What is the AD4 Methodology?
The AD4 Methodology is my structured, consistent approach to every inspection — designed to ensure thoroughness, clarity, and a complete audit trail from start to finish. It's how I work — and how I deliver reports you can rely on, not just today, but for years to come.

Rather than relying on quick checks or assumptions, I follow a clear four-stage process to build a full picture of the property, the issue, and the evidence needed to make informed decisions — with your evidence securely stored for future reference.

 

The Four Stages

Stage 1 — Assessment & Evidence Gathering
Full site inspection using specialist equipment — thermal imaging, moisture mapping, environmental monitoring, and visual survey. Every observation is recorded, photographed, and cross-referenced.

Stage 2 — Analysis & Likely Root Cause Identification
Evidence is reviewed alongside building history, construction type, and usage patterns to identify the likely root cause — not just the visible symptoms.

Stage 3 — Reporting & Clear Recommendations
Findings are presented in a structured, easy-to-follow report with:

- Clear summary of findings
- Photographic evidence with annotations
- Contributing factors explained
- Prioritised recommendations — immediate, short-term, and long-term
- Guidance on next steps and remedial works

Stage 4 — Secure Evidence Retention — Up to 15 Years
Every report, photograph, and data point is securely archived and retained for up to 15 years. Need a copy in 12 months? 5 years? 10 years? It's all still on record — consistent, retrievable, and ready when you need it.

 

15‑Year Evidence Retention — Your Long‑Term Security

This is what truly sets FBSA apart.

Most inspection reports are sent by email — and then lost, deleted, or forgotten when phones change, emails clear, or property changes hands.

With FBSA, your evidence is secured for the long term:

✅ Up to 15 years secure digital archiving of your full report, photos, and data
✅ Retrieve a copy anytime — for insurance, property sale, review, or future reference
✅ Consistent format — same report, same evidence, whenever you request it
✅ Peace of mind — knowing your property evidence is safely stored, not lost in an inbox
✅ Ideal for — property transactions, insurance enquiries, dispute resolution, and long‑term building management

No other local provider offers this level of long‑term evidence security.

 

What You Receive

Every full inspection includes a detailed AD4 Methodology Evidence Report containing:

1. Property Details — location, construction, age, and occupancy notes
2. Environmental Data — temperature, humidity, and readings across affected areas
3. Photographic Evidence — before, during, and detail shots — annotated and referenced
4. Moisture & Thermal Mapping — readings, patterns, and visual evidence from thermal imaging
5. Findings — clear statement of observations — primary cause + contributing factors
6. Recommendations — actionable, prioritised steps
7. Summary — quick‑reference overview for fast decision‑making
8. 15‑Year Security — full report archived — retrievable on request for up to 15 years

Reports are issued as PDF documents, structured for easy sharing, printing, and record‑keeping — and securely retained by FBSA for up to 15 years.

 

Why This Approach Matters

Most inspections stop at what the problem is. I go further — I explain why it's happening and how to put it right. And unlike almost everyone else, I don't just hand you a report and walk away — I keep your evidence securely stored for up to 15 years.a

 

Important Note

The AD4 Methodology is David Matthews' proprietary inspection and reporting framework. It represents my standard of work and is not an industry‑wide or British Standard certification. Reports are provided for informational and professional guidance — they are not formal legal documents unless instructed as such. The 15‑year retention policy applies to digital report files; physical evidence is not retained. Retention periods are subject to reasonable file storage limits — full terms available on request.