London has the highest land prices in the UK and if you are looking to acquire a property in the capital city, it will be a significant investment, regardless of size and location. Damp can attack any building at any time and prior to putting in an offer on a London home, you should have the property surveyed for damp.
Pre-purchase damp survey
At London Damp Surveys, we are proud to offer a pre-purchase damp survey, which is very comprehensive; there are 3 levels; you can find out more information on the pre-purchase survey page. When the building has been surveyed and the property is free from damp, you can move ahead with confidence. It is possible to conceal damage caused by damp; a couple of coats of paint can hide timber damage and if you are not observant, you could miss the tell-tale signs and that could end up costing you thousands of pounds in building repairs.
What does a damp survey entail?
The pre-purchase damp survey includes a close inspection of all timber structures, from the ground floor to the internal roofing timbers and everything in between. A comprehensive roof inspection ensures that the rafters and joists are not compromised by damp or mould, while all exterior walls would be closely inspected, looking for all the tell-tale signs of rising and penetrating damp. Our surveyors make good use of drone imagery to inspect the roof and exterior walls, while moisture meters accurately measure moisture content within specific materials. There is an additional service for lab analysis of plaster samples, which is often the best way to measure moisture content in walls. We also look for tell-tale signs of woodworm, wet and dry rot, which is a common issue found in older London properties.
Basement properties
Many homes in London come complete with below-ground living space, which are obviously at risk of rising damp and water penetration. Basement tanking comes in several forms, ranging from the use of waterproof cement to drainage membrane systems, which offer 100% protection against moisture penetration. If your home has a basement, call London Damp Surveys on 0207 305 5997 and we will send an experienced damp surveyor to assess your home for damp, mould and timber rot.
The benefits of a professional damp survey
Once you have the detailed report in your hands, you know that the property is in good order and free from damp, mould and timber decay. For the small cost, having your next potential home surveyed brings you peace of mind and you can make an offer with the confidence that comes from knowing all is well and the house is not damaged by moisture, mould or timber rot.
If you are house hunting and you think you have found your dream home, give London Damp Surveys a call on 0207 305 5997 or complete the online form and set the ball rolling to get an accurate appraisal of your potential dream home.
