Survey Reveals Damp & Woodworm

Ghosty

It may be too late, but just to say, I wouldn't touch Kenwood with a barge poll. We bought a house earlier this year and used them to treat our damp as we thought they would be a reputable company, but they have been a complete nightmare. The plaster work was really shoddy, they damaged our floors, and they even missed a wall! They also ended up making us pay £300 extra for something they 'forgot' to include on the original quote. We've had endless phonecalls with them and it's going to be a month before they can come and fix it, meaning that all the other work that we had scheduled will have to be put back, costing us various deposits. Their complaints department are rude and absolutely useless, do yourself a favour and find a reputable local company!

Jemster01

I'd also avoid Peter Cox, a national damp chain. Their 'report' suggested we needed £3,500 of dpc whereas a local independent company found we didn't have any rising damp but a small problem with condensation and a blocked gutter!

arif50

Apologies for not posting on here sooner.

The report came from a structural / civil engineer and their report and analysis highlighted the following based on their discussions with the owners and inspection:

DAMP:

1. Kenwood's assessment was done using a small number of measurements using only 'a Protimeter Meter for the plaster only'

2. Drilling through areas where the readings were high confirmed the readings dropped once through the plaster

3. Floor vents checked and confirmed fine

4. It was noted the plaster was 'live' and the elevated readings were likely due to the age of the plaster

5. No evidence of rising damp in any areas


WOODWORM:

1. Below stairs - 5 small holes found - but likely to be long standing - no water staining on timber - environment is dry


Overall the report completely contradicted everything Kenwood said.

The way the Kenwood quote was structured for the Woodworm treatment it was priced to make you feel the best value for money was getting the whole house done as a preventative measure - very cheeky.

I'm very glad I posted on here - the advice was very good.

Advice to others - get an indepdent survey done by experts.

G_M

So glad it worked out for you

arif50 wrote: »

DAMP:

1. Kenwood's assessment was done using a small number of measurements using only 'a Protimeter Meter for the plaster only' designed for use on wood

2. Drilling through areas where the readings were high confirmed the readings dropped once through the plaster Surprise! Unlike wood, plaster can conduct electricity (and give a positive reading) even if bone dry

3. Floor vents checked and confirmed fine

4. It was noted the plaster was 'live' and the elevated readings were likely due to the age of the plaster

5. No evidence of rising damp in any areas


WOODWORM:

1. Below stairs - 5 :rotfl: small holes found - but likely to be long standing worms crawled out and flew away donkies years ago - unlikely to return as they can't lay eggs in dry wood!- no water staining on timber - environment is dry

Overall the report completely contradicted everything Kenwood said.

Advice to others - get an indepdent survey done by experts.

redlady_1

I am sure Kenwood have their very own thread somewhere on here. It might be in the DIY section but I feel they have a less than glowing reputation.

klolav

Arif 50- so are you in your new home? Did it all go well in the end?

arif50

Almost! Solicitors still raising enquiries and sending replies related to the sale of my current place - things smooth on the purchase though - nearly at a happy ending.. but not quite!

Beatlefan

Has anyone used this company: Anglia Property Preservation? http://www.app-ltd.com/

They employ surveyors who carry out a survey, produce a comprehensive report, and (if necessary) an estimate for repairs, "without obligation".

They say:

Our reputation for integrity and accuracy has been hard-won and because of that we never pay our surveyors commission. Whether you contract with us or not, they are paid the same.
Once you have reviewed the report, you may have some questions. Your surveyor will be happy to answer them for you.

Damp Treatment

As with our surveyors, our installation teams are employed directly by us. They carry ID and arrive on time, in sign-written vehicles. Most of them have worked for us for over fifteen years and the experience shows. They are thorough, clean and tidy. We never forget that this is your home and we treat it like your home. Our specialist partner sub-contractors also work to our code of practice. Although some aspects of the work can be dusty and noisy we use industrial standard dust barriers to reduce any mess to a minimum and we clean up properly once we are done.

What do you think? Grateful for your thoughts. There's no obligation for us to use their contractors. We could pay for their report and then go elsewhere for the work.

Not sure where to find a list of independent surveyors locally and APP's website sounded quite good.

We seem to have a (hopefully) small problem in a north-facing bedroom in the corner and a bit in the porch. Hopefully nothing serious. It's a 1970s semi. Just want to get on top of it, before it gets any worse.

Thanks for any help!


EDIT: Also found these guys locally: http://www.propotec.biz/ who offer a free survey, but also do the work, so conflict of interest. Very good review on Yell about them though: http://www.yell.com/b/PROPOTEC-Damp+Proofing+and+Control-Cambridge-CB250GH-1282724/reviews.html

EDIT: Also found these guys nationally: Academy Remedial Surveyors http://www.arsurveyors.com/index.htm - seem to be totally independent and advise TV consumer shows. But expensive charge of £225 for a survey. Not sure how much the Anglia Property Preservation one (above) would be, but think it's a lot cheaper. Although they also carry out work.

kingstreet

Here;-

http://www.independentdampsurveyors.co.uk/coverage.html

and for your area here;-

http://www.johnashton.biz/index.html

Beatlefan

Many thanks. I'll try John Ashton this week.