Quotes after Damp Survey

earthquakebird

Hi,

I recently had a full damp and timber survey instructed on a property I'm looking to buy. It was done by an independent damp specialist, as I was keen to get an unbiased report.

However, I now want to find actual damp-proofers to come and do work and am requesting quotes based on the contents of the independent report. Several companies are saying that they can't give me quotes on surveys that have been done by other companies - they want me to pay their company to do another survey before they can give me quotes.

I understand why they're doing this but also it seems totally unfair. Has anyone else encountered this problem and is there anything I can do about it?

martinthebandit

Find a reputable builder, your far more likely to get a proper job done and far less likely to get 'extra work that must be done or your house will fall down'

pramsay13

Does the independent damp specialist also do work and have they quoted?

If so I can understand why others would not quote from that alone.

Where are you based? Might be worth asking on facebook or local website for recommendations.

earthquakebird

They're independent and do not undertake work themselves. Not sure what the point in paying for an independent survey was if I can't use it for anything!

SG27

earthquakebird wrote: »

They're independent and do not undertake work themselves. Not sure what the point in paying for an independent survey was if I can't use it for anything!

The problem is the contractors not the independent survey. Bssically these con artists want to sell you treatments you dont need and your independent sirvey is in their way! You need to find a good reputable tradesman. Preferably a builder or similar rather than a 'damp proofing company'

teneighty

As you are trying to get quotes from damp proofing contractors I assume the independent survey has recommended a remedial injection damp proof course or tanking.

Most reputable contractors will offer an insurance backed warranty for their work so it is understandable that they want to undertake their own survey rather than rely on an unknown third party.

Robby1988

"Free damp surveys" undertaken by damp proofing companies are essentially sales pitches. People get their knickers in a twist over the idea of damp in their house, it's easy pickings for the damp proofing outfits with the result being householders fork out £1000s a year on damp proofing treatments that can be totally OTT and/or not that affective. Not saying all damp proofing companies are frauds, but just be careful. Guarantees offered up can be so full of caveats they are barely worth the paper written on.

You did right getting an independent damp survey. Assuming the surveyor told you what needs doing, surely you can just find a builder and instruct him what you want doing. Your house, your choice what work is done so no needs for additional surveys.

Doozergirl

What work did the survey recommend?

Let's work out why the "damp specialists" aren't keen to quote for the work. I wonder if the recommendations are actually good advice and not in line with the snake oil the others actually sell to people.

steve-henderson

In my experience there have always been iffy damp proofing companies that are trying to take people for a ride. I would trust the independent survey & find a contractor that is willing to do the work based on the work listed by the surveyor.