Homebuyers survey reveals damp.

waveydavey48

Hi folks, I'm hoping for some advice/opinions on my problem.

The property I'm hoping to buy (circa £500k) was built nearly 100 years ago and my survey reveals some damp. A "chemical damp proof course" was installed about 3 years ago and comes with a 20 year guarantee. My surveyor has said I could ask the company to come back and fix it but as that could take time he suggests a survey from an appropriate expert.

I know nothing about chemical dpc's but suspect opinions on their worth are mixed. I'm reluctant to get the original company back as if the system failed so soon in the first place I wouldn't be confident any remedial action would be done right or even if it was, whether it would be a ling term solution.

I would favour an independent expert. My thoughts are ;

1/ Are chemical dpc's any good (it doesn't look like it)?

2/ Could I reasonably ask the seller to pay for a second survey?

3/ The house has been rendered. Would any dpc work mean the render would need replacing? I assume so.

I really like the house but am I better to cut my losses and walk away?

Thanks folks.

Dave










   






 

FlorayG

I had chemical DPC in my 1930s house
I would say it helped but it certainly didn't solve the problem
It was installed from inside, so it was a bit of spot replastering and redecorating but nothing on the outside

stuart45

A house built 100 years ago should have an original DPC. Damp meters used by surveyors are only a guide to areas that could be damp. If an area is damp it could be condensation, a leaking pipe or penetrating damp. The source of any damp needs to be identified before remedial work is done.
It wouldn't put me off a house, but it could be used for a further price reduction.

FreeBear

waveydavey48 said:

Hi folks, I'm hoping for some advice/opinions on my problem.

The property I'm hoping to buy (circa £500k) was built nearly 100 years ago and my survey reveals some damp. A "chemical damp proof course" was installed about 3 years ago and comes with a 20 year guarantee. My surveyor has said I could ask the company to come back and fix it but as that could take time he suggests a survey from an appropriate expert.

I know nothing about chemical dpc's but suspect opinions on their worth are mixed. I'm reluctant to get the original company back as if the system failed so soon in the first place I wouldn't be confident any remedial action would be done right or even if it was, whether it would be a ling term solution.

I would favour an independent expert. My thoughts are ;

1/ Are chemical dpc's any good (it doesn't look like it)?

2/ Could I reasonably ask the seller to pay for a second survey?

3/ The house has been rendered. Would any dpc work mean the render would need replacing? I assume so.

I really like the house but am I better to cut my losses and walk away?

Check that the"guarantee" is transferable and is insurance backed. Have a real good read of the policy document and note the exclusion clauses - These things are so full of holes as to render the policy to be worthless.

If the building has had cement render applied from the ground to the roof line, it could be storing up damp problems for the future. The waterproof render/plaster that is normally slapped on inside after doing chemical injections will just add to the problems. If you are unlucky, this house could end up being a real lemon and an expensive money pit.