Damp & Timber Survey
Years Of Experience
Pre-Purchase Damp & Timber Survey
Overview
Buying your ideal home is exciting. You’ve agreed a price, your mortgage lender has arranged a valuation, and everything seems to be moving smoothly.
Then the survey report arrives.
It states that high moisture readings were recorded and recommends a specialist damp and timber inspection.
Don’t panic.
Over 75% of mortgage valuations and homebuyer reports recommend further investigation into damp or timber issues. This does not automatically mean there is a serious problem — it simply means a specialist assessment is required.
That’s where we come in.
We provide independent, honest, and detailed pre-purchase damp and timber reports, giving you clarity and peace of mind before you commit to one of the biggest investments of your life.
For a relatively small fee, you gain reassurance that the property has been properly assessed — helping you avoid unexpected and costly surprises after you move in.
Why Choose Us?
Many companies focus solely on “rising damp.”
We are not just rising damp specialists — we are damp and timber specialists.
That means we assess the entire building holistically, considering:
Ventilation issues
Condensation problems
Cavity wall insulation defects
Construction faults
Roof and rainwater issues
Sub-floor ventilation
Basement and structural waterproofing
Damp is rarely caused by one single issue. Our expertise in building construction allows us to diagnose the true source of moisture problems — not just treat the symptoms.
What’s Included in Our Pre-Purchase Survey?
Subject to your instructions and property access, our survey may include:
Timber & Structural Checks
Inspection of suspended timber floors for rot or wood-boring beetle infestation
Assessment of sub-floor ventilation
Inspection of roof timbers for rot or insect attack
Damp Investigation
Moisture profiling of ground floor walls
Identification of rising damp or penetrating damp
Inspection for condensation-related issues
Assessment of internal and external ventilation
External & Construction Checks
Roof inspection
Rainwater goods inspection (gutters, downpipes, drainage)
Basement or cellar inspection for water ingress
General commentary on the overall condition of the building
Access & Survey Limitations
The most important factor in any inspection is access.
Surveys may be limited by:
Dry-lined walls
Laminate flooring
Carpets and furniture
Fixed kitchen units
Radiators and built-in fittings
However, we use specialist equipment to inspect as thoroughly as possible, including mini-cameras and endoscopes to view concealed areas.
“I’ve Already Paid for a Survey”
You may have already paid for:
A mortgage valuation (for your lender’s benefit), or
A Homebuyer’s Report from a chartered surveyor.
If that report recommends a damp and timber specialist, it means the surveyor has identified something that requires further expert investigation.
Think of it like visiting your GP. If they identify a concern outside their specialism, they refer you to a consultant. We are that consultant for damp and timber.
Common Hidden Issues We Identify
Cavity walls not properly cleared during construction
Debris left in cavities after window replacement or extensions
Blocked airbricks
Poorly fitted insulation
Insulation obstructing ventilation
Corroded cavity wall ties
Bridging within cavity walls
Poor external drainage
These are problems that often go unnoticed without specialist investigation.
Do We Charge?
Yes — professional surveys require time, expertise, and specialist equipment.
Our fees typically range between:
£75 – £250 + VAT
Costs vary depending on:
Property size
Location
Scope of inspection required
Occasionally the fee may be higher or lower depending on complexity.
We charge because we provide an honest, independent report — even if no remedial work is required. If there isn’t a problem, we will tell you.
Our Experience & Credentials
We have over 25 years’ experience working on properties across the South West, including high-value homes.
Approved Contractors
Wykamol (since 2010)
Permagard
Triton Chemicals
Professional Memberships
Federation of Small Businesses
Checkatrade
Training & Certifications
Property Care Association – Structural Waterproofing
Triton Chemicals – Damp Control & Timber Preservation
Sovereign Chemicals – Damp Diagnosis
NEBOSH General Certificate (Health & Safety)
IOSH Managing Safely
COSHH Chemical Safety Training
Insurance
£5,000,000 Public Liability Insurance
Specialist Equipment We Use
Protimeter MMS2 Moisture Meter
FLIR Thermal Imaging Camera
Borescope (for sub-floors and cavities)
Speedy Carbide Test (accurate moisture testing)
Salts Analysis Testing Kit (nitrates & chlorides)
Thermal Hygrometer (condensation diagnosis)
Most importantly — we use experience and correct training to accurately diagnose damp problems.
What Happens Next?
Simple.
Contact us and provide:
Property address
Type of survey recommendation
Any relevant sections of your survey report
Property size and age
We’ll arrange your pre-purchase damp and timber survey promptly and provide a clear, professional report you can rely on.