Buyers want damp survey - by Kenwood

[SweetPeaHoneySuckle]

Our buyer's had a homebuyers survey last week. Haven't seen the survey but DH spoke to the surveyor at the time who said all fine but some damp externally to be expected with the age and style of property (Victorian ground floor). I don't know where the surveyor meant specifically as i can't see anything and there isn't anything internally.

Our buyers have come back and said they want a damp survey (which I think the homebuyers recommends as standard, they certainly did to us on the property we are buying).

No issue with this as I assumed an independent surveyor.

We've just heard from the agent that they have booked Kenwood to come round for a 'free' survey.

Now I have issues with this as my experience of Kenwood is complete cowboys. Years ago when we moved in there was an indication of damp. We had a few 'free' surveys by Kenwood and a couple of other companies (Rentokil and another I can't remember).

Every company said there were various degrees of damp problems, each company came back with different rooms, different places, different action required. All could be solved by them for ££££. We then got an independent survey and it turns out it was actually a leak from a pipe which was then fixed and the plaster repaired, job done.

What would you do in this situation? From our experience with these companies, without a shadow of a doubt they are going to come back and report issues which they will then fix, but I don't trust them as far as I can throw them. Can we insist they use an independent surveyor?

I'd make it clear that you won't be reducing the price as you've no doubt they'll find damp in a property that age.

This exact thing happened to us, we paid for an independent damp surveyor ourselves, best £230 we spent. Just insist you'll arrange it yourself, it will save you money in the long run as you know the 'Free' surveyor will magically find you need 5 grands worth of work 😤

Do search for a guy called Peter Ward. He's on a crusade against surveyors using electric damp meters which give misleading results.

www.heritage-consulting.org/rics-valuation-surveyors-using-damp-meters

I've had a free survey carried out by Kenwood who recommended a chemical injection damp course and replastering with special plaster all for lots of £££. I refused to take their advice as there was no obvious sign of any damp. They even said my walls were solid single walls when in fact they were cavity walls.

I'd be tempted to relate your Kenwood experience to the EA and give them the contact details for the independent surveyor you used and let them speak to the buyers. The EA wants the sale to complete so they get their commission and works for you.

This happened to me a few years ago. I would second getting your own independent survey done, otherwise, Kenwood might find plenty of 'work' they can help with.