Homebuyers Damp Report

certification

If you need assistance with purchase talks, we here at London Damp Specialists could give you a damp and timber report.

Getting a thorough damp survey from a professional that specifically only deals with damp not only pays for itself, but it can save you thousands of pounds.

Many properties on the market are cheaply damp repaired and newly painted to sell, it’s not until the new homeowners move in and after a few months that the damp and condensation issues start to creep back with horrible mould and damp patches reappearing, occasionally, the extent and severity of the dampness in the property forces residents to vacate while renovations are done and the inside is revamped.

With our most advanced technology London Damp Specialists can find hidden underlying issues that may not be visible to the naked eye.

Nearly every old property has some sort of damp and if it has, we will certainly find it.

 

Homebuyer survey details

 

Level 1 Survey: £199 + VAT

To inspect all interior and exterior walls, floors and ceilings for signs of moisture and leaks. If you are buying or selling a London property, this is an ideal survey to determine the presence of damp and moisture.

Level 2 Survey: £299 + VAT

Everything in level 1, plus a close examination of all timber in the structure, including joists and rafters, looking for signs of woodworm, wet and dry rot. Timber decay can easily be covered with a few coats of paint and our survey reveals any timber damage, informing you prior to making a commitment.

Level 3 Survey: £399 + VAT

Including levels 1 & 2, plus the addition of thermal imaging, testing for air humidity, use of borescope cameras to see into hard-to-reach places; we use drone imaging to inspect the roof, looking for missing roof tiles and gutter blockages; exterior walls are examined for signs of penetrating damp. Airflow is critical to prevent damp and we carry out ventilation flow tests throughout the property.
Extra add on, Lab analysis of plaster: £299 +VAT

An additional service of plaster lab analysis is available, with up to 10 plaster samples tested to prove moisture source.

This is an accurate way to assess moisture in walls, with lab analysis of the samples.

Upon survey completion, the customer receives a detailed report within 24 hours, and we provide a quote for recommended damp proofing work;

the cost of the survey is deducted from the repair costs.

Tools We Use

Our surveyors use state of the art equipment to detect moisture in a property:

Damp meter

This device has multi-purpose use; it can identify problem areas, pinpoint sources of damp and monitor if areas are drying out over time. The meter can be calibrated for timber or plaster and there are two main types, namely pinned and pinless damp meters. The pins can be inserted into timber or mortar to accurately measure the moisture content within the material, while the pinless variety measures surface moisture.

Thermal imager (Infrared camera)

This is a device that locates potential areas of damp on walls, ceilings and floors, visualising temperature differences on the surface of materials. Damp areas are typically cooler than dry areas and this shows on the screen; Thermal imagery is primarily used for masonry diagnosis and is an indispensable piece of equipment for a damp surveyor.

Humidity tester

A device to measure the level of humidity in the air; the handheld device is very accurate and helps the surveyor to get an overall assessment of the moisture content in the air. If the surveyor is looking for mould, measuring humidity will show if mould could grow in that area. An integral device and one of the first tests to be carried out.

Borescope camera

This type of camera is very useful for looking at hard-to-reach places, such as wall cavities, under floors and to determine the wall structure in some building types. Also known as a pin hole camera, this device can detect leaks and is used on every survey to get a close-up of targeted areas and the surveyor can investigate an area with hi-res imagery.

Drone imagery

Used to inspect the exterior of a building, state-of-the-art drones bring hi-res close ups of the roof, guttering and upper walls, while it enables the surveyor to check for missing roof shingles. This saves time, which is a win-win for everyone and any issues can be investigated further. Every damp survey would include scanning the exterior with a drone, looking for defects and signs of damp, zooming in when necessary.

Ventilation airflow test

Ventilation is essential to reduce the moisture in the air and to determine the degree of airflow, the surveyor has a range of devices in their arsenal. Mould and mildew thrive in still, humid conditions and by generating an airflow, you can dry out the air, which helps to prevent dangerous fungi forming.

Lab analysis of plaster

An additional service of plaster lab analysis is available, with up to 10 plaster samples tested to prove moisture source. This is an accurate way to assess moisture in walls, with lab analysis of the samples.

