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Call us on 0207 305 5997Arrange your damp specialist
Call us on 0207 305 5997Arrange your damp specialist

PRE PURCHASE SURVEY

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A damp survey from London Damp Specialist can provide you with a comprehensive report on the condition of your property. This report will help you immensely during purchase negotiations, as it specifically details any issues with dampness or timber in the property. Hiring a professional to conduct this type of survey is an investment that will quickly pay for itself and has the potential to save you £1000’s down the line.

Unknowing home buyers purchase many cheaply repaired homes that have been painted to sell–only to find damp and condensation issues, mould, and severe dampness spreading throughout different areas of the property a few months post-sale. In some cases, the damage is so significant that occupants must move out of the property while the repairs are being made.

At London Damp Specialist, we utilise leading technology to detect underlying issues that are hidden and may be invisible to you.

Old properties tend to all have some sort of damp – if it does, we are sure to find it. We offer a full damp inspection along with a detailed homebuyers report for only £200+VAT, and our reports are generally ready within as little as 24 hours.

HOW CAN I GET HELP?

To get help, call London Damp Specialist on 0207 305 5997.

Or, feel free to send an enquiry or book a survey online.

If you submit an enquiry form, one of our damp surveyors will be in touch with you to discuss your problems. We aim to contact you within 24 hours.

  • }Damp can cause structural problems such as rot and corrosion that could ultimately cost you money in the long run if not treated properly.

Qualification list

PCA-Certificated Surveying

 

  • CSDB (Certificated Surveyor of Dampness in Buildings): This certification ensures your damp diagnosis is carried out to a recognised industry standard. 
  • CSTDB (Certificated Surveyor of Timber and Dampness in Buildings): This means we can assess timber decay, wet rot, dry rot and wood-boring insect activity in the same visit, giving you a complete picture of your property’s condition. 
  • CSSW (Certificated Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing): Where basement or below-ground waterproofing is involved, this certification ensures that any tanking or structural waterproofing solution we recommend is specified the first time correctly.

CSCS

 

  • CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme): Our experts carry a CSCS card, which confirms they’re authorised and trained to work safely on-site, giving you confidence that the team in your home meets recognised industry safety standards.

Asbestos awareness

 

  • Asbestos awareness: Older properties may contain asbestos, particularly in areas where damp and timber work are common. Our team holds UKATA-accredited Asbestos Awareness training as standard and where a job risks disturbing such materials, our experts are more than qualified to manage the work safely and in full compliance with UK regulations.

30-Year Warranty + 10-Year Insurance-Backed Guarantee

 

Your damp repair is protected for decades. 

  • 30-Year Warranty: All remediation work is covered by a 30-year workmanship warranty, protecting your property against recurrence of the treated issue.

  • 10-Year Insurance-Backed Guarantee (IBG): Your guarantee is insurance-backed for 10 years through Quality Assured National Warranties (QANW), so your cover remains valid even if we’re unable to fulfil it ourselves.

  • 24-Hour Report Delivery: Comprehensive digital survey reports are typically issued within 24 hours of the inspection’s completion.

Our Equipment

Damp Meter

Purpose:

Takes comparative surface moisture readings across accessible walls, floors, ceilings and building joinery.

Common Uses / Notes:

Maps surface moisture profiles to help identify rising damp, penetrating damp, condensation, or active plumbing leaks.

Deep-Penetration Damp Meter

Purpose:

Detects moisture changes deep below the immediate surface of structural materials without destruction.

Common Uses / Notes:

Evaluates dampness within wall cores, beneath floorboards, inside subfloors and behind finishes without removing plaster.

Non-Invasive Moisture Scanner

Purpose:

Scans surface planes non-invasively without inserting pins or probes into decorated finishes.

Common Uses / Notes:

Checks decorated walls, tiled surfaces and delicate floor coverings to trace sub-surface water migration non-destructively.

HD Borescope Inspection Camera

Purpose:

Provides high-definition visual examination inside enclosed, narrow, or inaccessible building cavities.

Common Uses / Notes:

Inspects subfloor voids, wall cavities, dry lining and enclosed pipework to locate leaks and defects with minimal disruption.

4K Inspection Drone

Purpose:

Captures high-resolution imagery and video of high-level external structures and rooflines.

Common Uses / Notes:

Inspects roof tiles, chimney stacks, lead flashing, parapet walls, valleys and gutters to locate water ingress sources.

Air Humidity Sensor

Purpose:

Measures ambient air temperature and relative humidity (%RH) levels within living areas.

Common Uses / Notes:

Determines whether atmospheric moisture, cold bridging, or insufficient ventilation supports surface condensation and mould growth.

Thermal Imaging Camera

Purpose:

Visualises surface temperature differentials across walls, ceilings and floors.

