What is a timber survey?

A timber survey is an inspection by a professional surveyor on the condition of both decorative and structural timber within a building. It will look at issues such as fungal decay, woodworm infestations or structural concerns that may affect the structural integrity, stability or durability of timber.

If you're concerned about timber problems in your property, arranging a comprehensive timber survey will mean you get a professional surveyor to inspect the issue, and provide a comprehensive report detailing their findings with recommendations.

A thorough survey is essential when identifying issues as sometimes they can be more complex than meets the eye, and a correct diagnosis using specialist tools and equipment  will make sure nothing is missed.

Timber issues are often caused by damp, which means it's important to spend time to fully inspect both the exterior and interior for any sources of moisture that could be causing the problem.

All findings will be detailed in a damp and timber report compiled by the qualified surveyor, along with any recommendations for work, if necessary.

Peter Cox have been in the property preservation industry since 1951, and we pride ourselves on our quality damp and timber surveys carried out by qualified and experienced surveyors.

Our surveyors are typically CSTDB (Certificated Surveyor of Timber & Dampness in Buildings) or CSRT (Certified Surveyor in Remedial Treatments) qualified, and our methods for surveying are endorsed by a wide array of trade bodies.

This means you can have complete confidence in the expertise of the surveyor visiting your property.

When you book a timber survey, our surveyor will arrive at the premises at the agreed time.

The surveyor will begin with an inspection on the exterior of the property to identify any sources of moisture ingress that could be causing timber issues inside the property. This could include damaged brickwork, broken roof tiles, blocked or damaged guttering or any high ground levels that can allow moisture to enter the fabric of the building.

Internally the surveyor will take time to inspect timber, confirming whether or not there is evidence of fungal decay or active woodworm infestations. Structural timber will be inspected and the findings will be detailed in a report underlying causes to any apparent damp and timber problems. 

Where necessary the report will contain diagrams and images to support these observations. The report will describe the scale and scope of the preservation and restoration issues in the property, along with a proposed treatment plan to rectify them, if necessary.

No matter how simple or complicated the solution may be, we will provide you with a record of how to address the issue.

Typically timber treatments are backed by a 20 year guarantee to give you peace of mind.

A woodworm survey is an inspection carried out by a qualified surveyor to detect any signs of an active woodworm infestation in timber. They will look for visible indicators such as exit holes, frass (wood dust), weakened wood, and live larvae or beetles.These findings can be used to identify whether the infestation is active, the species involved, the extent of the damage.

Our surveyors will always conduct a full and comprehensive woodworm survey before advising on any woodworm treatment. Upon arriving at your property our woodworm specialist will:

• Carry out a thorough inspection to assess the extent of any problem and the species of woodworm involved.
• Determine if the infestation is active, and if it actually requires treatment.
• Confirm the extent of repair needed and/or timber replacement required and any incidental treatment required for the remaining infected areas.
• Check for associated problems such as wet rot, dry rot or damp and if any timbers need replacing.

You will then be provided with a detailed survey report that will outline all observations and treatment recommendations made by the surveyor.

If our team of fully trained technicians are required to conduct any follow up work then the report will explain the cost and timeframe involved.

A dry rot survey is a detailed inspection carried out to detect and assess the presence of dry rot (Serpula lacrymans) in a property. They will check for the telltale signs including cracked timber, musty smells, fruiting bodies and fungal strands.

They will take the time to fully investigate the extent of the problem, the source of the moisture feeding the fungal decay, and provide detailed recommendations for any treatments necessary. If left, or undiscovered, dry rot can spread and cause significant damage to both structural and decorative timber.

When you suspect a dry rot problem, and book a timber survey with Peter Cox, our local and qualified surveyor will arrive at your premises at the agreed time and date.

Upon arriving at your property, our surveyor will:

• Investigate for sources of moisture that may have caused the dry rot. Dry rot requires moisture to germinate and grow, so identifying and addressing the cause is paramount. Removal of the source of moisture is key to prevent the problem from returning.
• Meticulously check for any other affected areas so no dry rot is missed. Dry rot can spread behind plaster and within concealed voids, making a thorough inspection essential.
• Keep an eye out for any related timber conditions (such as wet rot or woodworm) that might also be present.
• All findings will be detailed in the survey report, along with any recommendations, where necessary.

