Timber and Damp report?

blacksmith1980

Hi

I need some advice on this. We have been offered a mortgage with a £2.5k retention subject to the results of a timber and damp report. The estate agent is telling me he can get someone to go and do this for free - bascially a builder who quotes for any wood repair or damp work.

However, don't i need to get this done through a specialist surveyor or similar?

David_Aldred

Hi Blacksmith,
Whilst everything may well be above board and there are some good contractors out there, it is not unknown for a contractor to pay the estate agent for a referral either officially or unofficially and hence there is concern that you will be asking somebody who is looking to make a profit from the back of their recommendations and common sense shoudl tell you that nothing in this life is for free and this is never more true than with this type of scenario.

Electrical damp meters cannot prove rising dampness and if you want somebody who is specially qualified in these subjects but who is not there to sell you something, just give you independent qualified advise on these issues, please have a look at the Property Care Association (PCA) website and select find a member and then select Freelance and / or Consultant where you will find a list of such independent specialists to select one in your area to have a chat with about your particular property. You may wish to have a read of my other posts on this forum regarding dampness, timber decay including dry rot, electrical damp meters, rising damp, condensation, woodworm, cavity wallinsulation and cavity wall ties which may be of assistance with background information. Kindest regards, David Aldred Independent damp and timber surveyor

Little_Otter

when I wanted a quote for our timber (no damp) we had a few companies come round and quote for free... maybe have a look in your local directory and have a ring round? check their details out first on the web they should have the relevant certifications.

jfed

I can recommend using rentokil you will get a certificate and if u decide to get the work done they will knock the price of the servay off the cost of doing the work. Might not be the cheapest but they are a highly regarded company unlikly to go bust.