Preparing your home properly helps the surveyor inspect all areas clearly and identify the true cause of damp, whether it is rising damp, penetrating damp or condensation. Good preparation reduces the risk of missed issues and avoids the need for repeat visits. Below are five simple and practical steps for homeowners, landlords and property buyers to follow.
1. Clear access to affected walls and floors
Move furniture, beds and large items away from walls where damp is visible or suspected. Remove pictures, mirrors and wall hangings, and lift rugs covering damp patches. Surveyors need to inspect walls from floor level upwards and take accurate moisture readings, which is not possible if areas are blocked.
2. Make all rooms and spaces easy to access
Damp Surveyors will want to inspect the whole property, not just the room where the damp is obvious. Check access to:
- Bedrooms, lounges and hallways
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Basements, cellars or under-stair cupboards
- Loft spaces, if there is safe access
If a room is locked, full of stored items or difficult to enter, important clues may be missed. Even unused rooms can show early signs of moisture problems.
3. Allow access to the outside of the property
To prepare your home for a damp survey visit, clear bins, garden furniture and plants away from external walls. Unlock side gates and ensure paths around the property are accessible. External checks are vital, as damp can be caused by brickwork issues, blocked gutters, leaking pipes or ground levels sitting too high against walls.
4. Gather any relevant history or records
You do not need piles of documents, but any relevant information helps build a clearer picture.
Useful records include:
- Previous damp surveys or reports
- Damp proofing or timber treatment guarantees
- Building work details such as extensions or replastering
- Insurance reports related to leaks or flooding
Having these ready saves time and helps the damp surveyor understand whether the problem is new, ongoing or linked to earlier work.
5. Leave damp areas as they are on the day
Do not paint over damp patches, clean mould, or run dehumidifiers just before the visit. The damp surveyor needs to see the problem in its natural state to identify the cause correctly. Covering up symptoms can lead to unclear readings and an incomplete report.
What happens after the survey?
Once the inspection is complete, the surveyor will prepare a report explaining:
- The type of damp present
- The likely cause
- Recommended treatments
- Any repairs needed before treatment
A well-prepared home helps ensure the report is accurate and tailored to your property, not a generic checklist.
Also read: Do I Need a Damp Survey or a Full Structural Survey? and How Long Does a Damp Survey Take?
Final thoughts
Preparing your home for a damp survey does not take long, but it makes a big difference. Clearing access, sharing information and allowing the surveyor to see the full picture helps avoid confusion, repeat visits and unnecessary costs.
If you are booking a professional damp survey, Damp2Dry Solutions recommends preparing your property in advance so the inspection can be thorough and the results clear. A little preparation now can save time, money and stress later.
