How to get the best report
The quality of your photographs directly affects the quality of your assessment. Follow this guide to give our AI and engineers the clearest possible view of your defect.
The golden rules
Three things that make the difference between a good report and a great one.
Good lighting
Natural daylight is best. Turn on all lights indoors. Avoid flash if it creates glare — use a torch at an angle instead.
Sharp focus
Tap the defect on your phone screen to focus. Hold steady. If the photo is blurry, take it again — a clear image saves days.
Multiple angles
Send at least 3 photos: a wide shot for context, a close-up of the defect, and surrounding damage. More is always better.
Defect-by-defect guide
How to photograph the most common property defects for the best possible assessment.
Cracking & structural movement
- Photograph the full length of the crack — don't crop it
- Place a ruler, coin, or bank card next to the crack for scale
- Take a wide shot showing where the crack is on the wall (near window, corner, etc.)
- If the crack goes across a corner, photograph both sides
- Note in your description: when you first noticed it, whether it's growing, and if doors/windows stick
Damp & mould
- Photograph the full area of damp or mould — show its extent
- Include the bottom of the wall, skirting board, and floor edge
- If there's a window nearby, include it in the shot (condensation patterns matter)
- For mould, photograph the colour and texture close-up
- Note: which room, which floor, which wall (internal/external), and ventilation (do you have an extractor fan?)
Falls hazards (stairs, floors, balconies)
- Photograph the full flight of stairs or the full area of concern
- Show handrails (or lack of), guarding, and tread condition
- For uneven floors, place a straight edge (ruler/spirit level) to show the dip
- For balconies, photograph the railing, fixings, and any visible deterioration
Excess cold & heat
- Photograph windows (single/double glazed, seals, condensation)
- Show any visible draughts — gaps around doors, windows, floorboards
- Photograph the heating system and any thermostats
- Note: typical room temperatures, how long heating takes to warm the space, and EPC rating if known
General tips for every defect
- Always include a wide-angle context shot showing where the defect is in the room/building
- Include something for scale (ruler, coin, bank card, your hand)
- If the defect is on an external wall, photograph both inside and outside
- Send photos of related issues (e.g., the gutter above a damp patch)
- In your WhatsApp message, describe: what you see, when it started, whether it's getting worse, and the property address
Video guide
A walkthrough showing exactly how to photograph common defects for the best assessment.
Video guide coming soon
We're filming a step-by-step walkthrough for every defect type
Ready to send your photos?
Pay online, then WhatsApp your photos. It's that simple.