Is a damp survey worth the investment?
A damp survey is a critical first step in identifying and eliminating damp from your home. There’s no alternative to a detailed inspection carried out by a trusted, knowledgeable and regulated chartered surveyor.
But is a damp survey worth the upfront cost? Will it pay itself off?
The quick answer is yes. We’ve put this article together to explain why that’s the case.
What is a damp survey?
A damp survey involves a surveyor checking your property for the presence of moisture. They’ll find the cause, suggest steps for eliminating it, and work out a way to prevent it from happening again.
Damp is one of the most common housing problems in the UK. Two main types affect homes:
- Penetrating damp
- Condensation
You’re experiencing a damp problem whether your property experiences just one of these or a combination of them.
In a damp survey, the surveyor focuses on these issues. They’ll use specialist equipment and a trained, experienced eye to narrow down the cause. They could be looking for anything: poor-quality mortar, a leaking pipe, an extractor that isn’t to spec, and so on.
Once they find what’s causing your damp problems, they’ll advise on your next steps. Eliminating these issues is vital for maintaining a safe, healthy home.
Who is a damp survey for?
Damp surveys could be instructed by anyone owning or interested in buying or selling a property.
We often work with homeowners. As soon as someone notices signs of damp in their home, they’ll call a chartered surveyor and ask for their help. They’ll conduct a thorough inspection of the building and identify the issue.
Damp surveys could also be instructed by would-be homebuyers. Before completing a purchase (but usually after the initial offer), they’ll get a surveyor to go through and check for damp. Some problems might be identified that the buyer wants the seller to repair, or they could reduce their offer to account for them.
Finally, people selling a property sometimes instruct a damp survey. Having one carried out and following the chartered surveyor’s advice increases their home’s value and makes it more attractive to buyers.
Damp is rarely a deal-breaker or dangerous, but it does need to be kept at bay. Extreme cases of mould and rot will still need to be removed safely with professional help, though.
Consequences of not eliminating damp in your home
A damp survey is absolutely worth the investment. By following the chartered surveyor’s advice, you’ll get rid of your damp issues completely.
Surveyors often recommend things along the lines of the following:
- Installing new pipes
- Installing rated extractor fans
- Using dehumidifiers (if necessary)
- Repairing or upgrading the ventilation system
- Hiring dedicated professional contractors
- Repairing eaves troughs or gutter downpipes
- Flushing out drains
The alternative – ignoring your damp problems – could lead to much more expensive costs.
If the issues persist without being fixed, it leads to the following:
- Damage to surfaces and materials
- Cracking plasterboard and peeling wallpaper
- Sticking windows and doors
- Fungus growth and damage (rot, mould, etc.)
- A musty smell
- Worsening health conditions like asthma
- Insulation and heating problems
In short, a homeowner or buyer would face far more costs than the survey price.
Instruct a damp survey from GB Home Surveys
Do you own a home you suspect might have damp problems? Maybe you’re thinking about buying one but want to make sure?
Consider instructing a damp survey from GB Home Surveys. Our RICS chartered surveyors head out to the property in question (whether it’s in the South-West, West Midlands or South Wales) and conduct their inspection.
They’ll then produce a PDF report and send it to you. This will include advice on how to proceed and preventing these issues from arising again.
Is that something we could assist you with? If so, or if you have a few more questions, why not contact us? Our friendly staff are always happy to have a commitment-free chat about if a damp survey is the right option for you.
Get in touch with us through the form below. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you eliminate damp problems for good.
