Damp and mould surveys
A damp and mould survey is an inspection to find out where moisture is coming from and what it would take to stop it. It's the step that saves you paying for the wrong fix, and the written report is useful evidence for landlords, buyers and sellers.
Nobody at Mould and Damp surveys homes. Your enquiry goes to one independent specialist near you, and asking costs nothing.
When a survey is worth it
- You can't tell whether it's condensation, rain getting in or rising damp.
- A firm has recommended an expensive treatment and you'd like a second opinion.
- You're buying, and the mortgage valuation flagged damp.
- A tenant has told you, as their landlord, about damp or mould.
- Mould keeps returning after cleaning, or you've had a leak and want to know the wall has dried.
What a good survey includes
- A walk round the outside: gutters, downpipes, pointing, render, ground levels, air bricks, the roof where it can be seen.
- Moisture readings inside, with the surveyor explaining what they mean. Meters are a guide; salts and some materials give false highs.
- A check on ventilation: extractor fans, trickle vents, how the home is heated and used.
- Sometimes a thermal camera to show cold spots, or a sample of plaster or brick dust tested for actual moisture content.
- A written report that says what the cause is, how sure they are, and what they recommend, in order of priority.
What to ask for in the report
Photos of each problem area, a plan or description showing where readings were taken, the likely cause, and a clear split between what fixes the cause and what's cosmetic. If treatment is recommended, ask why the cheaper explanations were ruled out.
What it usually costs
| Job | Typical range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Flat | £150–£200 | MyBuilder |
| Terraced house | £180–£250 | MyBuilder |
| Semi-detached house | £200–£300 | MyBuilder |
| Detached house | £250–£350 | MyBuilder |
| Damp survey, overall range | £100–£600 | Checkatrade |
| Mould inspection | £50–£300 | Checkatrade |
Sources: MyBuilder damp survey cost guide (updated 21 August 2026), which puts surveys at £150–£500 overall; Checkatrade damp proofing cost guide (last updated June 2026); and Checkatrade mould removal cost guide (last updated June 2026).
Price depends on the size of the property, how far the surveyor travels, whether they use a thermal camera or take samples, and how detailed the written report is.
Facts, dates and prices on this page were last checked on 29 October 2026.
Common questions
Is a damp survey free?
Some damp-proofing firms survey for free and make their money on the treatment they recommend. That isn't always a problem, but it's worth knowing. An independent survey you pay for has no treatment to sell you.
What qualifications should a damp surveyor have?
Look for a specialist who can explain their experience with your type of building. Some hold one of the damp surveying qualifications from the Property Care Association, the trade body for damp and timber specialists, and some chartered building surveyors specialise in damp. Ask before you book.
How long does a survey take?
For a typical house, a visit of an hour or two, with the written report following a few days later. Bigger or more complicated buildings take longer.
My mortgage valuation mentions damp. Is that a damp survey?
No. A valuer may take a quick meter reading and recommend a specialist report. That recommendation is what a damp survey answers.
Do landlords need a survey before fixing damp?
There's no rule that says a survey must come first, but an investigation by someone competent is the starting point the law expects of social landlords under Awaab's Law, and it's good practice for any landlord. A written report is also useful evidence. See the landlords' page.
Ask for a local damp and mould specialist
Free to use, no obligation, and your details go to one local specialist, not a list.
We're a matching service, not the firm that does the work. The specialist contacts you, looks at the problem and quotes you directly. Whether you go ahead is up to you.