House Survey
House survey

WHAT IS PRE PURCHASE SURVEY REPORTING?

Pre-purchase / mortgage specialist damp and timber surveys and reports for clients in the process of buying / re-mortgaging a property where it has been advised, as a condition of the mortgage / equity release offer or requested due to high damp meter readings being reported and highlighted in a homebuyers surveyors report.. We are also asked by many home owners  to carry out in-depth assessments of their property regarding any  rising dampness & timber decay problems before  putting their house up for sale.

We know that buying & selling houses & flats can be a very nerve-racking  (and expensive!) process; therefore it is important to obtain good professional independent  advice all the way through the purchasing and mortgage application process. Our experienced and friendly staff are here to help and advise you should you have any queries.

A combined damp & timber survey involves a thorough internal and external inspection of the property. The external inspection is to locate the position and type of any physical damp- proof course and identify any potential defects, to check external  ground levels, rainwater systems, blocked air bricks sub floor ventilation, drainage and any other maintenance issues which could allow water ingress to occur.

Internally, accessible ground floor walls are tested with moisture testing equipment to ascertain any dampness, both high & low moisture meter readings are recorded on a sketch plan which will accompany a specialist damp report.

A pre-purchase timber survey includes access into roof spaces via loft hatch and, providing prior permission has been obtained, may include lifting floorboards for sub-floor  inspections enabling us to inspect and report upon any signs of dry & wet rot fungal timber decay, and wood boring beetle infestation / woodworm insect attack (be it historic / active). Staircase timbers where accessible will be inspected and checked for signs of woodworm & timber decay, which will also be reported on.

Where we suspect problems may exist and physical access is not possible, our surveyors will draw your attention to the issue within a specialist damp report; therefore you are able to make an informed decision with the option to have further damp and timber investigations carried out prior to exchanging contracts and completing the purchase of the property

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