Homebuyer Damp Checklist
Twenty-four checks that turn a nervous viewing into a systematic inspection — exterior, interior, paperwork and the professional steps that protect the purchase. Tick as you go; print for the viewing.
What should I check for damp when viewing a house? Work four fronts: outside (ground levels against the DPC, clear airbricks, rainwater goods, pointing and render, sills and flashings), inside (skirting-level tide marks, mould patterns on cold spots, fresh-paint patches, musty smells, ventilation provision), paperwork (damp guarantees, basement waterproofing documents, works history), and professional steps (RICS survey, then a £300–£500 specialist damp survey on its flags, before exchange). This interactive version tracks your progress and prints cleanly for the viewing itself; the full method is in the Homebuyer's Guide to Damp.
Use the checklist
Tick items as you check them — progress saves in your browser on this device. Use the Print button for a clean paper version to take to viewings.
Outside the property
Inside the property
Paperwork to request
Professional steps before exchange
Related services and guides
Damp Surveys
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View the serviceHomebuyer Damp Checklist FAQs
The exterior and interior sections take 15–20 unhurried minutes — entirely feasible at a second viewing, and the print version keeps you systematic under estate-agent pressure. Paperwork and professional steps run through conveyancing.
On this device and browser, yes (it stores locally, never sent anywhere). Different device or cleared browsing data starts fresh — print a copy for anything you need to keep.
Missing guarantees and undocumented basements aren't automatically deal-breakers — they're unpriced risks, which the specialist survey converts to numbers for negotiation. Obstruction of the survey itself is the genuine red flag.
No: 'dampness noted, further investigation recommended' appears on most North London period-stock reports. The specialist survey converts it into mechanism and cost — frequently into 'minor' — and the Homebuyer's Guide covers the negotiation from there.
Want a professional answer, not just an estimate?
Call today or book a survey — the right independent qualified specialist, matched to your property.