How to choose the right dry rot surveyor
If you notice Serpula lacrymans (dry rot) in your home, act on it immediately. It’s usually manageable, but the earlier you catch it, the less it costs. A home survey can help you identify any visible signs of dry rot in your home, and recommend the best course of action to take next.
But how do you know who to ask? That’s what we’ll address on this page.
What is dry rot?
Dry rot is a fungal growth (much like any other form of rot or mushrooms, toadstools, or truffles). The spores germinate in wet wood (moisture content of 20% or more) combined with relatively low humidity in the air.
It grows by consuming the cellulose and water within the timber, with hyphae and mycelia stretching out along the beams. This leaves the wood brittle and weak. When the spores grow into fruiting bodies (like how you think of mushrooms), new fungal growths spread and germinate in other places.
Dry rot is one of the most dangerous forms of rot for the speed with which it spreads and how destructive it can be.
A surveyor must be able to identify it from its appearance and might have links with a laboratory for testing (it’s difficult to distinguish from other forms of rot during the early stages).
While a home survey is different from a dry rot survey, it will help you spot the first visible signs of dry rot in your home so you can identify there may be a problem and call in specialist help.
A dry rot expert can then come in and tell you exactly how to treat your dry rot infestation, saving money, property value, and vastly improving your home’s safety and durability.
But what should you look for?
What to look for in a surveyor
A surveyor should, in short, be the following:
- Well-trained
- Qualified
- Experienced
- Local
- Insured
You want to know that the surveyor has had exceptional levels of training. Everything starts in the classroom (even though that isn’t the be-all-and-end-all). After this, you want to know that they passed their course (whatever it may have been), evidencing their knowledge base. Qualifications are typically shown in offices, and extra letters may be used at the end of their name.
Experience is arguably the most important thing to find in a surveyor. Many experienced home surveyors are familiar with the signs of dry rot, and can give you a better understanding of how bad the problem is, and if you need specialist help.
Using a local surveyor is also a significant factor. They’ll cost less and better understand the regional market and how prevalent dry rot typically is in the area.
Finally, you should find a surveyor with insurance and guarantees. If they make a mistake (such as misidentifying dry rot), it could lead to significant costs down the road. An insured surveyor provides reassurance that any future expenses resulting from a mishap will be covered.
How to find a reputable professional
We always recommend using a chartered surveyor. An individual using this protected title is registered with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, or RICS.
Being a member (or associate) of this British governing body means they must meet all the requirements mentioned in the previous section. A RICS-registered chartered surveyor can only join if they have a relevant qualification and complete three years of on-the-job learning. Insurance comes with the membership, too.
So, looking for a local chartered surveyor carries much less risk than a generic surveyor.
Instruct a Home Survey from GB Home Surveys
GB Home Surveys is proud to employ chartered surveyors across the country. We set staff up in regional teams to address their local markets.
Our RICS chartered surveyors are based in the following locations:
- Cornwall
- Bristol
- Bath
- Devon
- The Cotswolds
- Taunton and North Somerset
- South Wales
- Birmingham
- Herefordshire
- Worcestershire
- Gloucestershire
If you notice signs of dry rot in your home, getting it checked out as soon as possible is imperative. Why not reach out to us to see what we can do?
Use the contact form below to get in touch, or give us a ring if you’d prefer. We look forward to hearing from you and offering a helping hand.