Common Uses / Notes:

Detects cold spots, missing insulation, thermal bridges, evaporative cooling zones and concealed water leaks.

Airflow & Ventilation Detector

Purpose:

Measures volumetric air extraction performance (L/s or m3/h) of mechanical extractor fans.

Common Uses / Notes:

Tests kitchen, bathroom and utility fans to verify compliance with UK Building Regulations Part F and control condensation.

Gas Screening Instrument

Purpose:

Screens indoor environments for sewer gas intrusion, combustible gases and combustion concerns.

Common Uses / Notes:

Traces foul odours, soil stack leaks and sewer gases (H2S, NH3, CH4, CO, O2). Does not replace Gas Safe registered safety checks.

Chemical Vapour Detector

Purpose:

Screens air for Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC/VOC) and chemical substances like formaldehyde (HCHO).

Common Uses / Notes:

Investigates unexplained chemical odours, building material off-gassing, post-flood air safety and indoor air quality.

Airborne Particle Detector

Purpose:

Measures airborne particulate concentrations across precise micron size ranges (PM1.0, PM2.5, PM10).

Common Uses / Notes:

Assesses fine dust, smoke, airborne matter and environmental air quality following water damage or mould outbreaks.

Electrical Socket & RCD Tester

Purpose:

Provides basic safety and protective circuit screening in areas affected by dampness.

Common Uses / Notes:

Identifies socket wiring faults, tests RCD trip functions and checks AC voltage in wet areas. Does not replace an EICR.

Survey Levels & Package Specifications

Level 1

Standard Damp Survey

Standard price: £299 + VAT

Promotional Price: £199 + VAT (Limited Time Offer)

Offer ends in--Days--Hours--Mins--Secs

The Level 1 Damp Survey is a basic damp inspection designed to check the main accessible areas of the property for damp, leaks
and visible moisture-related issues.

Equipment Included

  • Damp meter

What Is Included

  • Inspection of walls
  • Inspection of floors
  • Inspection of ceilings
  • Leak inspection of drains and plumbing
  • Damp information and prevention guide

Best For

This survey is best for customers who need a basic damp check where only a damp meter is used. It is most suitable for simple

damp concerns, such as suspected rising damp, visible damp patches, minor moisture concerns or a general check of accessible
areas.

The Level 1 Damp Survey is suitable where the customer wants a straightforward inspection of walls, floors, ceilings, drains and
plumbing without the use of advanced survey equipment.

Level 2

Detailed Damp & Timber Survey

Standard price: £399 + VAT

Promotional Price: £299 + VAT (Limited Time Offer)

Offer ends in--Days--Hours--Mins--Secs

The Level 2 Damp Survey includes everything in the Level 1 survey, with additional timber decay inspections and deeper
moisture testing.

Equipment Included

  • Damp meter
  • Deep-penetration damp meter for all building materials
  • Non-invasive moisture detection equipment

What Is Included

  • Inspection of walls
  • Inspection of floors
  • Inspection of ceilings
  • Leak inspection of drains and plumbing
  • Dry rot inspection
  • Wet rot inspection
  • Woodworm inspection
  • Deep moisture detection in building materials
  • Non-invasive moisture testing under floorboards and subfloors where accessible
  • Damp information and prevention guide

Best For

This survey is best for customers who need a damp and timber inspection. It is suitable where there may be concerns about damp,

wood rot, dry rot, wet rot, woodworm or moisture hidden behind building materials.

The Level 2 Damp Survey uses equipment that can read deeper into building materials, including areas such as subfloors, under
floorboards, behind panelling and other accessible hidden areas. This allows us to get a better understanding of whether there may
be hidden damp within the property without dismantling or damaging materials.

This survey is very suitable for home buyers and sellers who want a more detailed damp inspection before purchasing or selling a
property.

Level 3

Advanced Building Moisture Survey

Standard price: £499 + VAT

Promotional Price: £399 + VAT (Limited Time Offer)

Offer ends in--Days--Hours--Mins--Secs

The Level 3 Damp Survey is our most detailed survey. It includes everything in the Level 1 and Level 2 surveys, with additional
advanced equipment and a wider inspection of the property.

Equipment Included

  • Damp meter
  • Deep-penetration damp meter for all building materials
  • Non-invasive moisture detection equipment
  • Thermal imaging camera
  • Air humidity sensor
  • HD borescope inspection camera
  • Airflow and ventilation detector
  • 4K drone
  • Electrical socket and RCD circuit tester

What Is Included

  • Inspection of walls
  • Inspection of floors
  • Inspection of ceilings
  • Leak inspection of drains and plumbing
  • Dry rot inspection
  • Wet rot inspection
  • Woodworm inspection
  • Deep moisture detection in building materials
  • Non-invasive moisture testing under floorboards and subfloors where accessible
  • Thermal imaging inspection
  • Air humidity testing
  • HD borescope camera inspection
  • Brickwork pointing inspection
  • Damp proof course inspection (DPC)
  • Ventilation flow test on extractor fans
  • 4K drone imagery
  • Roof inspection
  • Chimney stack inspection
  • Guttering inspection
  • Structural condition inspection
  • Basic electrical socket and RCD circuit test

Best For

This survey is most suitable for home buyers, sellers and property owners who want the most thorough damp inspection available. It is ideal where there are concerns about damp, leaks, mould, condensation, ventilation issues, timber decay, hidden moisture, roof defects or general property condition.

