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Our pre-purchase damp and timber surveys are designed to give prospective buyers a clearer understanding of the property before they commit to buying. Whether a concern has been raised by a building survey, mortgage valuation or simply noticed during a viewing, our aim is to provide you with a clear understanding of any damp and timber related issues before you commit.
If your RICS surveyor or building survey has identified dampness, timber decay or evidence of wood-boring insect activity and recommended further investigation by a specialist, we can help. Dryfix Preservation is fully accredited by the Property Care Association (PCA), and our specialist surveys are undertaken by experienced and appropriately qualified surveyors. We also hold Professional Indemnity Insurance appropriate to the specialist surveying and consultancy services we provide, giving you added confidence in the advice and recommendations you receive.
If your homebuyers report has already highlighted concerns, you can send us the report or extract when requesting your survey. This allows us to understand the concerns already raised and focus our investigation accordingly.
Dryfix professionally investigate suspected damp and timber related defects. Dampness is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Its presence can result from many different causes, including plumbing or drainage leaks, rainwater penetration, condensation, elevated ground levels, inappropriate material selection and construction related defects. Correctly identifying the source is, fundamental to understanding what, if any repairs are necessary, and the likely cost implications.
Dampness can also have a significant effect on surrounding timber elements. Prolonged exposure to moisture can create conditions conducive to fungal decay and may increase the risk of wood-boring insect activity. For this reason, our investigations consider not only the presence and cause of dampness, but also its potential impact on associated structural timbers.
By holistically investigating the property, we can establish what is happening, why it’s occurring, and the extent and significance of any damage caused.
Pre-purchase surveys are generally non-invasive. However, where further investigation is considered necessary, and with the appropriate permission, we can undertake intrusive investigation. This may include opening parts of the structure or removing samples of material for laboratory analysis. Intrusive investigation will only be undertaken where necessary and with prior authorisation.
Identifying damp and timber related problems does not necessarily mean that you should walk away from a purchase. Problems can be resolved and even managed however, equally, something that may initially appear insignificant, can occasionally require further investigation or repair. What matters most, is having the right information before making the decision.
Our surveyors carry with them the latest diagnostic and inspection equipment onsite. This includes specialist moisture meters, salt analysis kits, calcium carbide meters, thermal imaging cameras, borescope cameras and even drones, so even the inaccessible or concealed can be revealed.
Our damp surveys are only undertaken by experienced and qualified surveyors who have been independently trained and examined by our leading industry bodies, ensuring we offer a consistently high level of knowledge and expertise.
Our surveys are conducted in accordance with British Standard Codes of Practice, industry guidelines and following the Joint Position Statement a collaborative approach to the investigation of moisture and its effects on traditional buildings by the RICS, Historic England and the Property Care Association.
Dryfix Preservation Limited is fully insured and maintains Professional Indemnity Insurance appropriate to the specialist surveying and consultancy services we provide. Professional Indemnity Insurance provides an important additional level of protection when appointing a professional surveyor and reflects the responsibility associated with providing specialist advice upon which our clients may rely when making significant decisions.
Once complete our surveyors will produce a bespoke report which will contain a comprehensive assessment of the problems identified during our survey. Our reports include our diagnosis, damage appraisal, recommendations, repair specifications and costs for repairs, if necessary.
Edited pictures along with category damage ratings are also included to assist your understanding about the urgency of any repairs needed.
Our reports are available in both printed media and/or secure electronic portable documents (PDF) for email.
If you suspect a problem and require a survey, or simply need advice please contact us.
