In London, a damp survey costs between £150 and £ 500. The final cost for a damp survey depends on the size of your home, the types of dampness, how quickly you need results, and your location.
Due to the weather, many homes in the United Kingdom suffer from damp problems. Damp can come in many forms, and each one calls for a unique strategy to eliminate it. A damp survey will tell you whether or not you have damp, the specific kind of damp you have, and the best way to treat it.
Talk to local damp surveyors for expert advice if you think you have damp at home or if you’re buying a house and have concerns about damp. When looking for a damp surveyor, look for someone with a CRDS or CSRT certification to ensure they are qualified.
Factors affecting the cost of a damp survey
- Size of property to be surveyed
- Types of damp
- Urgency of results
- Location
Size of property to be surveyed
Your property’s square footage is a major factor in determining how much a damp survey will cost. The time and money required to complete a damp survey increase in direct proportion to the size and number of rooms in the building in question.
Types of damp
There are typically three types of damp that affect homes. Each variety is capable of major destruction if it is allowed to remain unchecked. The types of damp are:
Condensation
This type of damp is common in kitchens and bathrooms, but it can be found anywhere where ventilation is inadequate. Condensation forms on cold surfaces such as walls, ceilings, and floors. It is also common on the undersides of sinks and washbasins, as well as on cold water pipes. Dripping water from these areas causes damage to the subfloor. Condensation is the cheapest and easiest damp to fix.
Penetrating damp
When moisture seeps through a wall, around a door or window frame, or into a loft and the ceilings below, it is called penetrating damp. Bad pointing and crumbling exterior brickwork, rotting fascia boards, and overflowing gutters are the root causes of this type. As moisture seeps into a building, it causes the plaster to peel, the bricks to crumble, and the drywall to rot.
Rising damp
Rising dampness occurs when moisture seeps through the foundation and into the house. This results in issues with the foundation’s wooden joists, mould growth, rotten skirting boards, and structural problems. As a general rule, rising dampness is the most challenging to fix, as well as the most expensive and time-consuming.
Urgency of service
Another factor that impacts the cost of a damp survey is how quickly you need results. If you need a damp survey immediately, you may have to pay an extra fee of up to £25 – £50 for same-day service.
Location
It also matters greatly where you live in the UK, as some regions are considerably more expensive than others. For instance, you can expect to pay more in places like London and the Southeast.
Price list of a damp survey in the UK
| Survey | Avg. Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Damp Survey (2-bed flat) | £150 | 1 hour |
| Damp Survey (3-bed terraced house) | £250 | 1-2 hours |
| Damp Survey (4-bed semi-detached house) | £350 | 1-2 hours |
| Damp Survey (5-bed detached house) | £500 | 2-3 hours |
Contractors who conduct independent damp surveys typically charge a flat rate for their services. However, this may increase or decrease significantly depending on the circumstances. Seek out price quotes from multiple reputable businesses so you can easily compare offerings.
The average cost of a damp survey is between £150 – £500. If you have a 2-bed flat, expect to pay £150.