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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.