What happens during a damp survey?

A good damp survey is a structured investigation, not a walk-round with a moisture meter. Here's how a typical residential visit runs.

Outside first

We start with the building envelope: pointing, render, gutters, downpipes, roofline, window seals, and external ground levels relative to the damp proof course. A large share of internal damp has an external cause, so this stage often finds the answer before we've stepped inside.

Inside, room by room

• Moisture readings with calibrated meters across walls, floors, skirtings, and around any visible staining
• Moisture profiling: how readings change with height and depth, which separates rising damp from condensation and penetrating damp
• Humidity and surface temperature readings where condensation is suspected
• Inspection of accessible timbers for rot and wood-boring insect activity
• Photography of every defect, referenced in your report

How to prepare

You don't need to do much, but clearing access to the worst-affected walls (moving furniture away where practical) and knowing a little history helps: when the staining appeared, whether it changes with weather or seasons, and any past treatment. A standard survey takes 1–2 hours on site; the written report follows within 2–3 working days.