Timber
and Damp Surveys in France
Pre-purchase
timber and damp surveys are common practise in the UK. However, this is
not the case for the French property market. Problems with woodworm,
termites, wet-rot, dry-rot and dampness can often remain hidden and can
cause widespread damage to buildings that is expensive to repair. It
would therefore be wise to seek independent expert advice on these
issues in order to be fully aware of the condition of a French property,
before signing a compromis de vente or promesse de vente,
which are legally binding agreements.
There
are few timber and damp experts in France, and buyers are often unable
to find a local expert, particularly one who provides a report in
English. Property agents will inform you of all the positive aspects of
a purchase, but buyers should remember that agents act on behalf of the
seller. Local builders (artisans) may provide a quote for repair works,
but their advice cannot be taken as expert or independent.
Checkwood
are UK-based specialist timber and damp surveyors, providing independent
pre-purchase surveys for UK buyers of French property, with reports in
English. This allows buyers to be aware of any problems and the extent
of any repairs needed, or gives them assurances that problems are minor
or absent, before proceeding with a purchase.
The
Survey
Checkwood’s experts carry out a close inspection of all structural
timbers in the property, such as roof timbers or floor timbers, for
woodworm, wet-rot, dry-rot and termites. The inspection involves visual
examination, hammer sounding, probing, fibre-optic examination (for
instance behind panelling), moisture measurement, and decay detection
drilling of timbers where required. A survey for dampness such as rising
or penetrating damp is also carried out. Following the survey a report
is issued, in English, highlighting any timber or damp problems and
giving recommendations for repairs.
Timescale
Checkwood can usually attend the property within three days of
instruction, and provide telephone briefings to clients on the day of
the survey. This allows buyers to act quickly when required. Full
written reports follow within two working days.
Locations
Checkwood predominantly operate in the north-west regions of France,
including Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Picardie, Haute Normandy, Basse-Normandy
and Brittany, but can provide surveys for property anywhere in France if
requested.
Costs
The consequences of proceeding with a property purchase in France
without a timber and damp survey could be horrendous, and involve
significant expense and inconvenience. You would not proceed with such a
purchase in the UK without a survey, so can you afford not to have one
on your home in France? Typically, Checkwood experts will travel from
the UK to and from the property in France, carry out the survey, and
issue the report for around the same cost as a structural pre-purchase
survey on a UK property. This represents excellent value for money, and
is an extremely cost-effective way for buyers to ensure that purchasing
their dream home in France does not turn into a nightmare.
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