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What is a Damp Survey?
Essentially, a damp survey involves hiring a professional who looks at the building/property to see any signs of damp and the reasons behind it. This survey is conducted by experts who know exactly where to look for the presence of dampness. The expert will also look into the extent of damage caused. He/she will also give you an estimate of how much it might cost to repair/remedy the situation.
While other surveys look at a house or a building’s condition in an overall sense; damp surveys are rather particular. They look specifically at the damp-induced damage and how far it has gone. Most property-owners generally go for this survey after an initial evaluation such as Full-Building or Conditions Report has deemed it necessary to get the property inspected for damp related problems. Based on the survey report, you may have to go for professional rising damp treatment.
What Happens During the Damp Survey?
You will need to book an appointment with a damp specialist and ask him to visit the property you’re planning on buying. In case the current tenants are available, experts will ask them questions related to the damp. For example, how long it has been present, any potential concerns, and the latest development in the overall moisture levels.
If there were any previous valuation reports, then the survey expert will look into the highlighted areas other than the most commonly damp-affected places in a building or home. They will make a note of all the potential damage caused so far.
The surveyors don’t just look for signs of damage. They also look at potential reasons that might be causing the problem such as blocked drainage, pipework, faulty and/or blocked guttering.
All these things go on the final assessment report of the survey.
Benefits of Having a Damp Survey
Helps to Prevent Future Property Issues
A damp survey tells you the necessary preventive measures to take. For example, installing a damp-proof course around the house can solve several potential future problems. It can also minimize the risk of long-term property damage.
For instance, if the house has poor ventilation and a ton of damp present, it could lead to condensation. To remedy this, a surveyor might suggest installing new windows. He may also suggest having a damp-proofing system across the property.
If you can manage to do these, immediately you will notice a great improvement in overall ventilation and general heat retention. Not only is it good for respiratory health in the long run, but it can also save you a ton of money as you enjoy lower energy costs. In monetary terms, this is a major benefit.
Make Your House Attractive To Buyers
A damp survey is a great tool in attracting potential buyers. The report can vouch for the health and structural integrity of the property you plan on selling.
What’s more, mortgage companies favor lending to individuals who plan on investing in a property that has recently been surveyed for damp and confirmed to be free of any mold, mildew, and dampness. Most lenders want confirmation that the property they are investing in is worth the money being lent towards it.
This type of diligence is most common with older properties as lenders would not want to loan a huge sum for a house that is rotting or is worth half the sale price. Such an endeavor could be a financial risk that they want to avoid. Therefore, it’s not uncommon for mortgage lenders to insist on a pre-purchase damp survey as a condition before lending the money.
Helps Avert Structural Damage
Myriad factors can cause a damp problem such as excess condensation, poor ventilation, plumbing issues, broken or leaky pipes, etc. The thing is, it’s a silent killer. Generally, people don’t take action until the condition has advanced to the point that a joist or a beam starts to give way. Other times, the smell of mold, mildew, and decaying wood becomes too much to ignore that you have no option but to look into the situation.
By hiring a professional surveyor to inspect the house, you can identify these problems beforehand. In this way, you can avoid future developments where it could lead to major structural damage. In the long haul, damp survey and proofing can save you major bucks by avoiding architectural restoration, fixes, and timber replacement.
Safeguard Your Health
Mold and dampness not only look bad and smell bad, but they can also have major ramifications on your health. Regularly breathing the floating mildew particles in the air could lead to respiratory issues. In the long-term, it could cost major medical costs.
Mold spores can also aggravate the symptoms of other medical conditions including auto-immune disorders, lung conditions, and skin conditions. Taking corrective measures to prevent damp is even more important if you have children, elderly, or someone with a chronic health condition living in the house.
Relieve the Problem of Ventilation
Poor ventilation or lack of ventilation is the main reason behind condensation damp to occur. Adequate ventilation is necessary for areas where moisture content is always higher. For example, kitchen, bathrooms, and other potential condensation hotspots.
By having your property surveyed, the expert can suggest the areas where ventilation is lacking so you can install necessary solutions to relieve the issue.
As we already mentioned, failing to take timely measures could aggravate several issues. It could lead to higher energy costs, timber decay, and poor-quality air. To avoid health and structural damage to your property, investing in a damp survey is always worth the cost.
Thinking About Getting A Damp Survey?
If you’re thinking of getting a damp survey conducted, you have made a wise decision. Whether you’re planning on selling the house or investing in one, it’s always good to have the property thoroughly inspected.
Get in touch with an experienced survey today to take advantage of their expertise.