Damp is a complex issue. Depending on the type and extent of a damp problem, it could cost thousands of pounds to sort out. Even worse, some unscrupulous tradesmen prey on people’s concerns about damp, making homeowners pay over the odds for damp proofing they don’t need.
The only way you can be sure to avoid unnecessary expenses is via a damp survey. When carried out by an accredited professional, a survey will give you the proper lay of the land.
Read on to learn about the damp survey costs and some useful information about damp itself.
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What is a Damp Survey, and Why do I Need One?
According to UK Government figures, four per cent of households in England had damp-related problems in at least one room. Damp issues are common in the UK due to our climate; the relatively wet and temperate conditions all year round make damp particularly prevalent.
A damp survey is a particular type of property survey that looks specifically for issues related to dampness. Approved damp surveyors are either CRDS (Certified Remedial Damp Surveyor) or CSRT (Certified Surveyor of Remedial Treatments). When finding a professional damp surveyor, always look for these qualifications.
If you suspect you have damp problems, instruct a damp survey. It’s also a good idea to get a survey if you’re looking to sell your property since you can answer any queries prospective buyers may have about damp.
What can a Damp Survey Diagnose and Report?
A damp survey is a comprehensive investigation of your property. A professional surveyor will assess every part of your home for signs of damp and related damage. Simon Cooper, an accredited damp surveyor, shared this video taking people behind the scenes of a typical survey.
There are three main types of damp-related problems that an investigation may find:
Condensation Issues
Condensation (and damage caused by it) is the most common issue diagnosed by a damp survey. Condensation occurs naturally when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cold surface. Exterior walls and windows are often the most affected surfaces in the home.
Homes with high humidity due to inadequate ventilation are most likely to suffer from condensation issues. If you don’t remove the moisture that’s caused the condensation, mould can proliferate.
Penetrating Damp
Significant, ongoing exposure to moisture can cause penetrating damp in your home. You’re most likely to see penetrating damp where walls or joinery elements get exposed to water. Leaking roofs, burst pipes, and fractures around sinks are common causes of this type of damp.
When penetrating damp occurs, it leads to ugly dark patches on walls or ceilings. Left unchecked, those damp patches will spread and darken, causing paint or wall coverings to peel.
Rising Damp
As well as being a sitcom from the 1970s, rising damp is a serious issue for any property. It’s rarer than other damp-related problems, but it’s also much more challenging to fix. Rising damp occurs when moisture in or below the ground reaches your floors and creeps up the walls.
If you have rising damp, you’ll notice tide marks on your walls and powdery white mineral deposits. Occasionally, your skirting boards become sodden, eventually rotting or crumbling.
Your surveyor will report any of these three issues if they’re detected during a damp survey. They will also advise you on your best next course of action. As explained by Which? magazine, you can solve some damp issues yourself.
In other cases, your only option is to contact a pro to help damp proof your property. Either way, getting a professional damp survey is the best way to identify problems. So how much should a damp survey cost?
Damp Survey Cost — What Prices to Expect in 2023
There’s no hard and fast rule for how much a damp survey will cost. Several factors combine to mean some surveys cost more than others. The main thing that affects prices is your property’s size. The more ground a surveyor has to cover, the longer their survey will take and the more they’ll charge.
Anything about your property that makes accessing areas to survey more difficult may also bump up the survey’s price. As with any service, geography plays a part too. Damp surveys tend to cost more in London, but remote regions like the Scottish Highlands may be higher due to increased travel time.
For a three-bedroom terraced or semi-detached house, you’ll pay between £150 and £350 for a full damp survey from an accredited professional. Costs move on a sliding scale as your property gets bigger or smaller. Priceyourjob.co.uk give you a good idea of how that works in this table.
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Damp Survey Cost — Final Thoughts
Serious damp-related issues can cost thousands of pounds to rectify. That’s before you consider the cost of repainting or replacing wallpaper, repairing skirting boards and rectifying other damaged elements. A comprehensive damp survey helps you nip these issues in the bud.
To find the best surveyors in your local area, visit Rated People and receive up to three free quotes.