Get in touch and we will arrange a suitable time for one of our qualified surveyors to visit your property and begin the process of diagnosing your dry rot problem.

A wet rot survey is a professional inspection that identifies the presence and extent of timber decay caused by excessive moisture. Unlike dry rot, wet rot is usually confined to the source of the damp and will not spread looking for more timber to attack. A surveyor will confirm the type of fungal decay, and detail all their findings in the damp and timber report.

Upon arrival, our surveyors will:

• Investigate the extent of the wet rot issue and identify the specific type of wet rot present.
• Determine the cause of wet rot, which is often moisture ingress from problems such as leaks, damp or defective plumbing. It is key to remove the source of moisture to prevent the problem from returning.
• Look for any other affected areas or areas that could pose a risk of wet rot in the future, such as bridged damp proof courses.
• Recommend the best course of action for wet rot treatment, which involves addressing the moisture source and replacing or treating affected timbers if necessary.

To arrange a wet rot survey with one of our highly qualified surveyors, contact your local Peter Cox branch office to speak to one of our experts or click the button below to book a survey online.

Whether its a woodworm infestation or fungal decay, our damp and timber surveys carried out by qualified and experienced professionals will investigate the problem and provide you with an answer and a long term solution.

With branches throughout the UK, we perform commercial damp and timber surveys and work with social housing clients on large scale projects across the country, meaning no matter the type of property, we can provide you with professional expertise and advice.

We are a Which? Trusted Trader member and are rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot with over 2,500 independent customer reviews.

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  Is it okay to buy a house with woodworm?

  Yes it is okay to buy a house with woodworm, as long as the issue has been identified and confirmed as no longer active. If your pre-purchase survey has picked up an active woodworm problem you may need treatment to prevent the problem from getting worse and damaging structural timber. It is important to factor in the treatment costs before proceeding with the purchase.

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  How much does a timber survey cost?

  Many homeowners are concerned about fungal decay and woodworm, and a timber survey requires a thorough inspection by a trained professional and which can take time. They are not just quoting for repairs, but fully investigating the source of moisture and the extent of the damage to timber.
  
  The cost of the survey may vary depending on the size and type of property, as much larger properties, such as a commercial property, may take longer than a small terraced property.

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  Who pays for a damp and timber report?

  In most cases, the buyer will pay for a damp and timber report to be carried out, which allows for them to have an independent view of the problem.

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  How long does a woodworm survey take?

  A typical timber survey for woodworm lasts between 1 to 2 hours, but this will depend on the size and condition of the property. Larger buildings will require longer to inspect.

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  What is a rot report?

  A rot report is the findings from a surveyor who has carried out a damp and timber survey of a property with a fungal decay problem. The professional inspection will identify the type of rot and the extent of timber decay caused by excessive moisture.

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  Should a survey pick up woodworm?

  If you have a homebuyers report, a building survey or a damp and timber survey they should pick up on signs of woodworm, if they are visible and accessible. However, if the surveyor suspects woodworm but can’t fully investigate, they may suggest a further inspection in hidden or hard-to-reach areas such as sub floor voids and behind panelling.

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  What are the first signs of woodworm?

  The first signs of woodworm are tiny exit holes with fine wood dust, known as frass, nearby or below the timber. If you spot small beetles on window sills this may also indicate a woodworm problem.  These signs will suggest that the infestation is active and you may need a woodworm treatment to prevent structural damage.

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  Does woodworm ever go away?

  Woodworm may not go away on its own, as the larvae can continue feeding inside wood or timber for years, depending on the lifecycle of the type of species. The only way to eliminate an active infestation and protect your property long term is a professional treatment backed by a long term guarantee.

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  Can I ignore woodworm?

  This is not advisable as even if the infestation is minor, over time the larvae can continue eating the timber, weakening structural elements such as floor boards, beams and joists. The problem may get worse and you could require costly repairs to structural timber.