FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A high percentage of our surveyors and managers have been in the industry for many years, so they are highly experienced. All Peter Cox surveyors receive on-going training from the company to ensure that they are up to date with the latest technical developments. In addition the majority of surveyors have attained through examination one or both of the industry's qualifications, CSRT -Certificated Surveyor in Remedial Treatment - and CSSW - Certificated Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing.

In the first instance we would recommend you go back to the original installer and make a claim on his guarantee. It would be our policy not to interfere. If the firm cannot be traced, look to see if the guarantee has GPT (Guarantee Protection Trust) backing - they do exactly what their name says and will step in if a contractor fails or leaves the industry. If you still draw a blank, then contact us. We will take note of the previous treatment of course but essentially we will survey the property from scratch, advise what we find and make recommendations for overcoming the dampness.

It is not possible to generalise on cost because it will depend on the size of the property and what exactly has to be done. That's why a specialist survey is necessary after which you should receive a written report and quotation. With regard to a survey fee you need to contact our local branch office - see the explananatory note on the Survey Request page.

The survey itself should remain valid for at least 6 months providing there are no changes to the property e.g. other building works. One exception however would be in the case of a dry rot outbreak where any extended delay could result inÿfurther damage. The surveyor's report would make clear the severity of the problem and the urgency of repair.

It goes without saying however that the longer the repairs are deferred, the higher the risk of the damage getting much worse.

Quotations are generally open for acceptance within 30 days - beyond that time, the right is reserved to review it.

Before the visit the surveyor will usually phone for additional briefing about the problem you have reported. This will determine where the focus of the survey should be. A full property survey starts with an external binocular aided inspection with particular attention paid to the roof, the rainwater system, the condition of the masonry and the walls at damp course level. Inside the surveyor usually starts with a survey of the roof structure and then works down. Wherever possible every effort is made not to disturb the property and at this stage there should not be any undue mess. Fitted carpets will necessarily restrict the survey but will only be lifted if essential for a full diagnosis. Likewise in the case of timber floors it may be necessary to lift some floorboards in order to examine the sub-floor area. On occasions the full extent of a dry rot infestation, for instance, may not be able to be revealed until remedial work is started and the building fabric opened up. Our surveyor will advise you if this is the case. With wall tie problems however the survey will entail drilling the masonry to allow an endoscope examination and the removal of sample bricks for a physical examination of suspect ties.

All Peter Cox surveyors are experienced and highly trained. Most have an industry qualification e.g. CSRT (Certificated Surveyor in Remedial Treatment) and many now carry the initials CSSW to show they have additional expertise in structural waterproofing and can advise clients with authority on basement and cellar conversions. A surveyor is trained to diagnose damp and timber problems in buildings accurately to ensure that appropriate remedies are recommended without unnecessary use of chemicals and undue . expense. This is particularly important in the case of rising damp where all possible sources of moisture must first be identified. If the problem is not caused by rising damp, you can be confident that a Peter Cox surveyor will say so.