If you’re a first-time buyer looking to get onto the housing ladder and you’ve managed to save for your deposit, it can be an exciting time.
But beware, there are plenty of homes out there with hidden defects which can be costly if not spotted and dealt with. It’s also the time of year when the air is colder and damp is more likely to spread due to a lack of ventilation.
We provide Damp Surveys and Damp Proofing, give us a call on 0808 1648563 today, or send us a message.
In this article, the team at British Damp Proofing will be providing you with a basic guide to damp when looking for your first home. Whether it’s an old Victorian terrace or a brand new build on a fresh estate, there are always key things to be on the lookout for when viewing properties.
1. The Cellar
2. Walls and Floors
3. Outside Pipes and Drains
4. Check the Loft or Attic
5. Use your Nose
6. Get a Home Buyers Report
7. Get a Damp Survey
1. Check The Cellar
Some older properties contain a cellar. When viewing the property it’s always best to try and look beyond and see the potential. Whilst cellars can be dark damp places, using the right tools and methods a cellar can be turned into a usable liveable room. A video of this transformation can be seen on our website.
2. Check The Walls & Floors
The walls in a home are a huge giveaway if a property has damp issues. Wallpaper peeling and stains indicate that there is a damp issue. If black mould is present it is always vital to remember condensation fungus majority is an environmental issue. Excessive mould can be caused by the lifestyle of the occupant, for example, drying all clothes on radiators or not heating areas correctly.
Sometimes it is poorly insulated areas such as loft spaces and a cold spot has formed during the colder months which can aid mould growth. You can also use your hand to touch the walls and floors to see if they are damp. If the signs are extremely obvious, don’t be afraid to ask what the source is, as the current owner may be honest with you. Otherwise, a damp survey will be required to locate the source.
3. Check The Outside Pipes & Drains
Water can get into properties in a variety of ways, so it’s always best to take a look at the outside of the property too. Pipes, guttering and drains which leak water on the walls of the building are a huge giveaway since it’ll mean the walls are constantly wet on the outside, causing penetrating damp.
It is also important to check external ground levels; is the external floor level very similar to the internal floor level, or even higher? Whilst most areas can have the external ground level lowered it is important to remember some areas cannot, such as where the property leads directly onto a pavement and a system may need to be installed to combat the change in ground levels.
4. Check The Attic or Loft
Often the trickiest place to get access to during the first viewing of a home is the attic or loft since it will usually require ladders and the void will probably be filled with the seller’s belongings. It’s better to ask on a second viewing – give them advance warning that you’d like a quick look in the attic, of course – and then you can check for signs of damp and mould on the joists or items left up there or visual signs of timber infestation.
5. Use Your Nose
While a lot of the signs are visual cues to be spotted, it can be hard to catch them if the seller has been strategic in placing items around the home. With this in mind, make sure you use your nose. The smell of damp and mould is one of the easiest signs to spot, you don’t need to go far to pick up the scent.
Furniture which smells musty or rooms which have a lingering odour of earthy tones usually means there is a damp issue of some sort. However, it should be noted that not all damp or mould issues give off a scent, so stay alert with all your senses to be sure you’re not investing in a blighted property.
6. Get a Home Buyers Report
When purchasing a property, it is always advisable to have a home buyers report carried out first. This is something you will need to arrange with your lender if you’re buying with a mortgage. If any issues are found within the property then it will be highlighted on your report and that’s where our services come in…
7. Get a Damp Survey
Not sure if there is a damp problem? Or have you spotted damp and would like to know the extent of the issue? A professional damp survey from British Damp Proofing can help you determine whether there are ways the problem can be rectified so that, if you intend to make an offer on the property, you can negotiate accordingly.
We’re a professional damp survey company for Lincoln, Horncastle, Skegness and the surrounding region. Simply contact us today whether you’re looking at buying a property with damp or would like to remedy an issue before selling your home.