Damp proof company - is this usual?

Squirreler

We've just bought a house with damp, and have found some paperwork relating to a previous damp proof course which is guaranteed for 20 years. It was done 12 years ago. I have rung the company who've sent me a form to fill in, and they will come out and have a look. However they want to know loads of things I don't know such as have we complied with the advisory leaflet submitted with the original quotation, have the walls been replastered in accordance etc, by whom and when, are gutters in good condition.

They want £90+VAT just to come out, and will refund us if they were in some way in the wrong with the original damp proof course, or deduct this off the bill if we go with them.

I don't really want to fork out for this if they're just going to say it wasn't their fault and I don't ever see my money again. However the house is really damp and so the original course must be at least a bit crap as the place is pretty damp.

Anyone know anything about any of this?! Sorry for the long post.

TomsMom

The previous owners would be able to answer those questions. If you've just bought the house are you able to get in touch with them, if not personally then through your solicitor?

slummymummyof3

I would do things first like check the outside ground level isn't bridging the damp course.

Is it possible to go back to the vendor and ask the questions that the damp proofing company have asked? Find out whether the company actually did the replastering themselves or if it was sorted by the vendor. It is more usual for the company doing the damp proofing to hack off the plaster to 1m in height (depending on the extent of the damp), inject a chemical dpc and replaster.

Why don't you get another damp proofing company out to have a look first and see what they say?

myhooose

If I were you I'd do a google search for "independant damp surveyor". I'd get someone in without any ties to a damp company to give you an honest opinion.

littlesnuggy

Yes - this is the usual case. Firstly, I expect (if you haven't already) you'll need to have the guarantee transferred into your name if it's going to be of any use/value. Then, you'll need to have all the documentation to prove what was done & when, and what's been done in the area (if anything) since. And yes, most companies will charge for an inspection under guarantee, and will refund this if the work is in fact at fault.

Many damp companies will not want to become involved in another firm's potential guarantee claim, so if you're going to get a second opinion, an independent surveyor would be most suitable.

Squirreler

Thanks all.

I wonder how I get the guarantee transferred, and why the solicitor didn't do this when we moved? I might contact the solicitor and ask about it. I could contact the people we bought it off, but not sure if they'd be that keen to speak to me. They weren't keen on taking such a low price for their house.

I had an independent building surveyor look at the place before we bought it, rather than just the standard mortgage val, and he said it had 'rampant damp', but it's fixable so not to worrry.

I'm not sure they've complied with what they should have as the level outside is a bit higher than the house, so we might just have to fork out for a new course.

Any idea on the cost of this? Probably a piece of string question I guess. The house has two front rooms (double fronted house), then another room and a kitchen downstairs. Not sure if the conservatory would need doing.

I think I just need to bite the bullet and get them out.

Thanks again for all your help.

slummymummyof3

I would make a start by reducing the ground level outside yourselves.

You could get a damp proofing co. out to give you a quote and advise you what remedial works are required in their opinion - you don't have to tell them that there is an existing guarantee with another co. At least you may have a better idea as to whether it is worth paying inspection costs for the original co. to come out and take a look.

Squirreler

slummymummyof3 wrote: »

I would make a start by reducing the ground level outside yourselves.

You could get a damp proofing co. out to give you a quote and advise you what remedial works are required in their opinion - you don't have to tell them that there is an existing guarantee with another co. At least you may have a better idea as to whether it is worth paying inspection costs for the original co. to come out and take a look.

We're doing this this weekend, or rather the husband is!

That sounds like a good idea - will do that. Thank you.

Thanks for all the replies.

dampdaveski

slummymummyof3 wrote: »

I would make a start by reducing the ground level outside yourselves.

You could get a damp proofing co. out to give you a quote and advise you what remedial works are required in their opinion - you don't have to tell them that there is an existing guarantee with another co. At least you may have a better idea as to whether it is worth paying inspection costs for the original co. to come out and take a look.

Be very careful, your advice is basically telling squirreller to potentially decieve a company into giving you a legal document (survey reports are legal documents) it has prepared in good faith that could be used for entrapment purposes with the original company who issued the guarantees!
It could quite easily backfire on the instigator:exclamati