I can’t tell if this survey is negative or not?

[Maddie9890]

I just received a survey back which only had one urgent repair needed (something that was obvious on viewing anyway that we were well aware of and was reflected in our asking price). Nothing huge or structural like new roof or subsidence (no evidence of issues with either from the survey).

However, the survey also mentioned that although there is physical evidence of a chemical damp course injection, they cannot confirm if one has taken place and even so this does not tend to be the most effective way to damp proof a property of this age (1890s) however no damp was detected in the flat itself.

The survey then went on to detail the process and expense of having physical damp proofing put in place and now I’m not sure what to think. It sounds really expensive to correct if there is an issue but having said that there’s no evidence of damp in the property? Would this put you off?

No. Older properties don't even need DPC.

www.heritage-house.org/damp-and-condensation/managing-damp-in-old-buildings.html

No, they have to cover as much as they can, they've told you what they think has been done, and what could be done instead. The aim is no damp and there is no damp, that's a success.

Thank you! Have never bought a property before so was just a bit worried

Many Victorian properties have air bricks. They might also have a natural DPC of slate or bitumen. The whole idea is that the house breathes so chemicals stop this happening. Evidence of chemical injection is usually filled holes in the walls above ground level. The chemicals usually just move the moisture out of one area to another by preventing breathing.

So if the house has no damp, I really wouldn’t worry. Keep ground levels below air bricks. Make sure all drains work and water doesn’t back up against the house. No hard landscaping against the house if possible. It’s difficult to undo chemical treatment but make sure it can breathe!

Thanks @TizerorFizz, the filled holes were the evidence they had seen of potential chemical injection

Well it’s expensive to try and change anything so I would just leave it. It’s not ideal but the house isn’t damp. Just make sure you maintain air bricks and ensure water drains away from the house.