Customer Testimonials

"Paul and Carlton did a very good job to insulate the loft. Carlton was very reliable, hard working with attentive to details. I would highly recommend the service"
Bill
"Very professional service from Paul and his team. The quote was reasonable and fair. … His man turned up on time, did exactly what was explained, and left the area clean and tidy. … I would certainly recommend London Damp Specialists and use them again."
Adam
"Really pleased with Paul's work. Fabulous work done, hopefully damp won't return. Honest and efficient."
Mark
"Efficient clean service. Came quickly to estimate and came when arranged to do the work."
Julia
"Excellent work. We got London Damp Specialists to damp proof our basement. It was a pretty big job but they done it to a great standard and they where quick and clean. It has been months now since the work has been completed and its all painted and it looks fantastic and dry :) They are a great friendly bunch of lads. Thank you"
John S
"I hired Paul to re-plaster two internal walls due to a penetrating damp issue. He gave a competitive quote and clearly explained the work beforehand. … He performed the job with care and precision, kept me updated, and even worked alone while I was at work. … I have no problem recommending him to others."
Sebastian M
"Clean and tidy, very polite, job done. Very flexible to come and quote at weekend and work conducted very quickly. No complaints! Thanks Paul!"
Vera
"Paul was quick to respond with a team of proficient, friendly and professional workmen. The job was completed on time as promised. Great stuff. Thank you"
Tom
"Paul was able to start work that week, and finished the job quickly, sticking to the price he quoted. Would definitely recommend."
Dan
"Paul gave a very competitive quote at a time that suited me. The 30-year guarantee is also a big plus! … He cleaned up thoroughly afterwards, and I’m very happy with the work. He even did a few extra jobs outside, which he didn’t have to. … I’d recommend using London Damp Proofing if you’ve got a damp problem!"
Cait Harvey
"Super-efficient and speedy job and one of the team came back to do additional tidying up of the replaced skirting boards once it was finished."
Amy
"Brilliant and professional job. Paul gave a quote and turned up on time with his assistant. … They paid attention to even the smallest details, and the work was completed to a very high standard. … If you're considering hiring Paul, just go ahead – it's very unlikely you'll be disappointed."
beagooner
"Paul was very professional and friendly when he came to quote for a damp proof course and roof timber treatment for us."
Dan
"The work was carried out quickly and efficiently. Very impressed with reliability and work carried out. Talks through and explains all aspect of work before starting. Maintains contact throughout job. Would not hesitate to recommend."
Ebigail H
"Paul was polite, courteous and professional at all times. His work partner Alex came and completed the job. I've dealt with lots of building companies and builders and none have been as efficient, tidy and mindful of the clients surroundings as Alex was. He had a brilliant personality and his attention to detail was spot on. I would recommend Paul and Alex to anyone."
Geoff
"We had a number of large patches of damp… Paul was prompt to respond and quoted very quickly. His team was happy to work around a rewire, which really helped minimise disruption. … They applied damp treatment and even raised a couple of air bricks outside to stop rainwater coming in. I would very much recommend Paul and his team."
Jim Peacock
"What an absolutely stunning job! … I left for work with an incredibly uneven, cracking, poor attempt at damp proofing my kitchen. I returned to find Paul had already left… and the kitchen walls… well, wow, wow, wow. … Completely re-plastered, now straight, totally even and as smooth as ice. … If you want a truly professional, platinum grade job done at a very reasonable price, hire Paul – you will not be disappointed."
Sarah J
"As stated in previous reviews, work was carried out very professionally. Paul replied promptly, visited soon afterwards and gave great advice. … I was so impressed I didn't even bother to get other quotes! … Both rooms were spotless when they left. I would strongly recommend this company and wouldn’t hesitate to use them again."
Paula Symons
"Plasterer turned up on time and completed the job satisfactorily in two days. Work is now painted and looks great"
Nigel
"Very happy with the job, straightforward, would highly recommend."
Lauren
"Excellent work from Paul and his team. Quote was fair and work was undertaken fairly soon. They protected the floors and tidied up afterwards with barely any sign of them having been in, impressive considering the scope of work done. It's now two months on and no signs of damp. Thanks Paul"
Mike D
"Paul was prompt and pleasant, and helpful in assessing where we needed damp proof course installed. A good, neat job over the course of two days."
Karl

Our 5 Step Process

01

Initial Consultation

Tell us about your damp issue and we’ll guide you on next steps. It's an opportunity for you to ask questions and gather information.

02

Site Visit

Next, we visit your property to find the root cause of the issue. We’ll also assess the local environment, and take measurements or observations.

03

No Obligation Quote

Then we’ll send a detailed estimate of the costs involved, with no hidden extras, and provided to you without any commitment. You can review the financial aspect before making any decisions.

04

Work Carried Out

Our expert team carries out the work as planned, to the agreed timeline and quality standards, with minimum disruption to you.

05

Payment

The last step is payment, once the work’s complete, your home is dry and you’re satisfied with the results.

FAQs
Are old buildings more susceptible to damp issues than new ones?

Yes, older buildings are more vulnerable to damp issues than newer ones due to factors like outdated materials, lack of modern damp-proofing, wear and tear, less efficient ventilation, reduced insulation, historic designs, potential foundation problems, and maintenance challenges. Newer buildings are typically constructed with better materials and techniques for damp prevention. However, older buildings can still be protected by addressing vulnerabilities through maintenance and modern treatments.

Do I have to be at home when the work is being done?

As long as our team has access to all parts of the property, there is no need for you to be at home when work is being carried out. All our employees have been vetted and CRB/DBS screened.

Do I have to pay a deposit for damp proofing services?

We do not require payment until the work is dry and you are satisfied with the service.

I am in the process of buying a property in London, should I have a damp survey carried out?

Purchasing a property in London is a major investment, therefore you should call us on 020 7458 4864 and arrange for one of our damp surveyors to carry out an accurate assessment. We also quote for remedial work that we recommend and our work is guaranteed for 30 years.

There is a damp musky smell in my home, how can I remove it?

This is caused by excess moisture and mould that thrives in a damp setting; the best solution is to contact London Damp Specialists and let our experts take a look. We are happy to quote for the required remedial work.

Will your employees work overtime to complete a job?

Our employees are very responsible and will always do what it takes to finish a job and that includes working long hours in order to complete a project. We are a customer-focused company that will always go that extra mile to make our customers happy.

Still have a question?
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