Which trade do I need? Damp issue.

[spartanrunnergirl]

I have two damp patches on internal walls and I need to deal with them. I think it’s related to downpipes on the outside of the house and perhaps the drains running away from the house as it’s no coincidence the damp patches are where these pipes are on the exterior. Should I engage a damp specialist first? Or a drains/pipes type person, or a general builder? I really have no idea where to start! Any advice gratefully received.

I'd get a drainage firm to come and have a quick look first, if you think it is coming in from the outside.

Same, following

Where are the damp patches OP? At ground level or higher up and on which floor on your house?

You need to fix your gutters / down pipes. The walls are wet, once they are dry the damp patches will disappear. Do not call a damp specialist. They’ll tell you you need to tank your house (which you don’t).

Totally agree not to call a damp specialist. They will want to sell you damp 'solutions' when what you need is to solve the thing that's causing the damp. I bet it's overflow from gutters or rainwater down pipes not attached properly somewhere.

My first thought is to get local recommendations for a good handyman/woman. If it's gutters/pipes it will be a quick, cheap fix.

Drains and downpipes need mending first. Most damp specialists are pointless

Show us some pics OP?

Can you show us some pics?

We moved into a problem house which we're renovating on a budget and I've realized that lots of stuff that sounded absolutely terrible on the homebuyers survey can actually be fixed pretty simply especially where damp is concerned.

In your case without seeing pics I'd say get your gutters and downpipes cleaned first. Also go out when it's raining and see if you can see where any blockages might be, or any other breaks or leaks in the downpipe

Fixing gutters and downpipes will only work if the drains that they run into are clear. I'd check both the drains and the downpipes themselves.

Thanks all it’s ground floor level outside pics and indoor wall. It shows damp in the winter more than summer and paint is cracked I think cos of damp.