How DampServe works · Damp and timber surveys
What to Expect From a DampServe Survey
We investigate the cause first, explain our findings clearly and recommend treatment only when the evidence supports it.
If you have damp walls, mould, high moisture readings, timber decay or a mortgage survey asking for specialist advice, our professional paid survey gives you a clearer understanding of the problem and what to do next. We inspect the agreed areas and provide a written report rather than treating every damp patch as failed damp proofing.
Diagnosis before treatment
Why we do things differently
Damp problems are often misdiagnosed. Staining, damaged plaster, mould, moisture readings and decaying timbers can have very different causes.
Our surveyors consider condensation, penetrating damp, leaking roofs or gutters, raised external ground levels, bridged damp-proof courses, plumbing leaks, salts and other relevant building defects.
Where no specialist treatment is justified, we say so. Where damp proofing, timber work, repairs, or plastering are genuinely needed, we explain why.
Four straightforward stages
From your enquiry to a written report
Here’s what normally happens when you arrange a professional DampServe survey.
STEP 01
Send your enquiry
Use our contact form or email us the full property address, the concern and any lender or HomeBuyer Report wording. Photographs are useful if available.
STEP 02
We arrange the inspection
We confirm the price and agreed scope. A surveyor inspects the relevant accessible areas and looks for damp, timber and building-defect evidence.
STEP 03
We assess the likely cause
Readings and visible signs are interpreted alongside construction, ventilation, moisture sources and other findings — not in isolation.
STEP 04
You receive a report
A clear written report explains findings, limitations and practical recommendations. A justified treatment quotation is normally included with a standard paid survey.
The inspection
What might your surveyor inspect?
Every property is different. The work depends on the type of survey booked, the agreed scope and safe access.
Internal damp
Walls, floors, staining, peeling finishes, moisture patterns, condensation, mould, humidity and signs of plumbing leaks.
External defects
Accessible gutters, downpipes, roofline details, pointing, render, ground levels, DPC bridging and sources of rainwater ingress.
Timber condition
Accessible floor, skirting and roof timbers where included, checking for woodworm evidence, wet rot, dry rot and other decay.
Concealed areas, unsafe access and items outside the agreed inspection scope are not automatically included. The report can explain where further investigation may be needed.
Why a paid survey?
You’re paying for investigation and a report
Proper diagnosis takes time, experience and professional judgement. Our paid inspection is a service in its own right, even when we find that specialist treatment is unnecessary.
We also carry out appropriate damp-proofing and timber treatments. Those recommendations should follow the evidence — not determine the diagnosis in advance.
Free survey versus professional report
Know what you’re being offered
A free damp visit may be useful for obtaining a treatment quotation, but it is not necessarily the same as a paid investigation with a detailed written report.
Before accepting substantial damp-proofing, tanking or woodworm treatment, ask how the cause was established and whether other explanations have been ruled out.
Your written findings
What your report normally includes
- Property details, instructions and inspection scope
- Accessible areas examined and any important limitations
- Observations, relevant photographs and moisture or timber evidence
- Likely causes and whether further investigation is needed
- Recommendations for maintenance, repairs or treatment
- Site sketch or defect locations where relevant
- Quotation for justified DampServe works where appropriate on a standard paid survey
Reports are normally provided as a PDF by email.
Two ways to instruct us
Standard report or independent report-only?
Standard paid survey: a written report, normally with a no-obligation quotation if we recommend work that DampServe can undertake.
Independent report-only survey: specifically requested by customers who want a professional assessment without a treatment quotation. We include a quotation only if you ask for one.
With either option, there is no obligation to instruct DampServe for any remedial work.
Practical recommendations
What happens if we find a problem?
Finding damp, mould or timber damage does not automatically mean chemical treatment is necessary.
No specialist work
We may find historic evidence, manageable condensation or readings that do not support a serious active defect.
Maintenance or repairs
Gutters, roofing, plumbing, ventilation, ground levels or other building repairs may be the correct first step.
Targeted remedial treatment
Where evidence supports it, the report explains suitable damp proofing, timber treatment, plastering or other justified work.
Already been quoted for a new chemical damp-proof course? Read our DPC myths and unnecessary treatment examples before agreeing to expensive work.
Who we help
Surveys for buyers, homeowners and property professionals
Homebuyers
Understand concerns raised by a mortgage valuation, HomeBuyer Report or Building Survey.
Homeowners
Find the cause of recurring damp walls, mould, condensation, woodworm or timber decay.
Landlords and agents
Get clear professional findings before deciding how to investigate or repair a reported problem.
Second opinions
Review worrying treatment recommendations when you need a diagnosis-led survey before proceeding.
Request a price by email
How to arrange your DampServe survey
Survey fees start from £190, with the final cost depending on the property, location, access and type of inspection required.
Send the property address and postcode, the problem you want checked, any lender wording, and photographs or previous reports if available. We can then confirm the appropriate survey scope and price.
Email is our preferred contact method
Email: info@dampserve.com
Contact form: Send a survey enquiry
Telephone: 0800 368 9161 if you would rather call.
Please check your junk or spam folder for our email response.
Mention any property purchase deadline or special reporting instructions when enquiring.
Common questions
What to expect: frequently asked questions
Complete our contact form or email the full property address, postcode and details of the concern. We normally reply by email with the next steps and a quotation for the survey.
DampServe survey prices start from £190. The precise fee depends on location, property size, access, inspection scope and any specific lender reporting requirements.
Not always. Access can sometimes be arranged through an owner, tenant or estate agent. Tell us who will provide access when enquiring.
It varies with the property, areas of concern and agreed scope. We can discuss the likely visit requirements when confirming your survey.
No. Readings are useful indicators but must be interpreted with other evidence, the building construction and potential moisture sources.
Accessible timber checks are included where they form part of your agreed damp and timber survey scope. A damp-only inspection may not include a dedicated timber assessment.
Yes. The professional written report is normally supplied as a PDF by email, including findings, recommendations and relevant limitations.
Only where the findings justify it. Condensation, penetrating rain, bridging, leaks or other defects may require entirely different solutions.
A standard paid survey report normally includes a no-obligation quotation where suitable DampServe works are genuinely recommended. You can specifically book a report-only survey without a treatment quotation unless requested.
Our reports can assist with mortgage-related enquiries. Please forward any exact lender or valuer instructions before booking. Acceptance is always the lender’s decision.
Timing depends on the survey scope and current workload. Tell us about any mortgage or completion deadline when you make your enquiry.
No. Your report and recommendations stand on their own, and there is no obligation to instruct us to carry out any treatment or repairs.
Diagnosis first · Work only when warranted
Understand the problem before paying for treatment
A professional damp and timber survey helps you make informed decisions, avoid unnecessary disruption and spend money on the right repairs.