Issue: Pre-Purchase Damp Survey on an early 1800's Cottage in Charing, ME13.
Survey Type Booked - Snapshot £95 + VAT
We were contacted by a client who had been advised to seek further advice due to issues raised within their homebuyers survey.
Concerns were the lack of a damp proof course with visual signs and high meter readings, as the client wanted to move in as soon as the purchase had been completed they needed to understand the issues and determine what works were required in order of importance.
Upon inspection of the property, dampness was found to be present in much of the external construct. Due to the age of the property, no dpc (damp proof course) was present and it had a lower stone base, which had modern cements and renders applied essentially trapping moisture in the construct.
Other contributing factors were; poorly maintained rainwater goods; external ground levels had been increased against the building; further modern cement renders internally trapping moisture, along with leaks from internal plumbing.
Solution
Providing the report to our client we detailed external factors that are contributing to the dampness and should be addressed, including, repairing gutters and down-pipes, lowering ground levels via landscaping and instructing a plumber to assess internal plumbing.
Furthermore, it was advised to remove the external renders around the base to allow the construct to act as it was intended, along with repointing in lime to encourage evaporation.
Internally, to provide a dry surface and offer instant comfort ready for decoration, we recommended an internal membrane system to offer protection against dampness along with allowing the construct to act as it should without trapping moisture.
We suggested insulating the system to provide greater comfort along with plastering and replacement of decayed skirting, leaving the client to decorate only.
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