Basic Damp Survey – Localised Diagnostic Inspection

Have a small patch of paint flaking at home?

Overview:
This basic damp survey is designed to diagnose the cause of a specific damp issue affecting a single area within a residential property — ideal for homeowners who have noticed a damp patch, staining, peeling paint, or a musty smell. The service provides expert analysis to determine the source and recommend appropriate next steps.

What’s Included:

• Targeted Inspection of the affected area and its immediate surroundings.

• Use of non-invasive tools, including:
  • Moisture meter (to assess moisture levels in walls, floors, or timber)
  • Infrared thermometer or thermal imaging (where applicable)
  • Hygrometer (to measure humidity levels in the environment)

• Visual assessment for signs of condensation, water ingress, salt contamination, structural defects, or plaster failure.

Deliverables:

• A bespoke written report outlining:
  • The location and nature of the damp issue
  • Tools used and key readings
  • Identified cause(s) or contributing factors
  • Recommendations for remedial action
  • Supporting photos of the area assessed

Suitability:
Perfect for homeowners, tenants, landlords, or property managers who want to understand a specific damp concern without commissioning a full property survey.

Limitations:

• This is a non-intrusive inspection and does not include destructive investigation unless separately agreed.

• Report covers only the inspected area and adjacent zones necessary to trace the source.

Full Pre-Purchase Damp & Timber Survey – All-Inclusive Inspection

Overview:
This all inclusive damp and timber survey is designed for prospective homebuyers, property investors, or owners seeking a full assessment of a property's condition before purchase or renovation. It provides a detailed investigation of all accessible areas for signs of dampness, timber decay, fungal growth, and wood-boring insect activity.

What’s Included:

• Full internal inspection of all accessible rooms, including lofts, basements, subfloors (where access permits), cupboards, and outbuildings if relevant.

• External inspection of building elements likely to contribute to moisture ingress (e.g. gutters, downpipes, walls, rooflines).

• Use of professional diagnostic tools:
  • Moisture meters (capacitance and resistance)
  • Hygrometer (for humidity and temperature)
  • Thermal imaging (where needed)
  • Boroscope (where minimal access holes are permissible)
  • Visual and tactile probing of timber where deterioration is suspected

• Assessment of all structural and joinery timbers, including floor joists, roof timbers, skirting boards, window frames, etc.

• Identification of:
  • Rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation
  • Timber decay from fungal attack
  • Woodworm or other insect activity

Deliverables:

• A comprehensive written report including:
  • Detailed findings for each room/area
  • Moisture readings and observations
  • Identification of current or potential risks
  • Recommendations for remedial works or further investigation
  • Photographs documenting key issues

• Optional: Indicative costings for remedial work (upon request)

Suitability:
Ideal for homebuyers and property professionals seeking peace of mind or fulfilling lender requirements. This report provides clarity on any existing damp or timber issues that could affect property condition, value, or future repair costs.

Compliance:
Survey conducted in accordance with industry best practice and guidelines from the Property Care Association (PCA).

Limitations:

• Survey is non-destructive and limited to accessible areas unless agreed otherwise.

• Obstructions such as fitted furniture, floor coverings, and sealed voids may restrict access.

Invasive Damp & Timber Survey – Subfloor & Structural Investigation

Overview:
This invasive survey is designed for situations where moisture issues, timber decay, or insect activity are suspected in concealed or inaccessible areas—particularly subfloors, behind wall finishes, or within structural timbers. Unlike standard inspections, this survey involves controlled opening of areas to gain direct access to suspect materials, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis.

Why It May Be Needed:

• Persistent damp readings or visible symptoms with no clear source

• Suspicion of hidden rot or woodworm below floors or behind walls

• Previous history of damp or infestation in the property

• Follow-up to a non-invasive survey with inconclusive results

• Pre-renovation or structural works requiring full disclosure of timber condition

Why It May Not Be Needed:

• When the issue is clearly visible and isolated (suitable for a basic diagnostic survey)

• If recent renovation or flooring makes access impractical without significant disruption

• For properties with no known history or evidence of moisture/timber problems

What’s Included:

• Lifting of floorboards, inspection hatches, or other coverings (with permission)

• Inspection of subfloor voids, joists, wall plates, and structural timber

• Use of tools including:
  • Moisture meters and probes
  • Endoscope or boroscope for cavity checks
  • Thermal imaging or borescope (if minimal access preferred)

• Detailed check for:
  • Fungal decay (brown rot, white rot, etc.)
  • Woodworm or other timber-boring insects
  • Signs of condensation or poor ventilation in subfloor voids

• Bespoke report covering:
  • Areas opened and methods used
  • Condition of timbers and moisture levels
  • Photographic evidence
  • Recommendations for repairs, further opening, or treatments

Preconditions for Invasive Work:

• Written consent from the property owner or managing agent

• Clear access to areas to be opened (e.g. floor coverings removed if needed)

• Agreement on reinstatement responsibility (this survey includes inspection, not redecoration or flooring repairs)

Limitations:

• Localised openings only unless otherwise agreed

• Surveyors aim to keep disturbance to a minimum but cannot guarantee reinstatement to original condition

Product: Annual Damp Health Check

Ideal for: Homeowners, landlords, and property managers looking to proactively protect their property from moisture-related damage.

Product Description:

This will be a signed agreement to inspect the property once every year for 4 years at your flexible convenience.

Our Annual Damp Health Check is a preventative inspection designed to monitor and identify early signs of moisture issues throughout your property before they lead to costly structural or timber damage. We assess walls, floors, ceilings, and vulnerable junctions for signs of rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation. Using calibrated moisture meters, hygrometers, and thermal imaging (where applicable), we provide a clear picture of your property’s moisture condition.

You’ll receive a concise report outlining areas checked, moisture readings, and professional recommendations — whether it’s improving ventilation, monitoring a known issue, or taking early steps to prevent damp-related decay.

Why Choose This Over a Timber Health Check?

While a Timber Health Check focuses solely on the condition of visible and accessible wood (like joists, skirtings, and roof timbers), the Annual Damp Health Check takes a broader approach, targeting the root causes of timber decay:

• Damp is the trigger for most timber issues (wet rot, dry rot, woodworm), so early damp detection prevents timber damage before it starts.

• Covers more of the property, including masonry, plasterwork, internal climate, and ventilation — not just the timber elements.

• Helps plan maintenance more effectively by identifying issues before they affect building structure or internal finishes.

This makes the Annual Damp Health Check ideal for clients who want to stay one step ahead, especially in older properties, rentals, or homes with a history of moisture problems.