Hi all, we are hoping to move to a beautiful rural period property. But the home report flags up the damp and woodworm as a 3! This seems like a knee-jerk no to us, but they have also included a timber report. I have no experience on this front. But, if anyone does, should we steer clear from this property. Note, it has been empty for a few months.
3
Notes Evidence of wood boring insect noted to timbers within the roof void.
Isolated timber decay noted to the window/surround within the entrance
hall. Isolated high moisture readings recorded at various points within the
property.
A reputable timber and damp specialist should carry out a full and thorough
inspection of the entire property with exposure works prior to purchase.
The vendor informs us that damp proofing works were carried out to the
property a number of years ago. All documentation in respect of works
should be obtained.
This is the timber report:
Dear Madam,
On the 7th of January 2025 our surveyor, Paul D Martin carried out an inspection of the following parts of the above property all as per your written instructions.
The terms Left, Right, Front and Rear are used as if one is standing outside the building facing the front elevation.
All infestations referred to in this report are Common Furniture Beetle (Anobium punctatum) unless otherwise stated.
Roof Voids
Original Apex Void and Front Eaves Voids.
Restricted inspection to ceiling joists due to insulation material. Where seen, slight scattered to moderate, confined, old and apparently inactive infestations were noted in roof timbers. No Treatment Necessary.
It was also noted that previous timber specialist repairs have been carried out to joist ends and rafter feet in front centre eaves.
We understand that woodworm treatments and timber repairs were carried out approximately 25 years ago.
Left and Right Extension voids.
These roof structures have been constructed using newer timbers which may have been pre- treated. No apparent evidence of fungal decay or infestation by wood boring insect. No Treatment Necessary.
First Floor
Floors – no inspection possible due to a combination of hardwood overlay and laminate floor tiles. It was noted that the hardwood flooring is swollen and is lifting on the landing and in bedroom. In our opinion, this is the result of the property being cold as the heating has been off for several months. The flooring will shrink back once heating has been introduced to the property.
Stair to Ground Floor
Stone Staircase.
Ground Floor
Floors – no inspection possible due to a combination of fitted floor coverings, hardwood overlay, laminate flooring and furniture.
Dampness
There are areas of the property which are affected by penetrating damp, and these have been allowed to steadily get worse again because the property has not been heated. The affected areas are:
Internally, our technicians will strip the affected plaster, inspect and treat framing timbers and lintels, fit new plasterboard and replaster affected areas.
Solid constructed walls were tested using an electronic moisture meter and moderate to high damp readings were obtained from base of walls at 1) Nib of wall in boot room. 2) Right side of fireplace in snug room. 3) Under stair cupboard, which, in our opinion indicate the presence of rising damp.
We would recommend an allowance of £3300 + VAT is made to cover penetrating and rising damp problems, including plasterwork.
Please note that we feel it is important to point out that there are various concealed timbers that cannot be inspected during a normal survey of a property such as timber safe lintels, bonding timbers, wall framing and lath, wallplugs, built in joist ends and wallplate etc., which are all hidden by wall linings. We therefore cannot comment on any of these or any other concealed timbers at this time.
The report largely seems reassuring, except for the last section which causes me some stress! Any advice very very welcome. Thank you in advance.
3
Notes Evidence of wood boring insect noted to timbers within the roof void.
Isolated timber decay noted to the window/surround within the entrance
hall. Isolated high moisture readings recorded at various points within the
property.
A reputable timber and damp specialist should carry out a full and thorough
inspection of the entire property with exposure works prior to purchase.
The vendor informs us that damp proofing works were carried out to the
property a number of years ago. All documentation in respect of works
should be obtained.
This is the timber report:
Dear Madam,
On the 7th of January 2025 our surveyor, Paul D Martin carried out an inspection of the following parts of the above property all as per your written instructions.
The terms Left, Right, Front and Rear are used as if one is standing outside the building facing the front elevation.
All infestations referred to in this report are Common Furniture Beetle (Anobium punctatum) unless otherwise stated.
Roof Voids
Original Apex Void and Front Eaves Voids.
Restricted inspection to ceiling joists due to insulation material. Where seen, slight scattered to moderate, confined, old and apparently inactive infestations were noted in roof timbers. No Treatment Necessary.
It was also noted that previous timber specialist repairs have been carried out to joist ends and rafter feet in front centre eaves.
We understand that woodworm treatments and timber repairs were carried out approximately 25 years ago.
Left and Right Extension voids.
These roof structures have been constructed using newer timbers which may have been pre- treated. No apparent evidence of fungal decay or infestation by wood boring insect. No Treatment Necessary.
First Floor
Floors – no inspection possible due to a combination of hardwood overlay and laminate floor tiles. It was noted that the hardwood flooring is swollen and is lifting on the landing and in bedroom. In our opinion, this is the result of the property being cold as the heating has been off for several months. The flooring will shrink back once heating has been introduced to the property.
Stair to Ground Floor
Stone Staircase.
Ground Floor
Floors – no inspection possible due to a combination of fitted floor coverings, hardwood overlay, laminate flooring and furniture.
Dampness
There are areas of the property which are affected by penetrating damp, and these have been allowed to steadily get worse again because the property has not been heated. The affected areas are:
- Around gable window in first floor bathroom.
- Either side of stairwell window.
- Front entrance porch.
- Front wall of boot room/study area.
Internally, our technicians will strip the affected plaster, inspect and treat framing timbers and lintels, fit new plasterboard and replaster affected areas.
Solid constructed walls were tested using an electronic moisture meter and moderate to high damp readings were obtained from base of walls at 1) Nib of wall in boot room. 2) Right side of fireplace in snug room. 3) Under stair cupboard, which, in our opinion indicate the presence of rising damp.
We would recommend an allowance of £3300 + VAT is made to cover penetrating and rising damp problems, including plasterwork.
Please note that we feel it is important to point out that there are various concealed timbers that cannot be inspected during a normal survey of a property such as timber safe lintels, bonding timbers, wall framing and lath, wallplugs, built in joist ends and wallplate etc., which are all hidden by wall linings. We therefore cannot comment on any of these or any other concealed timbers at this time.
The report largely seems reassuring, except for the last section which causes me some stress! Any advice very very welcome. Thank you in advance.
