Free or low-cost surveys offered by contractors are often part of a sales process: the primary purpose is to identify work that the contractor can carry out. While these surveys may flag a potential issue, the advice is inevitably influenced by what the contractor can offer as a solution, rather than an independent assessment of the property.
An independent surveyor, by contrast, provides a standalone professional opinion with no commercial interest in recommending remedial work. This independence is critical because accurately identifying the root cause of damp or timber issues is the most important factor in determining the right, cost-effective solution.
Our reports provide a thorough, objective basis for decision-making. Whether you need to obtain competitive quotations, appoint the appropriate specialist, or simply confirm that no unnecessary work is required, an independent survey gives you that clarity. In many cases, clients find that this impartial advice prevents costly or incorrect treatments, making the fee a worthwhile investment in both accuracy and long-term protection.
The duration of a survey depends on several factors, including the size and complexity of the property, the number of areas to inspect, the accessibility of spaces such as cellars, and any agreed-on-site testing that may be necessary.
We do not work to rigid time slots, and we do not base our fees on the length of the inspection. Some surveys can be completed in under an hour, while others may take longer or require a follow-up visit to ensure everything is assessed thoroughly. Our priority is to undertake the survey thoroughly and to exercise our professional duty of care, ensuring that the findings and recommendations are accurate and meaningful.
When you book, we will provide an estimated timeframe for the inspection, so you know how long to expect us on site.
Our surveys are non-intrusive as standard. This means we rely on careful visual inspection, non-destructive moisture measurement, and our professional experience to provide reliable conclusions without disturbing finishes. For most properties, this approach is sufficient to identify the causes of damp and recommend effective solutions.
Limited intrusive checks may sometimes be possible — for example, lifting a floorboard or moving items when it can be done safely. This is always by prior agreement. In pre-purchase surveys, vendors rarely allow carpets, floorboards, or finishes to be disturbed in a property that has not yet exchanged contracts, so intrusive inspection is usually not an option.
More invasive techniques, such as salt analysis or opening up plaster and substrates, are typically reserved for specific cases — often linked to litigation, technical disputes, or insurance requirements. We do not routinely offer these procedures as part of a general independent damp survey. By focusing on non-intrusive methods, we maintain efficiency while providing a thorough, professional assessment without unnecessary disruption.
At present, we do not provide this service directly as part of our surveys, but we are happy to explain what further investigations may involve and guide you on the next steps if needed.
A standard independent damp survey includes a visual inspection for mould and fungal growth, noting its presence, extent, and the likely underlying cause. This approach gives a clear understanding of visible and accessible problems without unnecessary disturbance.
More detailed investigations, such as air sampling, laboratory mould analysis, or full indoor air-quality testing, are specialist services and are not normally included in a routine survey. At present, we do not provide this type of testing, and we would advise clients to engage the appropriate specialists if such analysis is required.
If occupants have health concerns, we can provide guidance on reducing damp and mould in the property. However, we are not qualified to give medical advice, and anyone with health concerns should seek guidance from a healthcare professional.
Routine damp surveys do not include sampling for hazardous materials such as asbestos or lead. If these materials are suspected and intrusive investigation is necessary for the damp survey, the client must arrange testing or removal in advance of our visit, through accredited contractors to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Where we observe potential hazards beyond damp, such as suspected asbestos, we may comment as a helpful observation, but this should never be considered a formal diagnosis. In all such cases, clients are advised to seek confirmation and guidance from appropriately qualified specialists.
We ask for payment before issuing the final report because, in some instances, once a report has been received, there is little incentive for clients to settle their invoices. Chasing unpaid payments can take significant time and resources, which diverts attention from delivering high-quality surveys to paying clients.
Our standard practice is to attend the inspection first and then issue the invoice. Once payment is received, the report is released. This approach ensures that the inspection itself is conducted independently and builds trust with our clients.
Whether you choose to pay upfront or after the survey, we will confirm the booking in writing, attend as agreed, and then issue the invoice before sending the report. Accepting upfront payments also helps us avoid delays, keeps our business running efficiently, and ensures you receive your report promptly.
Our reports provide a comprehensive independent assessment of the damp, including the likely causes, the extent of any visible damage, and practical remedial options. We will identify the types of trades or specialists appropriate for the recommended work — for example, a damp-proofing contractor, roofer, or joiner — and may outline the range of treatments generally considered suitable.
We remain fully independent: we do not endorse specific firms or receive any commissions. Whomever you choose to undertake the works, we strongly recommend confirming credentials, insurance, and references before appointing any contractor.
Standard reports are usually issued within five to ten working days of the inspection. In cases that require additional analysis, third-party testing, or specialist input, the delivery timeframe may be extended, and we will notify you of any revised schedule as soon as possible.
Our reports are designed to be clear, thorough, and actionable, typically including photographs, measurement data, a description of findings, an opinion on the causes, and recommended remedial options. If you require an expedited report for contractual or time-sensitive reasons, please advise us at booking, and we will confirm whether a faster turnaround is feasible.
We predominantly cover the Wiltshire and Dorset areas, but we will confirm whether we can assist with your location when you enquire. Travel within this standard coverage area is included in the quoted survey fee.
For properties outside this area, a travel surcharge may apply. We will always inform you of any additional costs before you confirm a booking. In some cases, we may be able to travel further afield by arrangement.
Our standard working hours are 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday. The latest survey appointment can be booked to start at 16:00. Please note that surveys are conducted during daylight hours where visibility is sufficient, so appointment times may vary depending on the time of year.
We may also be able to offer early or later appointments, as well as Saturday or Bank Holiday surveys (08:00 to 12:00), but these are booked by prior agreement and subject to availability.