Interest rates may have been rising, but the appetite for property investment has not waned in any way. There is still a desire to invest in bricks and mortar, and to this end it is important to revisit those aspects of a property that you need to look out for if you are going to avoid expensive mistakes.
If you are looking at older properties, then damp is definitely a big indicator of how much work might need to be done to ensure you bring the property back up to scratch. Do not be afraid if you do find damp – it will allow you to negotiate on the price, and give you room to build in added value by carrying out the work.
But forewarned is forearmed, and it is better to know about any damp issues before you make any offer, so that you know exactly where you stand. If you spot any of the following, call in a professional damp contractor who will confirm exactly what the problem is, and give you an estimate of what you would need to spend in order to remedy the problem.
You may then be able to use this quote as a source of renegotiation on the price, taking into account works that are required.
You’ll Smell It Before You See It
Chances are you will smell the presence of damp in a property before you actually see it. Bear in mind, if the property is old and uninhabited, it may have been closed up for some time without any heating – there is bound to be a cold, damp smell as soon as you walk in.
The damp smell may not necessarily indicate the presence of damp – it may be just an old, unaired smell. However, if there is mould and mildew in the property then this will intensify the smell, and will ensure it lingers even after airing the property.
Walls That Feel Cold And Wet When You Touch Them
There is a chill in the air when you walk through a damp property, and that chill starts from the walls. When you touch the walls do they feel cold and damp? If so, then chances are there is significant damp in the brickwork.
Condensation Around The Windows
Is there water dripping down the window panes. This is a sign of condensation, which is one of the most common forms of damp. This is usually caused by inadequate heating, or lack of sufficient ventilation.
Skirting Boards And Door Frames That Are Rotting
If the condensation starts seeping through the door and window frames, it will soon start rotting it from the inside out. Rotting timber may also be a sign of rising damp, particularly if you are looking at skirting boards.
Wallpaper That Is Peeling And Lifting
Equally, if the walls are covered in old and tatty wallpaper which is peeling off in large strips, then this is another sure sign of damp.
Dark Patches Climbing Up Walls And Ceilings
Rising damp is caused by external groundwater being drawn up through the brickwork of a property. Internally this manifests itself by a rising tide of damp that from the floor level up, affecting skirting boards and adding to the overall damp and musty smell.
Fungal Growth And White Powder Covering Surfaces
Wet and dry rot can be detected by the presence of fungal like growths and fine white powder spores that grow and disperse throughout the property. This fungal growth can be damaging to health.
Your damp surveyor will provide you with a full assessment of the damp issues in the property, and an estimate of costs to get them repaired. This gives you the perfect insider knowledge to better assess the value of the property, and if it is worth your investment in the short, medium or long term.