Independent Damp and Timber Survey Reports

If you're considering purchasing a property, it's highly recommended that you have a damp and timber survey carried out prior to making an offer. This can help you identify any potential issues that may require remediation, and can also give you peace of mind that your investment is sound. However, what happens if a lender gives a £0 valuation due to defects identified during a damp and timber survey? This can be a concerning issue for both homebuyers and homeowners looking to remortgage

Firstly, it's important to understand why a lender may give a £0 valuation due to damp and timber issues. Lenders have a responsibility to ensure that the property they are lending against is sound and secure, and issues such as damp and timber decay can indicate potential structural issues.If a lender gives a £0 valuation due to damp and timber issues, it means that they believe the cost of remediation may exceed the value of the property. In this situation, it's important to work with a qualified surveyor to identify the extent of the issues and come up with a plan for remediation.

Insurance and Mortgage companies will requested the survey is carried out by a Damp and Timber specialist, typically this is a Chartered Building Surveyor (MRICS) such as the AMS SURVEYS team. We can carry out both non- intrusive and intrusive surveys.  The latter is more expensive than a non intrusive survey and will disturb parts of the dwelling. It will usually identify the precise cause of the defect so cost-effective repair work can be organised. 

Once a plan for remediation has been developed, you can work with the lender to address the issues and potentially receive a revised valuation. This may involve carrying out the necessary repairs or renovations, or providing evidence that the issues have been resolved.In conclusion, a damp and timber survey is a critical step in assessing the condition of a property, and can help identify potential issues that may require remediation.

If a lender gives a £0 valuation due to defects identified during a damp and timber survey, it's important to work with a qualified surveyor to develop a plan for remediation and address the issues in a timely manner.If you’re in the process of purchasing a property and require an Invasive Inspection following an initial survey, you will need to obtain the written permission from the seller for us to drill several small  holes into plasterwork and/or masonry which can be filled afterwards. We will also take up floorboards. The purpose of this investigation is to expose and report on the extent of damage to the concealed areas. It must be understood that during such investigations it may not be possible to fully reinstate the disturbed areas, and that these exposed areas may require repair by tradesman following the investigation.

Damp is a common problem in many houses, and it can be caused by a variety of factors such as condensation, leaks, and rising damp. Some of the most common damp issues in houses include:

1. Condensation: Condensation occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cooler surface, such as a window or wall. It can lead to mold growth and can cause damage to walls and ceilings over time.
2. Penetrating damp: Penetrating damp occurs when water enters the house through leaks in the roof, walls, or windows. It can cause damage to plaster, brickwork, and timber and can lead to mold growth.
3. Rising damp: Rising damp occurs when groundwater seeps up through the walls and floors of a house. It can cause damage to plaster and brickwork and can lead to mold growth.
4. Poor ventilation: Poor ventilation can lead to condensation and mold growth. It can also exacerbate other damp issues by trapping moisture in the house.
5. Blocked gutters and downpipes: Blocked gutters and downpipes can cause water to overflow and enter the house, leading to penetrating damp.
6. Structural defects: Structural defects such as cracks in walls and floors can allow water to enter the house and cause damp issues.

In conclusion, it's important to be aware of the common damp issues that can occur in houses, as they can cause damage to the property and potentially lead to health problems if left unchecked. Regular maintenance and inspections by a qualified professional can help identify and address these issues before they become more serious problems. If you suspect that your house has a damp problem, it's important to take action as soon as possible to prevent further damage.