Damp Walls Question

Ed_Zep

Hi.

I have a 1930s semi-detached that I want to sell.

The walls in the kitchen show the signs of rising damp, with the salts on the plaster.

There is a concrete floor there but that seems bone dry.

I was wondering if:

a) the floor could be forcing water to the wall and can I avoid taking up the floor if it's damp?

b) is it worth getting damp proofing with the warranty prior to selling?

c) when the surveyor re-checks the property after the work, how is it determined whether it's worked?

Thanks,
Ed.

anselld

I would leave it and see what the buyers want to do, leave some allowance to negotiate on price.

The best time to fix it would be when the kitchen needs replacing and the buyers may or may not want to do that.

G_M

Even if remedial action is taken it will take time (months) for the wall to dry out fully, so any buyer's survey will still report 'damp'. Of course, you'd be able to show proof of the recent work, but until the damp dries out there is no guarantee the action taken has resolved the problem.....