We were contacted by a homeowner who had recently paid for extensive damp proofing works to be carried out to almost every wall on the ground floor of her three-bedroom property. The works included the installation of a remedial damp proof course and full replastering throughout, at a cost running into several thousands of pounds.
However, within weeks of completion, the damp returned.
The contractor became increasingly difficult to contact and eventually stopped responding altogether. The plaster was still fresh and had not yet been painted, clearly showing that the problem had not been resolved.
We carried out a full independent damp and timber inspection. It quickly became apparent that the contractors original diagnosis was incorrect.
The damp proof course and replastering works were unnecessary and would never have resolved the issue. The true cause of the problem was a lack of adequate subfloor ventilation. Poor airflow beneath the suspended timber floor had created conditions conducive to elevated moisture levels, leading to fungal decay affecting both the timber elements and sections of the masonry.
In essence, the contractor had treated a problem that did not exist, while completely overlooking the actual cause of the damp.
This case highlights the importance of commissioning an independent damp and timber survey before agreeing to costly remedial works. As we do not carry out treatment or installation works ourselves, our advice is entirely impartial. Our sole focus is diagnosing the real cause of the problem — ensuring property owners receive accurate guidance rather than unnecessary and expensive interventions.
Browse our full collection of damp and timber inspection case studies to see how we investigate issues such as rising damp, condensation, and wet rot.
We also have a Damp and Timber Blog, where we keep you up to date with advice on damp problems, timber decay, property surveys, and how to identify common issues in your home
