Did you know more and more people are buying homes that need major renovation before they can be lived in? According to one report, over 80% of British buyers would consider buying a home that needed renovating. The lower cost of homes that need renovation might be the most appealing factor or the fact that you can make the house yours through renovating and décor.
You can create the home of your dreams, and you add some serious value; however, there is one thing you need to consider – damp.
This blog post will look at what damp issues to avoid when looking for a new home and which ones are fixable. Our aim at Damp Proofing in Bristol is to help you understand the potential implications of damp before you make that final purchasing decision.
Don’t run away just yet
When you first see signs of damp, you might be ready to throw in the towel and run away, but not all forms of damp mean you should start the search for a new home again.
Before you make the decision, you can get the potential damp checked by an expert to see if it is a simple fix or a deeper issue. Apparent signs of damp could also help you to negotiate the price, as you might need to spend money to fix it.
When you are first inspecting the property, you should be aware of the three most common types of damp.
Penetrating damp
Penetrating damp will attack from the outside. When you are inspecting the property, make sure to look outside, and check for any damp patches. Check the exterior walls, the roof and ceilings that connect to the outside, as these will be the most common places penetrating damp can be seen.
The causes of penetrating damp can be from roof tiles being missing, damaged pipes, doors and windows that have not been appropriately fitted or overflowing gutters. If you can, check these areas and hire a professional to provide you with a quote on how much it would be to rectify the damp issue.
Rising damp
Rising damp is another form of damp that causes the most concern; however, you can spot it either through visual signs or my touching suspected damp areas.
Another way to locate rising damp is by checking for tide marks, which leave a residue of salt and water behind.
Lateral damp
Lateral damp can be spotted similarly to rising damp, which is why it is always essential to consult a professional. Additional traits of lateral damp include damage to woodwork and mildew in crevices.
Summary
Always look out for:
- Peeling wallpaper or paint.
- Damp patches on walls.
- Damp or rotting skirting boards.
- Wet flooring.
- Staining on external walls.
- Spores or black mould.