Damp in House Who to Call? A Full UK Homeowner’s Guide

Spotting damp in your home can be unsettling. It’s not just about an odd patch on the wall or a musty smell. Damp can signal deeper problems hiding behind your plaster or under your floors. That’s why many UK homeowners end up asking the same question: “Damp in house, who to call?”

Do you ring a builder, a damp proofing specialist, or even your insurer? The answer depends on the type of damp, its severity, and whether it’s related to plumbing, ventilation, or structural issues.

If you’re not sure what you’re dealing with, this guide will walk you through the questions most UK homeowners ask about damp: how to check for damp, what makes damp serious, and—most importantly—who you should call to fix it.

But first, make sure to read our other article on damp proofing advice for homeowners for more insights on how to manage damp in your UK home.

How Do I Check if I Have Damp?

The first step in answering “damp in house who to call” is confirming that you have damp. It’s not always obvious—sometimes the signs creep in over the years before they’re noticed.

Here are the general signs of damp to look for:

• Visual clues – bubbling paint, peeling wallpaper, black mould patches, brown tide marks creeping up walls.
• Smell – a musty, earthy odour that doesn’t shift even with fresh air.
• Touch – a wall that feels colder or damper than others in the same room.
• Furniture clues – wardrobes that smell musty, clothes feeling damp to the touch, and condensation on windows.

Specifically, here’s how to tell if there is damp in the walls:

• Check paint or plaster. If it’s flaking or crumbling, moisture has likely penetrated.
• Press gently—soft patches mean plaster has lost integrity.

Additionally, here’s how to tell if there is damp under a house:

• Crawl spaces or suspended timber floors often smell musty first.
• Timber joists may exhibit signs of woodworm infestation or fungal growth.
• Rising damp leaves clear tide marks, usually up to 1 metre high.

How Serious is Damp in a House?

Damp is never just cosmetic. It can damage your home and affect your health if left untreated.

• Structural damage: Weakens plaster, causes paint to peel, and rots timbers.
• Health risks: Creates the perfect environment for mould, which can trigger asthma, allergies, and breathing problems.
• Rising costs: The longer the damp is ignored, the more expensive the repairs become.

So when you’re wondering “damp in house, who to call?” remember what’s at risk:

• Your health
• Your home’s structure
• Your property value

All three will suffer if damp isn’t dealt with quickly.

How Do You Know if Damp is Serious?

The severity of damp depends on how far it has spread and whether it’s starting to damage the structure. A house with damp often feels oppressive — the air is heavy, rooms take longer to heat, and breathing can feel harder than normal. Curtains, clothes, and bedding may even feel clammy despite being dry to the touch.

Clear signs that damp has become serious include:

• Mould returning quickly after cleaning.
• Sagging plaster or warped skirting boards.
• Persistent chest or breathing problems among residents.
• Visible rot in timber beams or flooring.

How Do Surveyors Check for Damp?

Surveyors use proper tools rather than guesswork:

• Moisture meters – detect how deep damp has penetrated.
• Thermal imaging cameras – highlight cold spots and hidden leaks.
• Salt analysis – tells the difference between groundwater salts (rising damp) and rainwater salts (penetrating damp).

If you’re buying or selling, mortgage lenders often require a damp check. This is where many homeowners first stumble upon the question: “damp in house who to call before committing?” The answer is: book an independent damp surveyor. They aren’t tied to selling treatments, so their advice is unbiased.

What to Do if You Find Damp in Your House?

1. Confirm the type of damp – is it condensation, penetrating damp, or rising damp?
2. Take immediate steps – ventilate rooms, run extractor fans, and use a dehumidifier if needed.
3. Stop temporary damage – wipe away condensation, move furniture away from damp walls, protect fabrics.
4. Book a survey – if unsure who to call for damp in the house, start with a damp surveyor. They can point you toward the right trade (plumber, roofer, or damp proofer).

What Happens if Damp is Left Untreated?

Leaving damp unchecked is risky. Over time, it can:

• Rot structural timbers and floor joists
• Crumble plaster and mortar joints
• Trigger black mould growth (toxic spores in some cases)
• Lower property value and stall sales
• Lead to health problems like asthma and chronic coughs

When considering damp in house who to call, the worst mistake is delaying.

Can You Get a Free Damp Survey?

Yes. Many UK damp proofing companies offer free surveys. But there’s a catch: these are often used as sales tools to recommend expensive treatments.

If you want an unbiased report, consider paying for an independent surveyor. They don’t profit from selling damp treatments, so their advice is evidence-based.

For peace of mind, especially in older homes, ask yourself: “damp in house who to call for honest advice?” The answer is often: an independent damp survey first, then a specialist contractor if needed.

Helpful guide to get you started: How Do I Choose a Damp Surveyor?

Final Word

Damp is one of those problems that’s easy to ignore but costly to leave. If you’re staring at a suspicious wall patch or sniffing that musty smell again, the real question isn’t if you should act—it’s “damp in house who to call first?”

Start with a damp survey. From there, you’ll know whether you need a plumber, roofer, or damp proofing company. Acting early protects your health, your home, and your wallet.

Still worried about damp in house who to call? Contact our team at Damphub today. We’ll give you the right information, explain your options clearly, and point you towards the right professional help — without the sales pitch.

Damp in House Who to Call? Answering the Most Common Questions