A damp survey in the UK typically costs between £100 and £600 depending on the property, the provider, and the level of detail needed. The price varies wildly — and most providers won't even tell you their rate until you've booked a visit. Here's a straight answer.
Typical UK damp survey costs
| Survey type | Typical cost | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free "quote" visit | £0 (but...) | Sales call from a remediation company. No written report. Expect a quote for treatment within 48 hours. |
| Basic visual inspection | £75–£150 | Walk-round with moisture meter. Verbal or short written summary. |
| Residential mould survey | £100–£200 | Focused mould assessment with cause identification and written report. |
| Comprehensive damp & mould report | £200–£400 | Full HHSRS-compliant report with thermal imaging, moisture mapping, remediation plan. |
| PCA-certified forensic report | £400–£600+ | Expert witness quality. Often used for legal disputes or large commercial properties. |
Why "free" surveys aren't free
Many damp proofing companies advertise "free damp surveys". What they mean is: a salesperson will visit, then try to sell you £2,000–£10,000 of remediation work. The survey isn't independent, and you won't get an impartial written report you can use for insurance, courts, or HHSRS compliance.
If you actually have damp, you need an independent survey — one where the surveyor has no financial interest in prescribing remediation work.
What should a damp survey actually cost?
For a typical UK residential property (2–4 bedrooms), you should expect to pay around £200–£300 for a thorough independent damp and mould survey with a proper written report. Anything significantly cheaper usually means:
- • No thermal imaging
- • No air quality assessment
- • Short report without HHSRS rating
- • Tied to a remediation upsell
Our Lincolnshire pricing
At The Damp & Mould Man, we publish our pricing upfront — no site visit fees, no surprises:
Residential Mould Survey
£100 +VAT
Focused mould assessment with written summary and remediation advice.
Comprehensive Report
£250 +VAT
Full HHSRS-compliant report with thermal imaging, moisture mapping, and compliance documentation.
What affects the price?
- Property size: larger properties take longer to inspect. 4+ bed properties may attract a surcharge.
- Level of documentation needed: HHSRS-compliant reports for councils, ombudsman, or legal use cost more than homeowner summaries.
- Equipment used: thermal imaging, air quality meters, and moisture mapping add cost but improve diagnosis accuracy.
- Turnaround time: 24-hour urgent reports cost more than standard 48-hour turnaround.
- Surveyor qualification: PCA-certified surveyors typically charge more than uncertified inspectors.
- Location: travel time and fuel costs can affect pricing for remote properties.
Is a damp survey worth the money?
A £250 survey is the cheapest decision you'll make if damp is real. Getting the diagnosis right avoids:
- • Wasted thousands on the wrong treatment (e.g. chemical DPC when the real issue is a leaking gutter)
- • Legal liability under HHSRS and Awaab's Law
- • Structural damage spreading while the symptoms are painted over
- • Failed mortgage applications on properties with undiagnosed damp
How to choose a damp surveyor
- Ask for the price upfront. If they won't quote without visiting, find one who will.
- Ask if they carry out remediation work. Independent-only surveyors are arguably more impartial, but integrated providers (like us, via LWR Group) give you one point of contact for the whole problem.
- Check certifications. PCA (Property Care Association) membership, FODSC, or CIOB membership add weight to reports.
- Ask what's included. Does the quoted price include thermal imaging? HHSRS rating? Written report? Or is that extra?
- Ask about their guarantee. What happens if they miss something?
