Damp and woodworm

leannemaria

I’ve put in an offer on a 1960’s bungalow. My dad who is a builder had a check round the house and found woodworm at the entrance of the floor trap. I arranged a damp and timber survey and they have refused to look under there properly due to some standing water which is frustrating! They said the infestation is live but looks localised but they can’t be sure. So I am none the wiser! It also has some damp problems too. Would you walk away or ask for money off? Or does anyone know of who I can get to do a thorough check down there as I’m concerned if I book another survey, they will say the same thing and not check it properly. 

Sandtree

All comes down to price and your appetite for a project

youth_leader

I bought a 1930's bungalow last March, have just found out all floors were taken out and joists replaced, except this one, for woodworm, in 2016.  Loft was sprayed too.  Unfortunately 25 year guarantee void as company closed down in 2018.  Seller said she had made the surveys available to me, I didn't receive them.

I did have a L3 survey but all carpets were fully fitted, lino in bathroom glued down.

This one remaining floorboarded bedroom has wet/dry rot and woodworm, all the other floors were replaced with chipboard.  Also has a severe condensation problem because of water under the bungalow.  I've had a quote to take the floors out and replace with timber at £9K plus VAT, that doesn't include removing the shower cubicle.  I'm waiting to hear about going concrete, and packing everything, it's miserable. 

If you really want it get an independent damp specialist in, who will investigate properly.

leannemaria

youth_leader said:

I bought a 1930's bungalow last March, have just found out all floors were taken out and joists replaced, except this one, for woodworm, in 2016.  Loft was sprayed too.  Unfortunately 25 year guarantee void as company closed down in 2018.  Seller said she had made the surveys available to me, I didn't receive them.

I did have a L3 survey but all carpets were fully fitted, lino in bathroom glued down.

This one remaining floorboarded bedroom has wet/dry rot and woodworm, all the other floors were replaced with chipboard.  Also has a severe condensation problem because of water under the bungalow.  I've had a quote to take the floors out and replace with timber at £9K plus VAT, that doesn't include removing the shower cubicle.  I'm waiting to hear about going concrete, and packing everything, it's miserable. 

If you really want it get an independent damp specialist in, who will investigate properly.

Really sorry to hear that youth_leader Thanks for your help and hope you can get yours sorted! 

Ramouth

I would be more concerned about the damp than the woodworm.  Wood booting beetle love damp wood.  If you deal with the damp it will go a long way towards dealing with the woodworm.

Ramouth

Ramouth said:

I would be more concerned about the damp than the woodworm.  Wood booting beetle love damp wood.  If you deal with the damp it will go a long way towards dealing with the woodworm.

For clarity, when I say deal with the damp I mean improve subfloor ventilation/  deal with any bridged cavities / external surface levels above dpc etc