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Most likely electricity.
One thing I would be concerned about - The paving and lawn are very high in relation to the door step. There is a possibility that the DPC has been breached. Could well be a source of penetrating damp at the front of the house.
Oh no, why does this sound so terrifying when I don't even know what it means.
Please can you expand on this and i'll query it wit the surveyor. Will he be able to confirm it, or would I need to consult a specialist?0 -
The DPC - damp proof course - is the layer of impermeable material between layers of bricks. It should be clear all the way round the house. If the earth of the garden bridges over it, you can get moisture wicking past it.
Look at the brick courses around ground level. Follow eye level round from the bottom of the front door. You see there's two slightly darker courses above the paving slabs? And how when you go round to the side, there looks to be something between the courses at about that level? That could well be the DPC. If so, you want the front garden grass/earth level below it. All you need is a little trench at the end of the grass, filled with gravel. With that little garden, it'll take you about an hour.0 -
Notes from surveyor about DPC:
DAMP PROOF DESCRIPTION: There is no visible evidence of a damp proof course within the external wall/s.
CONDITION SUMMARY: We have no reason to believe that an effective damp proof course has not been installed within the wall/s.
Pic he provided here: imgur.com /a/XlxK06c
So confusing. What does this mean? What should I do?0 -
The DPC is a thin layer of plastic/rubber material between 2 of the courses of bricks that should be above ground level (ideally 2 courses) to stop water getting in. It looks like the level of the path and driveway may have been built up so much that the DPC is now at ground level so any water can soak into the property.
If you have a better resolution photo from the same spot we could probably tell you ourselves.0 -
If you have a better resolution photo from the same spot we could probably tell you ourselves.
Just posted one above this comment which came from survey report, but i'll go out and take some more photos0 -
Follow all the way round. You should see the DPC between brick courses.
Thank you for the advice. I have looked around the front and side of the property but can't see a DPC but I can't say I am fully confident what I am looking for. Some of the properties in the area i'm buying have an elevated step door and some have it level to the ground like this one without a visible DPC. Can't see a DPC in my current house either though
I took some further pics: imgur.com /a/GRo2PiR
I would appreciate if yourself and Slithery could kindly examine and let me know if this is a big cause for concern. Saw some moss/vegetation growing near the front of the house which is in one of the pics, would this be DPC related?0 -
I would appreciate if yourself and Slithery could kindly examine and let me know if this is a big cause for concern. Saw some moss/vegetation growing near the front of the house which is in one of the pics, would this be DPC related?
The DPC would typically be at the same level as the bottom of the door frame and just above any air bricks. In your photo of the front, just to the right of the gas meter box, there is a hint of a black line one course above the grass. This line is below the level of the slabs on the other side of the door. The moss is of some concern, but easily fixed.
If you do purchase the property, dig the soil away from the front and fit a French drain - It is just a shallow trench filled with gravel and edging blocks used to stop the grass from growing in to the gravel.
The slabs, I would suggest cutting 100-150mm away from the wall, and dig out the soil/hardcore to a depth of 100mm. Fill the gap with some decorative gravel, job done.
In terms of urgency, it is something that can be left until the spring and done on a nice warm weekend.Her courage will change the world.
Treasure the moments that you have. Savour them for as long as you can for they will never come back again.0 -
That is a very helpful kind response. :AThe DPC would typically be at the same level as the bottom of the door frame and just above any air bricks. In your photo of the front, just to the right of the gas meter box, there is a hint of a black line one course above the grass. This line is below the level of the slabs on the other side of the door. The moss is of some concern, but easily fixed.
If you do purchase the property, dig the soil away from the front and fit a French drain - It is just a shallow trench filled with gravel and edging blocks used to stop the grass from growing in to the gravel.
The slabs, I would suggest cutting 100-150mm away from the wall, and dig out the soil/hardcore to a depth of 100mm. Fill the gap with some decorative gravel, job done.
In terms of urgency, it is something that can be left until the spring and done on a nice warm weekend.0 -
The DPC would typically be at the same level as the bottom of the door frame and just above any air bricks. In your photo of the front, just to the right of the gas meter box, there is a hint of a black line one course above the grass. This line is below the level of the slabs on the other side of the door. The moss is of some concern, but easily fixed.
If you do purchase the property, dig the soil away from the front and fit a French drain - It is just a shallow trench filled with gravel and edging blocks used to stop the grass from growing in to the gravel.
The slabs, I would suggest cutting 100-150mm away from the wall, and dig out the soil/hardcore to a depth of 100mm. Fill the gap with some decorative gravel, job done.
In terms of urgency, it is something that can be left until the spring and done on a nice warm weekend.
Thank you for the suggestions. I am a bit concerned now.
Any idea of cost if someone came in and installed these drains and gravel to front? I'm not a DIY person unfortunately.
I'm assuming the side of the house would need doing too? The back has patio doors which are above two layers of bricks so could have DPC - but there is green moss present on the bricks here at the back too so I don't know.
Was interested in this house because it's only 5-6 years old and just wanted something to move in to and in good condition. This combined with the roof in the original post is making me think twice now.
Are all of these big enough issue to walk away from? Am I being too hasty.0
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