Damp Surveys Ltd

I had discovered mould in a bedroom in my ground floor flat. It appeared initially just above the skirting boards but was clearly worsening and spreading upwards. After initially searching for specialist builders and damp proofing companies I found details and excellent reviews for Damp Surveys, and arranged a site visit and survey. The survey was done to the agreed schedule and budget. Simon arrived on time (to the minute!), and was careful, considerate and helpful throughout the visit. He went above and beyond what I'd expected, fixing a couple of problems there and then. Communication was clear and consistent prior to the visit, during the visit and afterwards. Emails were answered promptly. With the help, advice and very detailed report I received, I'm able to manage the situation myself and currently have no signs of damp or mould at all. I don't need the services of a builder or damp proofing contractor. It's difficult to calculate how much money I've saved (my guess is a LOT) because I didn't get as far as seeking quotations, but I consider the Damp Surveys fees excellent value for money – an investment even.

Simon provided a very prompt and detailed assessment of our damp wall (house bombed during the war). After having spent many months trying to figure out the cause of our damp and receiving various quotes for works to be carried out it was great to finally find someone who was independent and had the extensive required to identify the root causes of our problem. Simon has likely saved us tens of thousands of pounds and we are so glad to have found him!

We'd already had another company give a damp survey at our property and was told it's rising and penetrating damp all over the place, but with no other details when asked 'why?' We decided to get a 2nd opinion with Simon before spending £5k. Prior to his visit we installed sensors as requested and then Simon came and gave a thorough inspection of the property. He was able to identify a few areas we could remedy quickly (condensation on pipes / cracks in tiles etc) as well as identifying the root cause of the penetrating damp (crack in render). We haven't completely solved the smell, but doing the work we were suggested by the other company wouldn't have either. Would definitely recommend!

We would definitely recommend commissioning a damp survey from Simon Hitchens before undertaking any work related to signs of damp. We were concerned about some signs of damp which appeared during the winter in an area where we had had a treatment for rising damp 10 years ago. The company that did the work has since ceased trading so we looked for another source of help. We saw recommendations of Simon on social media and read what he had to say about rising damp, and the way it is overdiagnosed, and decided to get him to do a survey before we took further action. Simon analysed the problem using various methods, including hygrometers which we installed and are still using. We were pleased to find that we do not have rising damp and that there are some relatively simple steps we could start immediately with beneficial effects. He has also given us advice for the longer term. We initially found some of Simon's explanations a little too technical for our level of understanding, but are very pleased at his response when we raised this and he translated some of the graphs into plain English for us.

Simon was extremely knowledgeable and provided excellent analysis and a comprehensive and actionable report on how to solve some damp issues. Highly recommended indeed.

We have had a very longstanding problem with visible damp patches on one of the chimney breasts in our Victorian house. We sought advice from several contractors and eventually decided to get the chimney capped and vented. This made absolutely no difference to the damp problem. Over the last three years we’ve probably sought advice from around six contractors. None of whom could come up with a convincing diagnosis of the problem, nor credible remedies. I found Damp Surveys Ltd via a random Google search. I was immediately impressed by the administration, which was efficient and seamless. The survey process itself was excellent. Simon swiftly diagnosed the problems and was able to explain them in a clear and simple manner, which we could readily understand. Simon’s explanations of the likely solutions were also set out very helpfully. Simon also offered other advice on reducing condensation in the house. Overall, we were extremely happy with the outcomes of the survey.

Simon came to our house to investigate a damp patch on the chimney breast in a top bedroom. We had already had roof and chimney work undertaken which had not solved the problem. Immediately Simon appears to have identified the root cause. His measurements of the damp appear to confirm his analysis. After this he looked at every room in our house to check for problems. This was not expected and I felt this was very thorough, and in fact gave us other areas to address to prevent future possible problems. Less than two weeks later we have had a very thorough preliminary review with expected costings of different remedies of the problems. We had to wait some time for our inspection, as Simon is a busy person, but that was very worth doing. Now we have excellent suggestions for dealing with the damp patch and other potential problems. I would not hesitate to recommend Simon.

Having a damp survey completed by Simon has been a game changer. We had suffered from a smell of damp for several months, it was unpleasant and troubling but there was no sign of damp until some black mould appeared around the front door. Simon came and investigated what might be causing the damp. He was thorough, interested, keen to explain and gave us lots of good advice while he was with us and in the damp report with which he followed up. Following his advice has solved the damp problem in my home. The damp smell has gone and I could not be happier. I do not hesitate to wholeheartedly recommend Simon and Damp Surveys.

I recently purchased a ground floor Victorian flat and had a pre-purchase "independent" damp and timber survey done resulting in a cost of approx 5,000, the main cost being a chemical injection DPC. After researching how chemical DPC doesn't work, I came across Simon who was very knowledgeable and thorough. He identified the root cause of the issue instead of the quick fix. I had a few complex issues but Simon provided simple fixes which saved me thousands in the process. I even had a couple of questions after receiving the report which Simon answered promptly. Highly recommend.

Damp survey ltd undertook a survey april 2022. I found the service methodical and Simon is highly knowledgable, also happy to give simple tips along the way. The damp report is detailed, precise and action focussed which is exactly what I required. Recommend these services without hesitation.