Homebuyers Survey

Homebuyer survey

Buying real estate is a massive investment, especially in London, where prices are the highest in the UK and before making such a big decision, it makes total sense to have the property inspected for signs of damp, mould and timber rot. Moisture issues are very common in London, largely due to the fact that the capital sits on a thick layer of clay, known as the Thames Valley Basin. It is not difficult to hide the tell-tale signs of damp and mould, all it takes is a skim of plaster and a coat of paint and you would never know that damp is present.

Concealing Signs of Damp

If a seller knows their property has damp issues, they sometimes opt for a quick DIY fix, where the focus is concealment rather that resolving the problem and if a potential buyer doesn’t notice, they will be faced with serious repairs a few months down the road. The average person would be none the wiser that there are damp issues and on order to avoid such a situation, you should always book a homebuyer damp survey prior to purchasing a property.

Various Levels of Damp Survey

We offer 3 different levels of damp survey, which are as follows:

1. Level 1 Damp Survey – A thorough inspection of exterior and interior walls, floors, and ceilings to identify tell-tale signs of rising or penetrating damp. The survey includes damp detection and inspection of all walls and floors, as well as leak inspection of drains and water pipes to locate possible sources of moisture. Designed for buyers and sellers, it determines the presence of damp, mould, and timber rot. £199 + VAT
2. Level 2 Damp Survey – Everything included in Level 1 plus a closer examination of structural components such as joists, rafters, window frames and door frames. The surveyor also carries out a detailed dry/wet rot and woodworm inspection to identify any timber decay. If issues are found, we can recommend a trusted London damp-proofing contractor to carry out the required work. £299 + VAT
3. Level 3 Damp Survey – Our most comprehensive survey. Level 3 includes everything from Levels 1 and 2 plus an advanced set of diagnostic tests. This survey uses thermal imaging and air humidity testing to identify hidden moisture issues, along with an HD borescope camera for checking loft spaces, cavities and other hard-to-reach areas. We also carry out a full brickwork pointing inspection, DPC inspection, and a ventilation flow test on extractor fans to assess airflow and mould risk. For external parts of the property, we include 4K drone imagery to inspect the roof, chimney stack and guttering safely and in high detail. All Level 3 surveys are non-invasive and cause no damage to the property. £399 + VAT
4. Plaster Analysis – An additional service we offer is up to 10 samples of interior plaster, which we test for moisture content to give you a definitive assessment. This is the best way to accurately measure moisture content within walls; results come through quickly and are part of a detailed report that would include images and maybe video. £299 + VAT
5. Mould Lab Swab Testing – We offer professional qPCR mould swab testing, which analyses DNA from a surface swab to detect and quantify specific types of mould present within the property (up to 100 square metres). This laboratory-grade test provides highly accurate results and is ideal for confirming the presence and severity of mould growth. £299 + VAT

If you are unsure as to which survey is right for you, talk to one of our damp experts and they can advise you accordingly. We can usually carry out a survey within a few days of receiving the booking and the client receives a detailed written report the day after the survey.