Dealing with Damp Issues
Learn more about how Crest Surveyors can assist you with dealing with damp in your London property.
Damp is the presence of unwanted water moisture on your surfaces which, if left untreated, can result in dangerous black mould. Black mould is a health hazard that can cause a fever, cough and other unpleasant symptoms. Not only that, but damp walls and surfaces can also cause significant damage to your property, such as the rotting of wood, growth of fungi, or serious structural damage. For this reason, it’s important to get help from one of our RICS-qualified surveyors at Crest if you’re concerned about damp damage in your property, or a property that you’re considering purchasing.
How is damp caused?
Damp is caused from the existence of water and moisture build-up in your property. It is a common issue that it’s believed 1 in 5 of us are subjected to. The common signs of damp in your home include:
- Condensation on windows.
- Discoloured / dark patches on plaster.
- Water droplets on your wall or surfaces.
- Rotting woodwork.
- The presence of black mould.
To determine exactly how damp is caused in your property, you will need a chartered surveyor to investigate your property. This person will look for signs of: condensation with no proper ventilation, leaks, issues with your gutters or drainwork, lack of correct building materials and more. Depending on the level of your damp, our team may suggest a Level 2 or Level 3 survey to examine your property.
Who’s responsible for treating dampness in a rented property?
If you live in a rental property, you may be wondering how you can request specialist help with dealing with your damp issue. Legally, it is the responsibility of the landlord (property owner) to effectively treat dampness in the property that you live in if it’s caused by property damage. This is especially the case if damp is rising, which means that it’s caused from the initial groundwork. As a tenant, you may need to prove that dampness is causing an issue to your health or living conditions, which is where our team of RICS-qualified surveyors can help.
Alternatively, if you own a rental property, you may be looking for expert guidance on the condition of your property. If your tenant has not maintained your property, such as providing poor ventilation, then you will not be held responsible for the cost of the repairs. You will need to provide evidence that the damp was caused by internal factors such as ventilation, improper use of heating, or not using the ventilator while cooking. A survey by our team of chartered surveyors will enable you to come to the root of the cause, and quickly prevent any further damage to your property.
Does damp decrease your property value?
If you’re looking to sell your property, you may be worried about the extent of dampness in your home, and what effect this may have. Typically, damp can decrease the value of your home by up to 20%. We can provide you with an accurate valuation of the property before you put it on the market with our Level 2 Survey and Valuation, or our Level 3 Survey. We will also provide you with guidance on how to treat any damp in your property, and recommended local tradesmen who may be able to carry out any essential repairs if the issue is caused by leaks, drainage problems or rising damp from the ground.
Get help with dampness in your property from Crest Chartered Surveyors
If you’re based in London, our team of experienced property surveyors are here to help. Simply contact us by phone, email or by filling in the short on our Contact Us page.