Damp issues

[catchyjem]

Hi, I'm in the process of buying a Victorian house. No experience of this as currently living in a fairly modern flat. Had the first survey and a few maintenance issues raised, most concerning was "damp". Recommended getting a specialist damp survey done so I've just had the report from that and now not sure what to do! The damp survey seems to say that the main problem is condensation which seems not too bad as that can mainly be remedied by ventilation and heating. But it also says that the outside ground level is too high and a drain should be added along the front and back of the house. There's also a list of other issues such as moss on roof, cracked rendering and misaligned guttering, which was also picked up in the first survey.

I suppose I'm just having a bit of a wobble. I think I do still want to buy the house and Victorian houses seem prone to these sort of issues so surely it will be ok? Does anyone have experience of buying a house like this?

Moss on roof - meh. Misaligned guttering - not a problem to fix. Cracked render- also an easy fix.
I've had the outside ground level too high, and we dug a trench and put gravel down or something. That way wet earth wasn't up against the house.
None of those issues would set off alarm bells.

For a Victorian property that doesn't sound that bad at all

Thanks, my initial feeling was that I'd wasn't too bad, but then I started to have doubts. It's probably just nerves as it's getting near the point of exchange/completion.

@Changingwiththetimes was digging a trench a simple job? Did it cost much?

Condensation damp in an old building like this can be exacerbated by the wrong materials having been used over time. Lime plaster and breathable paint will help further down the line if you redecorate and any pointing on the outside is better done in lime mortar not cement. This will help moisture in the air escape the building. Modern sealed window units don’t let any air through, so keep them cracked open where you an. Don’t dry laundry indoors.

I don’t think any of the issues sound major. I hope you love your new place!

Yes, I've just been reading about lime. I think you're right, they have probably used the wrong materials over time so we'll be careful of that as we repair and replace in future. Thanks!