Survey estimated costs of damp treament

J

jessie175

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We just had a survey done on an old house, early 20th century. While we expected some rising damp, as no damp proof course would have been used back then, we were completely taken back at the estimated cost given by the surveyor of 30keuro to address this. The house is a 3 bed house, 1200sqft, so we are just talking about the ground floor here.

Recommemdation was to ' carry​
​
out extensive damp treatment work to address rising damp, woodoworm and rot, work to be supervised by a damp treatment specialist contractor.'

Has anyone had any experience of carrying out such work and if so does this estimate sound reasonable?

Thanks​
 
I assume that this is a house you are considering buying. If so, use those figures as leverage to reduce the asking price.

Damp coursing will be expensive but it should be done properly. If its not done properly the problems will return and end up costing you more.
 
'carry out extensive damp treatment work to address rising damp, woodoworm and rot, work to be supervised by a damp treatment specialist contractor.'
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This is a very typical line put in by a surveyor who surveys houses of this age. It sounds identical to what was put into my survey albeit 10 years ago. The 30k sounds on the expensive side. It would be worth getting a quote or 2 for the work before you decide whether to proceed or not with the sale.

Indicently, from my experience of buying a 1906 Edwardian Redbrick House that previously belonged to an elderly lady the surveys you get are very very light on detail. My survey said, rewiring required, damp proof treatment as above, lean to conservatory should be taken down. That was very minimal. Realistically the house needed, damp proofing, dry lining, replumbing and new heating system, re-wiring, new windows, atic insulation, brick restoration, lean to conservatory removal, new kitchen, new bathroom, floor beam remedy. Considerably more than I accounted for.

Houses of this era are often in need of a huge amount of TLC (including a lot of the ones that have had a nice cosmetic face lift). Caution is definately needed when buying these types of properties. You should check how detailed your survey actually is. You really need to get a full detailed survey and architects report for these type of properties before deciding to proceed, even if you have pay to out €1 or 2k. It will save you getting badly burnt.

On the positive side negative surveys are a good way to negotiate a discount on the agreed price especially in a soft market.

Best of luck. Incidently I won't be buying a house of that age again no matter how beautiful and proportioned they are. Life's too short, construction related work is currently way to expensive in Dublin, and I've developed a hatrid of all things DIY as a result of my experience.
 
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