Pre-purchase and mortgage reports

 

DAMP

Depending on our instructions, accessible walls at ground floor level will be inspected for rising damp, using an electric resistance meter, Microwave Moisture sensors, Thermal Imaging cameras together with visual observations (internally and externally).Where required we will also take plaster samples to determine the true moisture content of masonry by Carbide Testing, Moisture Balance (AMB50) and Gravimetric (oven drying) methods. If we have to take samples then these are usually taken from walls behind furniture, curtains etc so to minimise any visual impact and all holes made by us will be made good. External observations will be made and relevant comments on position and type of any physical damp-proof course, building defects, rainwater goods, roof condition, external render, ground levels and air-bricks, sub-floor ventilation etc will be included where appropriate in the report. Any visual evidence of timber decay will also be reported on.
 
We will provide a written report detailing any defects together with recommendations and specifications for alleviating any dampness. If required we will also submit a quotation for the works and if we subsequently carry out the works then the survey fee is deducted from the invoice. In most cases no chemical damp-proofing is required and any 'rising damp' can be controlled by effecting good building practices and maintaining the external fabric of the property.
 
TIMBER
 
Accessible timbers will be inspected for woodboring insect attack or fungal decay (i.e. wet or dry rot ). Roof timbers will be inspected if suitable access through a loft hatch is available. Where required we will move items of furniture and take up sections of carpets to gain access to timber floors and we will lift floorboards to inspect the sub-floor voids for signs of dampness and timber decay. All staircase timbers will be also inspected, but this is often limited as carpets are difficult to remove and replace, and the underside is often also covered. Any visual evidence of timber decay and infestation will be reported on. External joinery will be inspected if required. Accessible surfaces of internal joinery will be visually inspected. Internal and external observations will be taken, and comments on general building defects likely to affect internal timbers will be included where appropriate, in the report, if submitted. We will prepare a written report on the condition of timbers together with recommendations and specifications for any repairs which may be required. Usually any decay or infestation can be controlled by environmentally friendly methods and chemical timber treatments or dry rot irrigation can be avoided. Sometimes localised treatments with an organic preservative are recommended but often drying timbers naturally or with a modified version of the WARMAIR process pioneered by Thermolignum is sufficient to make decay and infestation unsustainable.
 
INSPECTION FEES Detailed inspection and provision of written report :-
 
Mini damp survey and report/quote: £250.00
Mini timber survey and report/quote: £250.00
Combined mini damp & timber survey and report/quote : £350.00

FAST-TRACK SERVICE
We have noted in recent months that lenders are only asking for damp and timber surveys very late in the mortgage application process. This puts buyers under severe pressure when trying to complete on a property so to help buyers and sellers alike we have introduced a fast-track service at no extra cost. Whenever possible we will carry out a damp or timber survey on a given day and guarantee to produce a damp and timber report within 24 hours.
 
If any remedial work is required we will submit a quotation for this and on completion supply a long term guarantee issued through the Construction Guarantee Services. These are 20 year insured guarantees which are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.