HOMEBUYERS DAMP SURVEY
Damp can easily be concealed with a skim of plaster and a few coats of paint and when buying a London property, it is essential that you have the building inspected for damp, mould and timber rot before you make such a commitment. The worst-case scenario is to acquire a property, then discover there are damp issues, which could cost thousands of pounds to repair. It could be several months before the damp issues become apparent, by which time, significant damage has been caused.
At London Damp Specialists, we use cutting edge technology to assess a building for damp, mould and timber rot and if there are any issues, we will definitely find it.
Homebuyer Survey Details
Our homebuyer damp survey has 3 levels, which are as follows:
Level 1 Damp Survey
Level 2 Damp Survey
Level 3 Damp Survey
Additional Lab Plaster Analysis
For an additional cost, we lab test up to 10 samples of plaster from various locations within the building for an accurate measurement of moisture content. Cost £299 + VAT
Cutting-Edge Digital Equipment Our Surveyors Use
At London Damp Specialists, our independent damp surveyors use the following equipment to accurately assess London homes:
Damp meter
This multi-functional device measures moisture both on surfaces and inside building materials. The pinned variety is used to measure moisture levels within timber, cement and plaster, while the pinless variety measures moisture content on surfaces. Every damp surveyor would carry at least two damp meters, with one as a backup.
Humidity tester
A hand-held device to measure the level of moisture in the air, a humidity tester has a digital readout that helps the surveyor determine the level of moisture inside the building. In the event the damp inspector is looking for mould, they would use the humidity tester to find potential areas where mould could be present. This is one of the first pieces of kit a surveyor would use when entering a building.
Infrared Camera
The use of thermal imagery enables the surveyor to clearly see both dry and moist areas. The camera uses colour to visualise temperature differences on building materials, with red a higher temperature than blue. This device is mainly used for masonry diagnosis and it is an essential item for every independent damp surveyor.
Pinhole Camera
Also known as a borescope camera, this handy device gives the surveyor a close up look in all those hard-to-reach places, such as dark corners of the loft, under floorboards and inside cavity walls. Without this device, it would not be possible to see in specific locations where damp and mould might be present.
Ventilation Airflow Test
A hand-held device with a moving fan that accurately measure air movement. Ventilation is critical when it comes to the prevention of mould formation; a still and damp atmosphere is one in which mould can thrive and one of the first things the surveyor would do is use this device in numerous locations around the house to get a clear indication of natural airflow.
Drone imagery
Our surveyors are very competent drone operators and they can get close-up views of every square inch of a roof, looking for missing or dislodged roof tiles, blockages in guttering and other potential issues. High-resolution images are captured to show the customer problems, while the drone is also used to inspect upper external walls.
If you are planning to make an offer on a London property, we strongly recommend that you book a pre-purchase damp survey through London Damp Specialists to determine whether or not damp, mould or timber rot are present.
Call us on 020 7458 4864 or complete the form at the bottom of this page and we will arrange for one of our PCA-certified surveyors to inspect the building and you will receive a detailed report in your inbox the following day.
Customer Testimonials
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.
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.
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.
We do not require payment until the work is dry and you are satisfied with the service.
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.
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.
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.