Damp surveys can reveal a lot about a new property before you buy it, so it’s a good idea to be on the safe side and have a professional conduct one before you exchange contracts. From wood rot to exterior brick damage to condensation, there are all kinds of problems that can arise from damp.
Read on for the top reasons to have a damp survey done before you buy.
Buying a property without conducting a damp survey means that you run the risk of inheriting a home with a costly damp issue. A damp survey will tell you exactly how bad a damp problem is and how much it will cost to repair. Walls, foundations and timber can all absorb moisture over time and an issue may not be obvious, but a damp survey will detect any signs, explain what the damage is and how it can be sorted.
If your property has a major problem with damp, then it is likely that there will be other, underlying issues with the building itself. For example, there could be a dry rot problem or woodworm along with the damp itself. Further investigation may be needed to find the extent of the issues that the property has, but a damp survey is a great place to start.
Getting a damp survey before you buy a property is the best way to ensure the long-term health of the property and will help you avoid having to pay out to fix damp problems further down the line. Sometimes the issue is as simple as a leaky gutter, but in some cases more thorough treatment will be needed to effectively damp proof the property. If the problem is found to be serious, you can pull out of the sale or renegotiate the purchase price to take the damp into account.
In response to the impact COVID-19 is having on the housing market, the government announced there will be a temporary stamp duty holiday to encourage market activity. Those wishing to take advantage of this tax break, which could see some save up to £15,000, may be tempted to skip certain checks in order to make the 31st March 2021 deadline. However, as untreated damp can cause costly issues with your property and even affect your health, a damp survey is a corner you can’t afford to cut.
If you’re buying a property in Dorset or Hampshire and want the peace of mind that comes with having a professional damp survey conducted before you buy, we are on hand to help. Get in touch with the friendly Croft team today on 01202 737739 to arrange your damp survey!
