Things to remember relating to damp when purchasing a basement flat in London

Property in London is much sought after, with high demand making finding the perfect property a tough ask. There are things like the neighbourhood, safety, and security to assess so that living there is enjoyable without cause for concern. Basement flats are extremely popular as they often provide a separate entrance and increased privacy. However, with their charm and often extended spaces, they also provide a unique set of challenges.

Many of the buildings that contain basements are older and have spent many years withstanding the high-water table that the Thames brings. Global warming is another issue to consider, not least because London, like much of the southeast, is built on clay, which holds water. This provides lots of moisture that can penetrate walls and basements, leading to cracks requiring fixing basement damp. Here are things to be aware of when becoming the owner of a basement flat in London.

• The previous owners may have neglected the importance of waterproofing, which needs to be corrected. The older properties often lack basement tanking or membranes, which offer protection against damp. The costs prove to be well worth the money, especially when getting in touch with us at London Damp Proofing, as we provide transparent pricing and long-term guarantees on the work that we undertake, providing protection against water ingress.
• The mass population of London and the lack of space around many properties leads to other issues which must be considered, such as faulty drains or gutters, and their occasional blockage. This can cause problems when the water collected in them has no means of escape, leading to local flooding. The water must go somewhere, and sometimes it seeps into basements and foundations, which means calling us for an inspection is never a bad idea.
• The prolonged wet periods, which seem to be increasing all the time, can also pose issues to those who own a basement flat. Anyone in this situation can type the phrase Basement waterproofing London into their search engine and is likely to be guided towards London Damp Proofing so that we can ensure weak points in the foundations are strengthened.
• Ventilation and its importance can often be overlooked. Many basements don’t start as living accommodation, having originally been for storage in a big family home. Once showers and kitchens are added, the humidity increases, which can lead to excessive moisture and condensation, which will end in issues relating to damp that require repairs.
• One of the consequences of poor ventilation will require inputting the phrase mould survey London into their device so that we can ascertain the problems and deliver the right solution. Historical problems through poor conversions are another potential issue that those buying a basement flat need to investigate, through the free home assessment that we provide, as it might reveal hidden weaknesses.

There are many attractions attached to owning a basement flat in London, as well as plenty to consider before buying, with a call to 0208 226 6330 for expert advice being a smart idea.