Residential
Damp & Timber Survey
It is estimated that up to 27% of UK homes, or 6.5 million households, live with damp and mould. This not only increases the risk of health issues but can also damage your home’s structure and reduce its value. That’s where a damp survey from Fourth Wall can help.
What is a Damp Survey & When Do You Need One?
The earlier you can spot and treat the root cause of damp, generally the easier and cheaper it will be to fix. Here are just a few of the signs you may be struggling with a damp problem in your home:
- Peeling or bubbling paint/wallpaper
- Brown stains on floors, walls, and ceilings
- Black, white, or green mould on walls
- Rotting skirting boards or beams
- Rising damp – find out more about rising damp in this blog
- A damp/musty smell in your home
If you’ve spotted one (or a few) of these damp signs in your home, it is vital that you get a survey completed. Failure to do so may lead to the problem getting worse and may be much more costly to fix further down the line.
A chartered surveyor will assess dampness in key areas of your property (including floors, walls, and ceilings) and help you diagnose the root cause of the problem. They’ll write up their findings in a detailed report, outlining remedial steps that should be taken to rectify the problem. Your surveyor will also advise on costs, timelines, and priorities.
What Does a Damp & Timber Survey Involve?
At Fourth Wall, we offer a comprehensive, RICS-accredited new build survey, ensuring that every detail is covered. Here’s what you can expect:
- External inspection of your property, looking at the roof, and guttering systems, to identify potential sources of moisture.
- Internal inspection of your property including ceilings, walls, floors, timber, and any structural issues.
- In-depth audit of the problem areas, but also a look at areas in your home that may also be at risk of dampness.
- Assessment of moisture levels using professional equipment like moisture meters.
- Diagnosis of either rising damp, penetrating damp, or condensation.
- After the survey, you’ll receive a detailed report outlining our findings, recommended remedial actions, and estimated costs. We use a clear traffic light system – green means no concerns, while red highlights urgent issues requiring immediate attention.
- Ongoing reliable advice from our team of specialist surveyors, as and when you need it.
Ready to take the next steps?
Book Your Damp Survey Today
If you’ve noticed musty odours, peeling wallpaper, or damp patches on your walls, it’s time to take action. Our expert surveyors are here to help. Book a professional damp survey today, and we’ll thoroughly assess your property, identify the root cause of any issues, and provide clear, practical solutions.
Not sure if you need a survey? No problem! Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, and our team will offer expert advice on whether a survey is necessary and what steps you should take next.
What Our Clients Say.
We could tell you how great our team and services are, but that would be too easy. Why not take a look at what some of our previous clients have said?
Excellent customer Service & timely booking of the Survey and report
I wish Josh and his team all the best for the future and I offer Fourth Wall my full recommendation to anyone thinking of using their services!
Damp Survey FAQs
How Long Does a Damp Survey Take?
A Fourth Wall damp and timber survey takes a minimum of 2 hours to complete, with larger properties taking half a day or more. You’ll receive your survey report 5 working days after the initial inspection is complete.
Who Pays For a Damp Survey?
The property owner is usually responsible for paying for the damp survey. If you’re a homeowner, this will be your responsibility, but if you’re renting a property, it is the landlord’s responsibility. If you’re thinking of buying a home that has shown some signs of damp, you as the prospective buyer will arrange and pay for the survey.
Is a Damp Survey Worth it?
Yes, absolutely – they usually pay for themselves! When you undertake a damp survey on a property, you’ll get an accurate idea of just how bad the dampness is, preventing any expensive surprises further down the line. If you’re in the process of making an offer/buying a property with damp, you could use the survey findings to negotiate the price.
Local Knowledge
National Coverage.
We have surveyors based across England in our regional offices. With expert knowledge of their local areas, you know you’re in safe hands.
Fourth Wall // South East
Areas We Cover
London
Mayfair
Pimlico
Kensington
Westminster
Lambeth
Islington
Enfield
Camden
Barnet
Belsize Park
Hampstead Heath
Finsbury Park
