Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of our most frequently asked questions.

If you do not find the Answer you are looking for, please send us your query using our contact form, or simply call us on 01592 323349.

Before the visit the surveyor will usually phone for additional briefing about the problem you have reported. This will determine where the focus of the survey should be.

A full property survey starts with an external binocular aided inspection with particular attention paid to the roof, the rainwater system, the condition of the masonry and the walls at damp course level. Inside the surveyor usually starts with a survey of the roof structure and then works down.
Wherever possible every effort is made not to disturb the property and at this stage there should not be any undue mess.

Fitted carpets will necessarily restrict the survey but will only be lifted if essential for a full diagnosis. Likewise in the case of timber floors it may be necessary to lift some floorboards in order to examine the sub-floor area.

On occasions the full extent of a dry rot infestation, for instance, may not be able to be revealed until remedial work is started and the building fabric opened up. Our surveyor will advise you if this is the case.

With wall tie problems however the survey will entail drilling the masonry to allow an endoscope examination and the removal of sample bricks for a physical examination of suspect ties.

Bell Preservation and Restoration surveyors are experienced and highly trained. Our Head Structural & Building Surveyor has I.S.S.E accreditation, as well as 15 years experience working in the Building Preservation industry.

A surveyor is trained to diagnose damp and timber problems in buildings accurately to ensure that appropriate remedies are recommended without unnecessary use of chemicals and undue expense.

This is particularly important in the case of rising damp where all possible sources of moisture must first be identified. If the problem is not caused by rising damp, you can be confident that Bell Preservation and Restoration will say so.

The survey itself should remain valid for at least 6 months providing there are no changes to the property e.g. other building works. One exception however would be in the case of a dry rot outbreak where any extended delay could result in further damage. The surveyor’s report would make clear the severity of the problem and the urgency of repair.

It goes without saying however that the longer the repairs are deferred, the higher the risk of the damage getting much worse.

Quotations are generally open for acceptance within 30 days – beyond that time, the right is reserved to review it.

Depending on the severity of works needed and length of time i.e. small jobs carried out will be paid when works are completed and large jobs will be intermittent payments. For example 25% at start of works, half way through another 25% then on final completion of works and clients approval with works the final remainder of 50% will be paid followed by the guarantee and report being issued by Bell Preservation and Restoration.

No, any tradesmen which are required Bell Preservation and Restoration can arrange this, you only need to ask.

In some cases yes, but also no if for example the client is elderly or disabled in any way we shall oblige and be as helpful as we can.

Chemicals are only harmful in the wrong hands i.e. unprofessional builders trying to carry out specialists work. Before any works are carried out you will be given a health and safety assessment and warning signs will be issued, but of course in our professional hands there is no danger to humans or animals, but only way they can be harmful to animals is if they are allowed access to the area when we are not present. Basically if we are spraying chemicals there is a 1 hour window after that it is very safe to enter any rooms or attic spaces as all our chemicals are tested and water based and biodegradable.