Figures from Statista state that approximately 3.4% of the 24.7 million homes in the UK had damp issues in 2020.
This means more than 839,000 found and treated damp issues in just one year. Thanks to our climate in the UK, damp is common.
Consequently, a damp survey is required by most domestic and commercial mortgage lenders, and when signs of damp are spotted at your property.
Below we detail what to expect from your damp survey, how much it costs and the benefits of having a damp survey carried out.
What happens in a damp survey?
A damp survey is carried out to assess signs of damp and possible causes. The main types of damp include:
- Condensation: a build-up of moisture on walls, ceilings and windows.
- Rising damp: when water rises up from the ground through a building’s walls.
- Penetrating damp: when rainwater seeps into the building and causes damp patches on floors, walls and ceilings.
To identify if damp is present, your surveyor will visit the property in question and use a damp meter to assess. Usually, a surveyor knows exactly what they’re looking for, so even for large houses the inspection will take no more than an hour.
Inside, systematic checks for damp plaster, walls, skirting boards, ceilings, floors, windows and doors will be carried out. Outside, the surveyor will view the roof flashing, guttering, brickwork, and exterior doors and window frames, for signs of excess moisture such as rot or wet brickwork.
Your survey is presented in a document that should be easy to understand and include key findings and recommendations.
If requested, the survey will also include cost considerations for the resulting damage and any repairs. If you are surveying a property with view to purchase, this will allow you to easily negotiate with the owner based on the cost and inconvenience of having that work done.
Finally, make sure you use approved damp surveyors, who will have the relevant accreditation with either a CRDS or a CSRT certification.
How much should a damp survey cost?
At the time of writing this article damp surveys from British Damp Proofing cost £90 this includes the VAT. If any works are to be carried out and you have them done with us the £90 is removed from your final bill.
Why arrange a damp survey on your property?
Damp surveys are imperative for purchase and upkeep of domestic and commercial properties. Not only is damp a risk to health and safety of those inside the building, but it also usually gets worse if left untreated. There are several benefits to having a damp survey;
Avoid further issues and costs: If left unattended, damp will inevitably spread and create more damage. The longer damp is left untreated, the more expensive it is to fix.
Safeguard your health: Mould spores are a common by-product of untreated damp and can trigger asthma and other respiratory conditions. Damp is also the perfect environment for bacteria to grow, putting everyone inside the property at a higher risk of disease and health problems.
Peace of mind when buying: Whether you’re buying your new home or a business premises, a damp survey is a good precaution to take. Standard mortgage surveys might not necessarily pick up on damp, so it’s sensible to have a damp survey done to make sure there are no hidden issues with damp. Knowing the cost of repairs needed also creates room to negotiate the property price.
Speak to a damp proofing expert
Since 1970, British Damp Proofing has helped homeowners and business owners across Lincolnshire beyond, protect their properties from damp.
Speak to us today to arrange a damp survey from one of our in-house experts. We don’t use contractors, so our fantastic customer service is guaranteed. Get in touch.