The homeowner always ends up out of pocket.
Tips for avoiding the 'Dodgy Damp-proofers'
- A free survey may result in an expensive quote, so do not rush into placing an order immediately.
- Never pay a deposit during a survey visit.
- Get a 2nd opininion, either from a chartered building surveyor or from a reputable damp-proofer.
- Members of the British Wood Preserving and Damp-proofing Association (BWPDA) are required to abide by a code of conduct.
- Seek quotes from local reputable traders with reputations to maintain. Only deal with local firms with genuine verifiable telephone numbers and addresses. Beware of companies that only use mobile phone numbers, and accommodation addresses.
- If work does need doing, get at least one more quote for the full cost of the work needed.
- Be extremely wary where a surveyor carries out tests on the outside of a cavity walled property as it should have been built with an effective damp-proof course.
- Remember, damp in a wall may have many causes and it may take an expert to identify the root of the problem.
- Also remember that just because someone offers you a free survey it does NOT mean that they are qualified or even capable of doing one.
- Anyone who signs a contract on the door step following a visit that was not arranged (unsolicited) does have 7 days in which to cancel it. All cancellation rights must be provided in writing to the customer at the time the contract is agreed, (usually on the doorstep). It is an offence not to do so and any contract that is not accompanied by cancellation rights cannot be enforced (penalty on summary conviction, maximum fine £2,500).
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