Pre Purchase Damp and Timber Survey in Danesmoor, Chesterfield

Date Published

February 24, 2026

Mortgage lenders often require further investigation and clarity before they agree to lend. This often means that a damp and timber pre-purchase survey is required. Most lenders insist on it being undertaken by a PCA qualified surveyor. Our customer in Dasnesmoor, Derbyshire was no exception

Lucy contacted AMPM Property Maintenance to carry out a pre purchase damp and timber survey in Danesmoor, Chesterfield to satisfy her lender’s requirements on a two bedroom semi detached property.

We were instructed to provide a full PCA surveyor report, liaise with the estate agent for access, and deliver a fast turnaround to keep the purchase on track.

The Property In Derbyshire

Two bedroom semi detached house
Located on Cemetery Road, Danesmoor
Mortgage lender required a damp and timber report

The inspection was carried out by our PCA qualified surveyor, Steven Avenier.

What Our Damp Survey Found

The inspection identified several issues that needed to be properly understood before proceeding with the purchase.

Rising Damp at Ground Floor Level

Widespread dampness was recorded at low level throughout the ground floor.

Moisture readings reached:

30 to 70 percent in the front living room
Up to 60 percent in the dining room
70 percent in the entrance hall

The pattern of readings and visible salt contamination indicated rising damp, largely caused by:

External ground levels sitting too close to the damp proof course
Bridging of the damp course
Efflorescent salts present internally

Penetrating Damp

Isolated penetrating damp was noted to the front bedroom, likely linked to:

De bonded and damaged external render
Defects to the small off shot roof
External detailing allowing water ingress

High Humidity and Condensation

Upstairs, elevated humidity levels were recorded. This was contributing to:

Condensation on bedroom windows
Mould growth in bedrooms
Mould in the bathroom

The bathroom did not have an extractor fan fitted, and most windows lacked trickle vents, increasing the risk of condensation build up.

External Defects Identified

We also highlighted:

External ground levels within 150mm of the damp course
Cracked and poorly fitted guttering to the mono pitch roof
Off shot roof incomplete and allowing water penetration
Rear external door poorly sealed
Areas of de bonded render

Importantly, the roof space timbers were found to be in good condition, with no evidence of timber decay.

Our Damp And Timber Survey Recommendations

To address the issues correctly and protect the property long term, we recommended:

Removing affected plaster to 1 metre above floor level
Installing a new injected damp proof course
Mechanically fixing a damp proof membrane
Re plastering using appropriate finishes
Lowering external ground levels to below damp course height
Installing a high powered in line extractor fan in the bathroom
Installing a PIV unit to reduce whole house humidity
Completing the off shot roof to a permanent standard
Repairing damaged render
Resealing the rear external door

This gave Lucy full clarity on the condition of the property and the likely remedial works required, allowing her to move forward with confidence.

The Outcome

We liaised directly with the estate agent to arrange access and delivered a comprehensive, professionally presented report with a fast turnaround.

Lucy was able to provide the report to her lender and proceed with the purchase, fully informed of the property’s condition.

Her review:

To satisfy my mortgage lender, I needed a damp and timber survey carried out on the property I was purchasing, and AMPM Property Maintenance were excellent from start to finish. Steven was incredibly helpful, liaising directly with the estate agent and being flexible to arrange access to the property, which made the whole process much less stressful.
The report was comprehensive, clear, and professionally presented, with a very speedy turnaround. Communication throughout was great and I was kept informed at every stage. I wouldn’t hesitate to use AMPM again in the future and would highly recommend their services.
— Lucy, Chesterfield

Link to Google Review

Why Choose AMPM for a Damp and Timber Survey in Chesterfield

We are a team of PCA qualified surveyors providing detailed lender compliant reports. Supported with clear photographic evidence, fast turnaround times and honest, practical recommendations.

If your mortgage lender has requested a PCA damp and timber survey then the AMPM team of PCA qualified surveyors can help.

Call us - 01246 508661

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