Survey says rising damp - what next?

SGE1

Before purchasing our house (Victorian terrace) we had a full structural survey done. The report contained the following:

"Testing for dampness was undertaken in selected locations throughout the property, using an electric moisture meter.

On the ground floor, positive readings of dampness were obtained at the base of the through lounge rear wall between the radiator and the door out to the kitchen, extending up to a height of approximately 600mm above floor level. The pattern of readings obtained suggests that this is probably rising dampness resulting from absence or failure of an effective damp proof course. You are recommended to commission a report from a specialist damp proofing contractor with recommendations and estaimates, and carry out all works needed to eliminate any rising dampness present."

We didn't worry about this at the time as we were planning on extending over that area, and so would sort the problem out when knocking down walls etc. In the interim we painted over the clearly flaky areas with damp paint a couple of months ago, and it now looks fine. However, we've now decided not to extend, and so want to solve this problem.

What is a "specialist damp proofing contractor"? Given that the surveyor is non committal about the cause of the damp ("probably" rising damp), we want to get someone to come in and actually make a proper diagnosis before we shell out cash. I don't want to pay for something we don't actually need.

Any advice on where to go from here? We have Rentokil coming to do a report (because it's free, so no harm done), but given that they make a living from recommending people get lots of work done, I'd also like to get an impartial opinion on what the problem is and how to fix it.

Very grateful for suggestions.

SGE1

Anyone...?
bump...

iamcornholio

Its very annoying to hear of surveyors who can't survey.

It is a seemingly standard thing nowadays for surveyors to do half a job and try and pass clients on to several other "specialists" instead of actually reporting on the issues they are there to report on

You can either appoint a proper independent surveyor to comment on the dampness - which should more or less guarantee unbiased advice.

Or you can go to one of the many specialist damp-proofing firms who will offer a survey (free or paid), but the problem will be how to be sure that their advice is impartial ... after all they do the work too so may be hoping to drum up some work. So if you go down this route, get several surveys done - obviously free ones would be better

Leif

I agree with what iamcornholio said. I am too cynical to trust a free survey from a damp proofing company. Do a Google and you will find many people apparently with good qualifications who do not trust these damp meters. I think you really need evidence of damp such as tide marks or mould, and then if need be take samples from the brickwork/plaster and determine exactly how much moisture is in there.

Leif

SGE1 wrote: »

We have Rentokil coming to do a report (because it's free, so no harm done), but given that they make a living from recommending people get lots of work done, I'd also like to get an impartial opinion on what the problem is and how to fix it.

Exactly, can you really trust a salesman?

helenftb

Hi,
Get an independent damp surveyor in, costs start around £300 (up north anyway!) this is their regulatory body where you can search for one near you. http://www.property-care.org/

Well worth it in my opinion, then you can tell any damp workmen whats required, not the other way round :rotfl:

good luck and hope you get it sorted

Jemster01

Hi,

We're in exactly the same position, except there is no visible evidence of any damp, just the damp meter readings. Our surveyor also included a link to a you tube video of a surveyor working for Lewisham council who disputes the existence of rising damp! V. confused!

We looked into getting a PCA surveyor to do a report for us but he quoted £825 to do a full survey ie drill into walls to take samples from skirting board and window sill height. We're in Wales btw.

We've asked some dpc companies for a report, but only chosen ones that charge for that service, in the hope we can try and avoid being recommended work that doesn't need doing.

Good luck!

slipperyshoe

I agree on the free surveys- We had one before exchanging contracts on our new house and unsuprisingly enough it needed new DPC's installing. It was only when we moved in and checked our docs that the existing was under a 25yr guarantee from the very same company who did the work.

It was handy for knocking some money off the asking price though:money:

Dry_Rot

I agree that the best bet is an independent PCA approved specialist. The PCA's web site is the place to find them. They are pretty expensive, but can save you much more than the fee in avoiding inapropriate work

Damp diagnosis is not rocket science and if you ask two or three specialist companies (free or small fee charging), you should be able to tell who's telling porky's and who is logical and trustworthy.

PCa members are not all perfect but at least they have taken the trouble to get training and sign up to a code of practise.

The PCA members are Trustmark accredited so basic protection via insurance and such is guaranteed.

You don't need to drill holes in walls to make a diagnosis; only those charging vast sums for this say it's needed. It is sometimes but not often. A basic moisture meter is a great tool in the hands of a trained and experienced specialist. It's lethal in the hands of an idiot or a crook. There are very few of these, if any, in the PCA membership.

Use the PCA find a contractor widget.

GLeoC

Hi there,

I am having some trouble finding an independent damp surveyor in N. Ireland...would anyone be able to help, or recommend one?

Thanks,
G

keystone

GLeoC wrote: »

I am having some trouble finding an independent damp surveyor in N. Ireland...would anyone be able to help, or recommend one?

Visit the Property Care Association website as suggested in post number 9 just above yours. Then:

Dry_Rot wrote: »

Use the PCA find a contractor widget.

Cheers