A RICS building survey rarely includes lifting flooring or floorboards, so it isn’t an in-depth investigation of damp or timber. Having another survey can feel like an inconvenience, but knowing exactly what work is needed, and what it will cost, before you exchange contracts gives you the chance to renegotiate your offer or have the repairs done before you move in.
Pre-Purchase Damp & Timber Surveys
Satisfy your lender and find out the true cost of any repairs before you exchange contracts.
Book a survey- PCA-qualified surveyors
- Commission-free advice
- Fixed, written quotations
- Insurance Backed Guarantees
- Trading since 1971
Pre-Purchase Damp & Timber Survey Experts Since 1971
If you are buying or selling an older property that doesn’t have a current damp proofing or timber treatment guarantee, it is well worth having it inspected by a Property Care Association (PCA) qualified surveyor.
Often your homebuyer report or lender will insist on it. Tapco HomeDry has been carrying out these surveys since 1971.
Why a specialist survey matters
What we check
Damp
Rising damp, penetrating damp, lateral damp in below-ground walls, high wall moisture and condensation.
Timber
Dry rot, wet rot, woodworm and decay in floors, joists, skirting, staircases and roof timbers where accessible.
Defects
Sub-ground and external defects that cause damp, from ground levels and drainage to gutters, pointing and render.
What happens during the survey
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Detailed inspection
A qualified surveyor inspects accessible areas for signs of damp, decay and the defects that cause them.
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Moisture and timber testing
Calibrated damp meters, hygrometers and thermometers are used, and floorboards are lifted where access allows to check concealed timber.
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Written report
You receive a clear report setting out what we found, the cause, the work recommended and a costed quotation.
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Expert advice
Your surveyor can talk you through the results and how serious any issues are.
Who our surveys are for
- First-time buyers and home movers
- Property investors, landlords and developers
- Estate agents and sellers preparing to list
- Buyers of commercial property
Why choose Tapco HomeDry?
- Qualified, commission-free surveyors. Our surveyors are qualified to PCA standards and are not paid commission, so their advice is independent.
- Industry members. Long-term members of the Property Care Association and members of the Basement Waterproofing Association, and rated “Excellent” on Trustpilot.
- Protected guarantees. Any work we carry out comes with a written guarantee that can be protected by an Insurance Backed Guarantee for a single premium.
- One survey, many specialisms. Rather than arranging several contractors, we can assess damp, timber, basements and structural cracking in one visit.
1971
Established in Thames Ditton
55+
Years of damp & timber expertise
4,000+
Properties visited every year
10
Counties covered across the South East
Why choose Tapco
Damp & Timber Surveys done properly. Diagnosed first, guaranteed after.
Every property gets an individual assessment from a qualified surveyor before anything is recommended.
A little more about us-
01
Commission-free surveys
Our PCA-qualified surveyors are not paid commission, so we only recommend the work your building genuinely needs.
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02
Fixed, written quotations
After your survey you get a clear written report and a fixed quote, with no hidden extras.
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03
Our own trained teams
Our own teams carry out the work, protect your home, keep dust down and leave everything clean.
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04
Guaranteed for peace of mind
Written guarantees, which can be protected by an Insurance Backed Guarantee.
Book a survey
Get started today
If you’ve noticed any of these issues, arranging a professional survey is the best way to identify the cause and prevent further damage.
Frequently asked questions
Why has my lender asked for a damp and timber report?
If the mortgage valuer or homebuyer surveyor suspects damp, timber decay or woodworm, the lender may want a specialist report from a PCA company before releasing funds, or may hold back part of the loan until the work is done.
What is the difference between a RICS survey and yours?
A RICS homebuyer or building survey looks at the whole property but rarely lifts floors or tests walls in depth. Our specialist survey focuses on damp and timber, using meters and, where access allows, lifting boards to inspect concealed timber.
Will I get a cost for the repairs?
Yes. Where work is needed, the report includes our recommendations and a costed quotation, which you can use to renegotiate or plan the work.
Who arranges access?
We arrange the appointment with the seller or their estate agent on your behalf.
I'm selling. Should I get a survey first?
If your property is older and has no current guarantee, a survey before listing lets you deal with any issues in advance and can prevent delays once a buyer's lender gets involved.
Local to you
Damp & Timber Surveys across London & the Home Counties
Choose your area for local information, the towns we cover and recent projects near you.
London damp & timber surveys
Surrey damp & timber surveys
Sussex damp & timber surveys
Hampshire damp & timber surveys
Kent damp & timber surveys
Middlesex damp & timber surveys
Oxfordshire damp & timber surveys
Berkshire damp & timber surveys
Hertfordshire damp & timber surveys
Essex damp & timber surveys
Client testimonials
I would like to thank Tapco for the work they carried out recently on my flat in Kingston. Both me and my partner are very happy with the service we received and the quality of their work. I wouldn't hesitate using them again.
What else we do
Our other services
Damp, timber and structural problems rarely come alone. Our surveyors look at the whole picture, so nothing falls through the gaps.
- Damp Proofing Rising damp, penetrating damp and damp proof courses
- Dry Rot & Timber Treatment Dry rot, wet rot and woodworm
- Basement & Cellar Waterproofing Basement damp proofing, tanking and conversions
- Condensation & Mould Control Black mould, streaming windows and ventilation
- Cracked Walls & Wall Ties Wall tie replacement and crack stitching
- Water Damage Restoration Leaks, floods and burst pipes
One specialist team, from survey to guarantee.
Not sure which you need?
