We carry out our independent dampness and timber property surveys for a number of different associations, these include mortgage companies, landlords, social housing, housing associations, parish councils, structural surveying companies, private householders, commercial businesses, part exchange companies, repossession companies, insurance loss adjusters, financial institutions, hospitals, schools, charities and local authorities. We pride ourselves on giving totally independent, impartial professional advice to our clients, we are not linked to any remedial treatment or building companies, so all advice and recommendations given are unbiased, we just tell you what is actually affecting your property, what remedial works are necessary, with projected costs, for works required.
Our written reports give a concise guide to any remedial works needed if necessary, or methods to combat dampness and timber problems within the subject building. We are a family run business, trading for over 65 years in total, who understands the needs of our customers and will go the extra mile to ensure their needs are met. Surveys and reports are turned around quickly wherever possible, if needed on a same day basis, with regards to pre-purchase property reports.
Other property surveys we undertake are roof covering inspections and cavity wall-tie surveys. We also carry out builders attendance for structural engineers/surveyors, inspections of traditional and non-traditional houses (timber or steel framed, PRC concrete, in situ concrete). We have a broad knowledge of non-traditional property types constructed after WW1 and post WW2 era with regard to problematic areas and their cost-effective rectification if works are required.
Our wide range of optical, thermal imaging and detection equipment is used for the less disruptive, non-intrusive inspections. We also have salts testing equipment to analyse plaster, paint and wallpaper samples, for chloride and nitrate salt deposits and masonry samples are obtained from problematic, subject properties and are gravimetrically tested in an independent laboratory for moisture content, if required.
Areas that require a physical inspection are opened up, inspected, photographed, and reported upon, the subsequent areas are then made good. Other types of property survey can be organised if required, contact me for further details.
A typical independent dampness and timber survey of a three/four bedroomed property can usually be undertaken by us, in a 1-2 hour period, this includes testing the walls for all types of dampness and plaster/decorative disruption, solid concrete floors, watermarked ceilings, plumbing leaks, penetrating dampness, chimney related dampness, roof coverings and associated lead/weathering materials and rain water goods/gullies.
We inspect suspended timber ground floors, first/second floors to the surface and where physically possible, sub-floor areas, by lifting floorboards or via previously formed access hatches. We take wood moisture content readings from revealed flooring timbers, to assess sub-floor ventilation and its effectiveness and inspect any accessible roof void areas.
All accessible timbers are inspected for both fungal decay and insect attack by wood borers. All disturbed flooring is carefully reinstated, after inspection. We then compile a detailed written report, including photographs of dampness and timber related defects, that are affecting the subject property, a schedule of recommended remedial works is drafted, with costings for the necessary repairs required, to set the property “back on track”.
