Survey back...damp problems

[kworth]

Wondering if anyone has any good advice to share!

We are buying an Edwardian mid-terrace which has been well looked after by the vendors. When we viewed, she told us that they had a DPC done around ten years earlier after 'the plaster was coming off in chunks in places and my son accidentally put his foot through the floor!' They also fixed the rotten joists.

Our building survey has just come back and indicated damp in almost all of the downstairs walls. We didn't notice any visible signs of damp when we viewed and so were disappointed to read it. He has strongly recommend we get an expert in to look at it and advise on cost of repair because of potential damage to floors etc.

My question is - how do we approach this with the seller? We were under the impression it was sorted but we can't afford a massive bill if it turns out to be a nightmare. Also, has anyone else done damp proofing work in a house like this (4 bed terrace) and have an idea of the cost and what was involved? As I said, I saw no visible signs of damp so it's not as if the walls are obviously crumbling...

Thank you!

Surveyors are super cautious and often advise specific extra checks to cover themselves. What colour risk did it flag up as, as that will make a difference? Was it confirmed damp or high humidity readings? I would check the wording of the survey very carefully and maybe go back and take another look yourselves. It could be a big problem, or it might be nothing to worry about but either way you need to know more.

I'd suggest getting and damp and timber survey done to identify the source of the damp

I agree with HappyChristmasTreeRex. It's likely just high humidity and a cautious surveyor. A 100 year old house will never be bone dry. If you get a damp survey, don't use a a firm that also does damp repair work, it's in their interests to find damp.
Also, all damp remedial work comes with a gaurantee, so talk to the vendor.

@HappyChristmasTreeRex

Surveyors are super cautious and often advise specific extra checks to cover themselves. What colour risk did it flag up as, as that will make a difference? Was it confirmed damp or high humidity readings? I would check the wording of the survey very carefully and maybe go back and take another look yourselves. It could be a big problem, or it might be nothing to worry about but either way you need to know more.

Thank you. They flagged it as red risk.

A damp problem that was “fixed” 10 years ago but has re-occurred is a bit concerning. The garauntee will likely be for the quality of the work done, not necessarily for having identified the underlying problem and having done the correct work. Nor for repairs to things damaged by the ongoing damp (subfloor etc).
I think you need to speak to the vendor, and go from there.

I'd contact a specialist in damp in older properties, there are several out there, and do some reading yourself. The fix could be as simple as airbricks for Sherbrooke, or running g a dehumidifier.

We had a retention on our mortgage because of damp. Six months of heating the place and airing it properly sorted the issue.

I have a bit of a different opinion, we are selling our mid terrace built in the 1890 and our buyers surveyor came and found damp. But he also pointed out properties of this age always have it, it's about how you manage it. Also is the property being properly vented?