Damp Checklist for Homebuyers: Key Factors to Consider Before Purchase

If you are currently looking for a buyer for your home and you are looking for a larger property, it is an exciting time. Buying property is no small investment and you need to do due diligence to ensure the structure is sound and there are no underlying issues.

In the UK, we have a wet climate and that means damp and moisture can be a real threat; in this short article, we offer a homebuyers checklist for damp, mould & mildew.

• Roof inspection – The roof is a critical component that keeps the harsh weather out of the home and should a leak develop, this will lead to internal damage; joist and rafters will start to degrade, depending on the severity of the leak. The roofing contractor issues you a detailed written report on the status of your roof, plus they can quote for any remedial work that might be required.
• Check for peeling wallpaper and paint bubbles – If damp gets into the plaster, this will cause wallpaper to peel and lift from the substrate, paint will also be affected, usually bubbles appear in emulsion paint. We offer wet wall repair and a wide range of other damp repair services, if you are wondering where to find a ‘woodworm treatment company near me’, you are in luck, as we cover London and surrounding areas.
• Check exterior walls – Inspect the brickwork/rendering on the exterior walls, looking for signs of moisture damage; crumbling mortar and moss growing on stone and brickwork are tell-tale signs of either rising or penetrating damp. Examine the ground line, where the brickwork meets the soil and watch for signs of moss and mould growth. 
• Condensation inspection – If condensation is present, this means high moisture content in the air and the best solution is to call in a condensation specialist, someone with the know-how and equipment to accurately measure the moisture and identify the source. When you take a hot bath/shower, keep the door closed and open the windows until the moisture has left the room. Open a few windows in the house on a daily basis to generate an airflow to reduce condensation.

Homebuyer survey

At London Damp Specialists, we offer a damp survey that is designed for those wishing to buy a property, there are 3 levels, depending on your needs, plus an additional plaster lab analysis test that involves the testing of plaster samples from various parts of the property.

Making a large investment demands that you carry out a damp survey that is both accurate and comprehensive. Call us on 020 8528 3864 or fill in the online form and set the wheels in motion; receive a detailed survey report, usually within 24 hours of the survey being completed.

Damp is not something you can afford to overlook, repairs can cost thousands of pounds and if you are not vigilant, signs can go unnoticed. Damaged timber can easily be concealed with a few coats of paint; the only way to be sure that a property is damp-free is to have a homebuyer damp survey done.