Damp and Timber Reports: What to Know Before Hiring a Specialist
Dampness and timber decay are two common yet potentially very destructive property issues. That’s why if you are buying, renovating, or renting out a property, it is essential to have an expert thoroughly inspect the building and produce a damp and timber report. However, experts are not all created equal, and when health and safety are at stake, you want to hire the best you can. Here are the key things to consider before hiring a damp and timber specialist.
The Purpose of the Report
A damp and timber report is sometimes required by mortgage lenders in order to buy a property, and if you don’t know what it is, then it can seem like a large, unnecessary expense. However, it is actually very important for the safety of anybody who will use the property, and it could even save you thousands of pounds in future repair costs. Even homeowners considering renovations should strongly consider having one done.
The report follows a thorough inspection of the property by a qualified specialist, summarising the type and extent of any damp they find, as well as any problems with the property’s wooden structures like woodworm and dry rot. Importantly, it should be a written and signed report, not a verbal one, and it should contain photographic evidence. The surveyor will also typically offer their professional recommendations for treatment.
The Surveyor’s Credentials
A surveyor who is qualified to conduct a damp and timber survey should hold a Certificated Surveyor in Remedial Treatments (CSRT) or Certificated Surveyor of Timber & Dampness in Buildings (CSTDB) qualification from a nationally recognised body like the Property Care Association. For added assurance, you could also look for a surveyor who is a member of a professional organisation like the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Online reviews and testimonials can be useful sources of information too.
How the Cost is Calculated
Some surveyors offer a fixed price for damp and timber reports, while others adjust the price based on the property size and location. Some also charge extra for photographs, diagrams, and answering follow-up questions, so always make sure you know what is included.
You may come across companies that offer free reports, but these are usually affiliated with damp repair services or companies selling timber treatments. They are incentivised to sell you solutions, so their advice may not be neutral.
How to Prepare Your Property
Both you and the surveyor should want to produce the most accurate report possible as quickly as possible. To help streamline the process, start by making sure the walls and skirting boards are clear and accessible, as well as the loft hatch and space underneath the stairs. You should also ensure good ventilation in the days before the inspection, as this will help the surveyor distinguish between temporary humidity and lingering damp issues.
By spotting issues early and recommending the right treatments, damp and timber reports can save property owners money and ensure that their building is safe and healthy. Call Damp Proofing Ltd on 020 7593 8030 to speak to our surveyors or schedule your damp and timber report today.