The Level 3 Damp Survey covers all key areas of the property, including walls, floors, ceilings, ventilation, drains, plumbing, timber, hidden areas and roof-level defects. It is designed to identify damp and moisture-related issues that may not be visible during a basic inspection.

This survey is especially useful for buyers and sellers because it includes a 4K drone inspection of the roof, chimney stack, guttering and other high-level external areas. Roof defects are one of the most expensive hidden issues in a property, and many roofs, chimney stacks and guttering systems are not 100% perfect.

The extra cost of this survey can often be recovered if a roof, chimney, guttering or high-level defect is found before purchase. Even a small issue found on the roof can cost more than the difference between survey levels. Roof problems cannot usually be ignored, as water ingress from above can lead to serious damp, timber decay, internal staining, mould and ongoing property damage.This survey is best for customers who want a detailed, evidence-based inspection before making decisions about buying, selling, repairing or maintaining a property.

Specialised Laboratory Diagnostic Add-Ons

Add-On 1

Laboratory Analysis of Plaster Samples

Price £299 + VAT

Small plaster samples are carefully taken from affected walls and submitted to an independent laboratory for salt analysis. The laboratory tests for the presence and precise concentration of hygroscopic salts, including nitrates and chlorides.

Diagnostic Value: Soluble ground salts are drawn up through masonry during rising damp and remain in plaster permanently. Salt analysis scientifically differentiates true rising damp from condensation or historic leak contamination.

Note: Plaster sampling requires minor material removal and is our only add-on involving minor invasive work.

Add-On 2

Mould Laboratory Testing & qPCR DNA Analysis

Price £299 + VAT

Surface swab or lift samples are submitted to an accredited laboratory for advanced qPCR DNA analysis.

Diagnostic Value: Accurately identifies exact mould species, measures contamination concentrations and detects hidden fungal growth inside cupboards or behind dry lining. Delivers impartial scientific evidence to guide safe environmental remediation.

Add-On 3

Gases, Chemical Vapours & Airborne Particle Testing

Price £299 + VAT

Comprehensive environmental air quality and gas screening tailored to specific property concerns.

Screening Suite Includes: IAQ air quality assessment, Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC/VOC), Formaldehyde (HCHO), Particulate Matter (PM1.0, PM2.5, PM10), Sewer Gases (H2S, NH3, CH4), Combustion Gases (CO, O2) and ventilation performance.

Diagnostic Value: Air quality issues are often linked to damp, leaks and mould, but they cannot always be identified by a visual inspection alone. This testing helps detect hidden airborne contaminants, gases, chemical vapours and fine particles that may affect the property’s condition and indoor environment. It can also help identify problems such as poor ventilation, sewer gas ingress, off-gassing from building materials, combustion-related gases, or airborne particles following water damage, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the property’s condition.

It is also useful where a property has persistent unpleasant or unexplained odours. The testing can help investigate foul smells caused by damp, water damage, stagnant water, drains, sewer gases or chemical vapours, allowing the source of the odour to be identified more accurately.

Testing includes:

  • Indoor Air Quality Testing- IAQ
  • Volatile Organic Compound Testing- TVOC / VOC
  • Formaldehyde Testing- HCHO
  • Fine Particulate Matter Testing- PM1.0 / PM2.5 / PM10
  • Dust and Smoke Particle Testing- PM1.0 / PM2.5 / PM10
  • Sewer Gas Testing- H2S / NH3 / CH4
  • Gas Leak Screening- CH4 / C3H8
  • Carbon Monoxide Testing- CO
  • Hydrogen Sulfide Testing- H2S
  • Ammonia Odour
  • Testing- NH3
    Oxygen Level Testing- O2
  • Ventilation / Stale Air Assessment- IAQ / TVOC
  • Drain Smell Investigation- H₂S / NH3 / CH4
  • Chemical Odour Investigation- TVOC / VOC / HCHO / NH3
  • Post-Leak Air and Surface
  • Condition Assessment- PM2.5 / TVOC
  • Combustion Gas Safety Screening- CO / O2 / CH4
  • Building Material Off-Gassing Assessment- TVOC / HCHO
  • Airborne Pollutant Screening- PM1.0 / PM2.5 / PM10 / TVOC