Damp identified on a Homebuyers Survey

If you are thinking of buying a property and have had a Building Survey or a Homebuyer Report which identifies a damp problem, you may require a further inspection from a specialist damp and timber company.

If there is a damp problem it can cause timber to lose its structural integrity over time, leading to severe damage and costly repairs. Wet and dry rot are often hidden from view, and require a specialist to fully understand the extent of the issue.

Often lenders or mortgage providers will request you get a damp and timber survey carried out by a PCA qualified surveyor. The Property Care Association (PCA) is the industry trade body and members undergo rigorous checks and adhere to best practice when carrying out property inspections.

A PCA qualified surveyor - typically CSTDB or CSRT qualified - will be able to carry out a thorough inspection of your property and check for any structural damage to timber as well as damp problems.

A trained surveyor will carry out an inspection both externally and internally, identifying the source of the damp or timber decay, and the extent of any issues. Where necessary they will use specialist tools and equipment to support any findings. This will all be detailed in a survey report confirming the type of damp found, and if any remedial repairs are required, along with a cost for the work.

Rentokil Property Care are PCA accredited and have qualified surveyors across the country from our network of local branches.

Our surveyors are qualified to identify infestations by wood boring insects, rising damp, penetrating damp, fungal decay (wet rot fungus and Sepula Lacrymans - dry rot). We can also carry out separate surveys for cavity wall ties.

Many clients purchase properties intending to change the structural layout (i.e. remove walls for greater living space, converting lofts or cellars) we can assist by advising on any damp proofing measures that are necessary to ensure your property does not suffer damp issues.

All our work is covered by long term Guarantees, which can be passed on to new owners, assisting you in the onward sale of your property.

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  What happens if damp is found on a survey?

  Damp is a very common problem that is flagged on Homebuyers Reports, but this shouldn’t worry prospective purchasers. A follow up damp and timber survey will give a detailed explanation of the problem, and provide details on any treatments required. This can be used to renegotiate when purchasing the property. Typically Rentokil Property Care offer 30 year guarantees on treatments for rising damp which gives you long term peace of mind the problem won’t return if you go ahead with the treatments, if you do choose to purchase the property.

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  Does a homebuyer's report check for damp?

  Yes, a Homebuyers Report (also known as a RICS Level 2 survey) will check for obvious signs of damp when carrying out a general inspection of a property. If damp is found they will highlight it in the report, but may suggest further investigation from a property preservation specialist - such as Rentokil Property Care. A further damp and timber survey may be required to fully understand the extent of any damp problems, and will provide recommendations for treatments, if required. Damp can cause problems such as timber decay, woodworm and even structural issues.

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  What is a damp and timber report for a mortgage?

  Mortgage providers, lenders, banks and building societies often request that a damp and timber survey is carried out when purchasing a property - and will request it is undertaken by
  a creditable organisation with PCA membership. The damp and timber report will provide details of any signs of damp, woodworm or timber decay in the property. Rentokil Property Care is PCA accredited and our surveyors have CSRT or CSTDB qualifications.

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  Can I get a mortgage on a property with damp?

  Yes, but the lenders may ask for a damp and timber survey to be carried out to assess the extent of the problem. If there are extensive issues which threaten the structural integrity of the property they may ask for treatments to be carried out prior to lending.

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  Does house insurance cover damp problems?

  No - typically house insurance does not cover damp problems, as often damp is caused by building defects and insurance providers require proper maintenance of the property to be undertaken regularly. For rising damp Rentokil Property Care can offer rising damp insurance.

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  Does damp put buyers off?

  Damp will certainly put some buyers off purchasing a property - as they may not wish to carry out repairs on a property they are about to purchase. If you are selling a property with a damp problem it is a good idea to carry out damp proofing work before selling, in order to prevent any further issues during the selling process, and it will mean potential purchasers won’t try and re-negotiate the price. Any long term guarantees from Rentokil Property Care can be passed on to new purchasers, giving them long term peace of mind.