Homebuyers Survey

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Pre-Purchase Damp Survey

Buying a property in London is a huge investment, with the highest prices in the country and before making an offer, you need to be sure that the building is structurally sound and free from damp, mould and timber rot. It is relatively easy to conceal damp damage; a skim of plaster and a few coats of paint is all it takes and some unlucky buyers find out when it is too late that their new home has serious damp issues. If you are planning on making an offer on a London property, book a pre-purchase damp survey from London Damp Proofing for a professional assessment from a company that has an excellent reputation within the industry.

Pre-Purchase Damp Survey Options

We offer 3 levels of pre-purchase damp survey:

Level 1 Damp Survey

A thorough inspection of exterior and interior walls, floors, and ceilings to identify tell-tale signs of rising or penetrating damp.

The survey includes damp detection and inspection of all walls and floors, as well as leak inspection of drains and water pipes to locate possible sources of moisture. Designed for buyers and sellers, it determines the presence of damp, mould, and timber rot.

£199 + VAT

Level 2 Damp Survey

Everything included in Level 1 plus a closer examination of structural components such as joists, rafters, window frames and door frames.

The surveyor also carries out a detailed dry/wet rot and woodworm inspection to identify any timber decay. If issues are found, we can recommend a trusted London damp-proofing contractor to carry out the required work.

£299 + VAT

Level 3 Damp Survey

Our most comprehensive survey. Level 3 includes everything from Levels 1 and 2 plus an advanced set of diagnostic tests.

This survey uses thermal imaging and air humidity testing to identify hidden moisture issues, along with an HD borescope camera for checking loft spaces, cavities and other hard-to-reach areas. We also carry out a full brickwork pointing inspection, DPC inspection, and a ventilation flow test on extractor fans to assess airflow and mould risk. For external parts of the property, we include 4K drone imagery to inspect the roof, chimney stack and guttering safely and in high detail. All Level 3 surveys are non-invasive and cause no damage to the property.

£399 + VAT

Plaster Analysis

An additional service we offer is up to 10 samples of interior plaster, which we test for moisture content to give you a definitive assessment.

This is the best way to accurately measure moisture content within walls; results come through quickly and are part of a detailed report that would include images and maybe video.

£299 + VAT

Mould Lab Swab Testing

We offer professional qPCR mould swab testing, which analyses DNA from a surface swab to detect and quantify specific types of mould present within the property (up to 100 square metres).

This laboratory-grade test provides highly accurate results and is ideal for confirming the presence and severity of mould growth.

£299 + VAT

Cutting-edge Tools We Use to Survey London Homes

The surveyors at London Damp Proofing make good use of the following equipment.

Damp Meter

There are two varieties, namely pinned and pinless, with the former used to measure moisture inside building materials such as mortar, timber and plaster, while the pinless type measures surfaces only. This device can also be used to see if an area is drying out over time and is an essential component in every surveyor’s toolkit.

Infrared Camera

Thermal imagery enables the surveyor to quickly identify areas where damp and mould are likely to be present. The digital screen shows cooler areas in blue, while warm areas are red and this camera helps the surveyor to quickly identify areas that have the potential for dampness.

Hygrometer

A device used to measure the level of moisture in the air; a hand-held tool with a digital screen, the humidity tester is a critical piece of equipment to accurately measure moisture in the atmosphere. When looking for mould, the surveyor would use this tool to identify potential areas of a building.

Pinhole Camera

The scientific name is a borescope camera and it is used to get close up views of dark corners and hard-to-reach places. Typically used to inspect cavity walls, under floors and dark areas of the loft.

Drones

The surveyor is a competent drone operator and uses the device to closely inspect all parts of the roof, checking for missing roof shingles and blocked guttering. Drones are also great for examining external walls, looking for signs of penetrating damp and the surveyor can capture images that are sent to the customer in the detailed survey report.

Ventilation Flow Meter

This device accurately measures air movement and when used in numerous locations, it gives the surveyor a clear picture of the overall ventilation throughout the property.

If you are planning to invest in a London property and you want to be 100% certain that the building is free from damp, mould and timber rot, contact London Damp Proofing on the number below or enter your details in the online form on this website and we will be in touch shortly. Once the survey has been carried out, you will receive a detailed report, complete with images, in your inbox the following day.

Don’t take any chances; damp can easily be concealed with a few coats of paint and with a professional damp inspection, you can move ahead with confidence.

London Damp Proofing