All our Damp & Timber Reports are undertaken by our Qualified Surveyor Paul. He is a Certificated Surveyor in Remedial Treatment (CSRT) and Certificated Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing (CSSW).

Damp & Timber reports are often required when purchasing a property by Lenders (Banks/Building Societies) when a valuer notes "Damp or timber decay may be present" - without a subsequent CSRT Remedial Survey Report they may not lend.

Our specialist Damp and Timber Survey will provide you with a full written report which will contain diagnosis of any issues regarding timber decay or damp ingress along with appropriate recommendations and specifications for the correct remedial measures to rectify the problem.

If you would like to see an example of one of our previous reports, then please let us know and we would be more than happy to provide this. *(Please note: All personal information will have been removed).

A Full Property Damp & Timber Survey includes:

Scope of Damp Survey (External & Internal Inspection):

• To inspect all the masonry ground floor walls which are in contact with the ground for the presence of dampness where possible to BS 6576 2005. 
• To visually inspect external chimneystacks from surrounding ground level for significant defects which may cause dampness internally.  
• Comments on rainwater goods for their condition and ability to dispose of rainwater effectively.  
• To inspect the external ground levels to ascertain if their height is bridging the damp proof course.
• To inspect for associated defects resulting in possible dampness, found at the time of survey.  
• To inspect all accessible and unconcealed areas of the property for any likely causes of damp including penetrating damp, damp due to hygroscopic salts and damp due to roof and gutter leakages.
• To provide comments on any mechanical ventilation equipment which is installed to control condensation.
• Instrumental tests carried out to assess condensation risk.(Temp, RH & Dew Point etc) (Weather Permitting)

Scope of Timber Survey (Internal):

• The accessible structural timbers of the roof and floors will be inspected for evidence of infestation by wood-boring beetles/wood destroying fungi.
• To inspect sub floor vents - Ventilation for suspended timber floors.

All the above will form part of the report. If you have further instructions, we would require these before the survey is undertaken.

Our inspection will incorporate a visual inspection of the exterior of the building from ground level, but will not, unless by prior arrangement, include use of large ladders or scaffolds.

The report may contain comments on external joinery (which is subject to natural weathering) only if this is causing an obvious source of rain penetration into the structure. Outbuildings, fences, gates and furniture are not inspected. Internally, when instructed, our surveyor will inspect visible surfaces of fixed joinery timbers and exposed structural timbers. Timber floors will be inspected, where possible, by lifting loose floorboards or trapdoors. To avoid damage, any wood block, strip, laminate or other decorative flooring, including fitted carpets, will not be lifted.

If a sub floor inspection is specifically required, the Client must arrange in advance for furniture to be moved and carpets to be lifted prior to the Surveyor's attendance and shall so advise the company in advance. Any costs of such works will be the Client's responsibility.

The Surveyor is under no obligation to move furniture or floor coverings, raise fixed floorboards or to inspect those areas of the property that are covered, unexposed or is not readily accessible. Roof timbers are inspected only if a suitable access trap is available and it is safe to reach the hatch with a standard set of ladders. To be able to fully inpsect the roofing timbers, a certain amount of boarding will need to be laid across the ceiling joists which will allow for safe access around the roof structure.If boarding is not laid down then our inspection will be restricted and any comments given be be bades on a head and shoulders inspection from the roof hatch.

Areas of potential major defect, which cannot be inspected, will be listed with recommendations for further investigations or suggested courses of action. Minor defects may not be listed.

When instructed, the Surveyor will take moisture meter readings on internal wall surfaces to assess rising or penetrating water from the ground. Panelled, tiled or dry lined areas cannot be inspected.

If areas are not accessible at our first visit, we will be pleased to re-inspect when arrangements have been made by our client for the areas to be cleared of all restrictions. Additional costs may be incurred and passed to the Client, if further visits are required.

After inspection, and on receipt of any fees that are due, the Surveyor will produce a report detailing the observations and other points of relevant note at the time of the inspection. Recommendations including advice, proposed repairs, any treatments and associated works by others may be included in the report or attachment.  A no obligation quotation will be issued for any damp proofing, timber treatments or ventilation works to which we have specified. If you do not wish to have a quotation for works issued with the report, then please let us know in advance and this will be excluded.

The Report is provided for the sole use of our named Client and is confidential to the Client and his professional advisers. The company accepts responsibility to the Client alone for the stated purpose that the report will be prepared with the skill, care and diligence reasonably to be expected of a competent Surveyor, but accepts no responsibility whatsoever to any person other than the Client himself. Any such person relies upon the report at his own risk. The report expressly excludes the provisions of the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.

 Please contact us for further details and the cost of the survey.

NOTES:
Payment is required when you book your survey appointment. All survey fees are subjected to VAT at 20%.

*All surveys are of a non destructive nature unless agreed otherwise