DPC not visible

Albermarle

Family member has had a L3 survey on a house they are buying.
It is a 1930's built bungalow.
The surveyor noted that no DPC could be seen, although said it could be hidden behind mortar.

AFAIUI a property of this age will almost certainly have a DPC, or is that not always the case?
If so is it common not be able to see one due to repointing of the brickwork ? I have a 1920's house and after having a look I can not see ours either, and the brickwork has been repointed at some time.

The bungalow is built up higher than normal by a few courses of bricks due to being near a river. Where is the DPC likely to be ( assuming there is one), near to the ground as normal, or higher up ( but still below floor level of course?

Inevitably the surveyor found some damp but only seemed to be serious in one area, and that is due to a roof leak in an extension. 

Bookworm225

technically the use of a damp proof course (mainly slate) became a compulsory building regulation in 1875 for properties in London (don't know about rest of UK)

I think it very probable that a 1930s property would have a DPC, but as you say, later repointing may have removed its visibility

a test for damp levels course by course may help confirm if there is a step change in the reading between 2 courses?

sheenas

In London that was the case, but damp protection became common from 1920 as part of cavity walls. There would normally be a DPC as part of the inner and outer cavity. The outer cavity would also protect the house from the weather. Unless there is a problem then there is nothing to fix.

Check if cavity insulation has been add, normally not an issue, but it's worth checking the insulation has not bridged the cavity and caused damp spots.

Albermarle

sheenas said:

In London that was the case, but damp protection became common from 1920 as part of cavity walls. There would normally be a DPC as part of the inner and outer cavity. The outer cavity would also protect the house from the weather. Unless there is a problem then there is nothing to fix.

Check if cavity insulation has been add, normally not an issue, but it's worth checking the insulation has not bridged the cavity and caused damp spots.

It is a solid wall. The estimated build date of the bungalow is 1930 ( our house is late 1920's in same approx area and is also solid wall)

stuart45

You might find it's immediately below the door frames.