweed and suspected asbestos, which need a specialist to confirm.

Updated 19 October 2026

SiteSnag’s library has 8 entries under timber & pests. They’re listed below with the most serious first. Each one gives the wording an inspector would put in a report and the trade that would fix it.

All 8 entries

  1. Wet rot

    Major

    Soft, decayed timber from persistent damp. Cut out, repair and cure source.

    Trade
    Carpenter / Joiner
    Reference
    None listed

  2. Dry rot suspected

    Major

    Fungal growth or cuboidal cracking to timber. Specialist inspection urgently.

    Trade
    Specialist
    Reference
    None listed

  3. Japanese knotweed suspected

    Major

    Possible Japanese knotweed on or near the property. Specialist survey.

    Trade
    Specialist
    Reference
    None listed

  4. Asbestos-containing material suspected

    Major

    Material that may contain asbestos (e.g. Artex, floor tiles, cement sheet). Asbestos survey before disturbance.

    Trade
    Specialist
    Reference
    None listed

  5. Woodworm activity

    Moderate

    Flight holes or fresh frass in timbers. Specialist treatment.

    Trade
    Specialist
    Reference
    None listed

  6. Rodent activity

    Moderate

    Droppings, gnawing or nesting found. Pest control and seal entry points.

    Trade
    Pest control
    Reference
    None listed

  7. Trees close to building

    Moderate

    Trees within influencing distance of foundations. Assess risk.

    Trade
    Arboriculturist
    Reference
    None listed

  8. Wasp / bird nests

    Minor

    Nests in roof space or eaves. Remove and seal access.

    Trade
    Pest control
    Reference
    None listed

Using these in a report

In the SiteSnag app, starting to type a defect title in the camera brings up these entries. Picking one fills in the description, severity, trade and reference, and you can edit the wording or add your own defects to the library. Every snag then goes into the branded PDF report with its photos and a numbered pin on the floor plan.

For a room-by-room walk-round, use the new build snagging checklist, or go back to all defect categories.

Other categories

Previous: Structure (8). Next: Communal areas (6).