Independent Damp Surveyor for London and Surrey
A damp surveyor who does not sell damp proofing. Measured findings, a plain-English report and a repair scope any contractor can price.
Search for a damp surveyor and most of the results are damp-proofing contractors offering a free survey. The survey is free because the business model is the treatment that follows. DML works the other way round. Our damp surveyors and engineers are paid for the survey and the report; remedial work is quoted separately by our team or any contractor you choose. That is the difference between an independent damp survey and a sales visit.
What an independent damp survey involves
- Listening first: what you have seen, when it appears and what has already been tried
- Visual inspection inside and out, including ground levels, drainage, render, pointing, roofs and gutters
- Moisture profiling with calibrated meters at multiple points and heights
- Thermal imaging where appropriate to map wet areas and cold bridges
- Humidity, temperature and dew-point readings where condensation is suspected
- Salts analysis where rising damp needs confirming
- Leak checks where pipework or drains could be the real source
- A written report with photographs, readings, diagnosis and a repair scope
When to instruct a damp surveyor
- Buying a property where the survey or valuation mentions damp (see damp and timber reports)
- Recurring mould or staining that cleaning and redecorating have not solved
- A tenant complaint, council notice or Awaab’s Law investigation
- A dispute with a freeholder, neighbour or managing agent over the cause
- A quote for damp proofing that you want checked before you spend the money
Our surveyors and how we describe them
DML’s surveys are carried out by our own engineers and surveyors with practical experience of leak detection, building defects and damp diagnosis. If your lender, insurer or solicitor requires a specific professional membership or qualification for the report author, tell us when you enquire and we will say plainly whether we can meet it. We would rather be straight with you than be caught out later.
We investigate across Greater London and Surrey. See areas we cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a damp survey free?
Not from DML. A free survey is paid for by the treatment that gets sold afterwards. Our survey is quoted in advance and the report is the product.
What qualifications does a damp surveyor need?
There is no legal requirement. Some lenders ask for particular memberships for retention reports. Ask us about your requirement and we will confirm whether we can meet it before you book.
Will you check a damp-proofing quote I have already received?
Yes. This is one of the most useful things an independent survey does. We tell you whether the diagnosis is right and whether the proposed works are needed.
How long does the survey take?
Typically one to three hours on site depending on property size and access, with the written report following the visit; ask about report timing when you book.
Do you do the repairs?
No. DML surveys and reports. Repairs are quoted separately by our team or any contractor you choose.
Related services
Book an independent damp survey
Evidence-led damp surveys across London and Surrey, with no treatment to sell.
Damp guides by problem
- Rising damp
- Penetrating damp
- Condensation and mould
- Chimney breast damp
- Sub-floor damp and rotten joists
- Basement and cellar damp
- Pre-purchase and homebuyer damp surveys
- Damp and timber reports for lenders
- Housing disrepair and mould reports
- How we investigate: meters, tests and limits
Related reading: Signs of rising damp and what a survey checks · Rising damp treatment: what to expect from start to finish
Last reviewed: 27 October 2026. Independent investigation and written reports. Repairs are quoted separately.