As an accredited contractor, we provide a Japanese knotweed survey service for residential or commercial property. The survey will be undertaken by one of our CSJK qualified surveyors. Our expert surveys will find and record any visible signs of Japanese knotweed on or affecting the property.
If you are selling or buying a property that is affected by Japanese knotweed it's advisable to instruct a Japanese knotweed survey.
The survey findings are detailed within a report that will go on to form a documented Knotweed Management Plan (KMP) for the property. The report will include an assessment of the extent of the infestation, and the severity of impact on the current or proposed future use of the property. Current impacts can include restrictions on maintenance and amenity use activities and in rare cases material damage to structures.
The survey includes a recommendation for remedial works (e.g. herbicide treatment or excavation) and provides quoted costs. As part of this, if there are known changes in land use proposals for the property, these will be evaluated in assessing the appropriate remedial method to be deployed.
Where Japanese knotweed is seen and recorded in neighbouring property this will be included in our survey. Neighbouring knotweed in particularly close proximity to the boundary may be included in proposals for remedial work.
In some cases, the presence of Japanese knotweed may be subject to a legal dispute such as encroachment (private nuisance), misrepresentation or professional negligence. Upon surveying our expert surveyors can provide an assessment that can be used in evidence for such claims.
We also conduct surveys on the completion of works to record the completed situation. This happens typically on construction sites where knotweed waste has been buried or relocated. The survey will show the position of the waste on-site. Such records are important for future management and use of the property and on development sites are included in the Operational and Maintenance Manuals.
To help understand and categorise the level of risk that the knotweed presents to the property, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) have created a “risk” table (see table below). The level of risk is defined by the proximity of the knotweed to the habitable area or the property boundary and if any structural damage has been caused.
Japanese Knotweed Survey Costs
- If we carry out a survey for Japanese knotweed and no knotweed is found on the property or within 3m of the property boundary a charge of £225 plus VAT will apply.
- If we carry out a survey for other invasive weeds and no invasive weeds are found on the property a charge of £225 plus VAT will apply .
- If the area to be surveyed is greater than 1 acre we reserve the right to apply a charge to carry out the survey.
- If the survey is to be carried out on the Isle of Man or Isle of Wight charges may apply, price on request.
Commercial & Construction
Knotweed Survey
- Full site surveys conducted to establish problem and risk
- Assessment of problem against any proposed development plans
- Remediation proposal issued within Knotweed Management Plan document
Residential Knotweed Survey
- Ideal for home sellers & buyers/mortgage lenders of knotweed affected property
- The Japanese Knotweed survey report includes the RICS Japanese Knotweed Risk Categories
- Includes an accurate drawing using an Ordnance Survey map
- Required for the Insurance Backed Guarantee
- Japanese Knotweed Ltd are members of the Property Care Association Invasive Weed Control Group (PCAIWCG)
Knotweed Plan Proposal
A professional Japanese knotweed identification, detailed account of our findings, photographs, location plan and confirmation on the knotweed RICS property risk category will all be included in a Knotweed Management Plan (KMP) proposal. This will include a record of any visible signs of damage caused by the knotweed to the buildings, ancillary structures or hard standing/paving.
The KMP will quantify the extent of the problem and may also identify knotweed in neighbouring gardens. It will include the cost of remedial works and guarantees to enable you to establish the true and realistic costs.
This applies for all mainland counties in England, Scotland and Wales.
Example of a Japanese Knotweed Site Plan
Japanese knotweed Management Category assessment
The RICS Japanese Knotweed information paper explains the background to Japanese knotweed in the UK, considers how lenders have different policies on dealing with its presence, describes effective treatment and includes an assessment framework. The four management categories are as follows:
| Category | Descriptors - Japanese knotweed management categories (A being the highest category) |
|---|---|
A | Japanese knotweed is seen within the property/site boundary and is causing visible damage to a structure.
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B | Japanese knotweed is seen within the property/site boundary and is likely to prevent use of, or restrict access to amenity space.
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C | Japanese knotweed is seen within the property/site boundary and is not likely to prevent use of, or restrict access to amenity space.
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D | Japanese knotweed is seen on adjoining land within 3 metres of boundary
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