Spotted damp in your South Wales home? Before you call for a ‘free damp survey’, read this. Discover why a ‘free’ report is a false economy and why an independent, PCA-standard survey from a specialist like The Veteran Survey Company is the only way to protect your property.
You’ve found a suspicious damp patch on your wall. That musty smell in the spare room won’t go away. Your first instinct is to Google “free damp survey” in your area. It sounds like a no-risk solution.
But beware: that ‘free’ survey could become the most expensive mistake you ever make for your property.
Many companies offering free surveys are not diagnostic experts; they are sales teams for remedial treatment companies. Their business model relies on finding a problem that their specific product (often an expensive chemical damp-proof course, or DPC) can ‘fix’.
This is a huge conflict of interest. At The Veteran Survey Company, based in Bridgend and serving all of South Wales—from Cardiff and Newport to Swansea and the Valleys—we believe homeowners deserve an honest, independent diagnosis. Our surveys are not free, and for a very good reason: we work for you, not a contractor.
The “Free Damp Survey” False Economy
A ‘free’ survey is often little more than a sales pitch in disguise. Here’s what frequently happens:
- A ‘Surveyor’ Arrives: This person may be a salesperson with a commission target, not a qualified surveyor. They often lack the deep building pathology knowledge to correctly identify the true source of the damp.
- The Misdiagnosis: Their inspection is typically brief. They use a “damp meter” (which can be easily misinterpreted) and quickly diagnose “rising damp”—a problem that is actually quite rare and often misidentified.
- The Expensive ‘Solution’: The ‘surveyor’ will promptly recommend their company’s solution. This is almost always a new chemical damp-proof course, which involves drilling holes into your brickwork and injecting chemicals, along with hacking off and replacing plaster.
- The Real Problem is Ignored: In the vast majority of cases, the damp isn’t rising damp at all. It’s a simpler, cheaper-to-fix issue like:
- Condensation (the most common cause)
- Penetrating damp (from a leaking gutter, poor pointing, or a cracked render)
- A plumbing leak
- High external ground levels bridging the existing DPC
You could spend thousands of pounds on an unnecessary chemical DPC, only for the damp to return because the original cause was never fixed.
The Independent Surveyor: A Different Standard
When you pay for an independent survey, you are paying for expertise and impartiality. You are buying a diagnosis, not a product.
As a veteran-owned, independent company, our only goal is to find the truth. We operate to the highest industry benchmarks, including Property Care Association (PCA) standards, which are recognised by mortgage lenders and insurers.
What Does a PCA-Standard Survey Involve?
A professional, independent damp survey is a thorough investigation, not a quick look.
- Holistic Approach: We don’t just look at the damp patch. We inspect the entire building—inside and out—to understand it as a complete system.
- Root Cause Analysis: We check roofing, gutters, drains, ground levels, airbricks, and external wall conditions.
- Accurate Diagnostics: We use a range of tools, including thermal imaging cameras, hygrometers (to measure air humidity), and specialist moisture meters, to accurately diagnose the type of damp.
- A Detailed Report: You won’t get a one-page quote. You receive a comprehensive, written report that clearly explains the cause of the damp, details our findings with photographic evidence, and provides a clear list of recommendations.
Often, our recommendation isn’t a costly chemical injection. It might be as simple as clearing a blocked gutter, repairing a small patch of render, or improving ventilation in a bathroom. This honest advice can save you thousands.
Why Choose The Veteran Survey Company?
We provide expert, independent damp and building surveys across South Wales, including Bridgend, Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, and the surrounding areas.
- Truly Independent: We are not tied to any contractor or remedial company. We don’t sell treatments. Our advice is 100% unbiased.
- Veteran-Owned and Operated: We bring the core values of integrity, diligence, and trust to every survey we conduct. we are proud members of Veteran Owned UK – Supporting Veteran Owned Businesses.
- Qualified and Experienced: Our surveyors are not salespeople; they are experienced professionals who understand building pathology and how houses really work.
- Peace of Mind: Our detailed, PCA-standard reports give you a clear understanding of your property and the confidence to make the right decisions. They are the gold standard required by mortgage lenders.
Don’t gamble with your biggest asset. That “free” damp survey is a false economy that can lead to unnecessary, expensive, and damaging work.
If you have a damp problem in Bridgend, Cardiff, Swansea, or anywhere in South Wales, invest in a real solution. Pay for an expert, independent report that will identify the true cause and save you money in the long run.
Contact The Veteran Survey Company today on 07427 206185 for an honest, independent, and thorough damp survey that puts your interests first.