Damp, Mould & Building Defect
Surveying

Damp, Mould & Defect Surveying, and Remediation Planning

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At EnviroBuilt, we specialise in comprehensive damp, mould & defect surveys designed to identify the indoor environmental issues that put a building and its occupants at risk. Our surveys are designed to uncover the root causes of damp and mould problems, moisture and water ingress, condensation and humidity, structural damage and poor indoor air quality, providing you with the clarity and actionable solutions to create healthier, safer spaces and the confidence to take informed action.

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Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, property manager, or developer, our goal is to give you peace of mind that occupants of your property can enjoy a safe, comfortable, and healthy indoor environment.​​​​​​​​​​
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Our independent surveys go beyond simply identifying visible problems. We define the nature and extent of each issue, investigate its underlying cause and outline the steps required to resolve any issues at their source. In consultation with our clients and based on individual requirements, we recommend the relevant level of reporting. 

 

​Integrated & Informed Surveying Approach

The initial step in the process is to carry out a Preliminary non-invasive Survey.  Our preliminary reports will include;

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Interpreting & Reporting the Results

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Collecting information is only the first step. At EnviroBuilt, we interpret findings within the context of your property’s construction, history, and use. Our report summary provides:

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• A clear diagnosis of the source and type of damp present

• Assessment of the impact on building materials and air quality

• Identification of any visible or hidden mould growth

• Practical, evidence-based recommendations to resolve both symptoms and root causes

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Reports are written in plain language, backed by data, and designed to support decision-making for remediation, maintenance, or further specialist input. They also provide a clear record that can be valuable for home-owners, occupants, landlords and insurers.

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By combining these methods, we deliver a picture of the building ecology within your property and provide targeted, effective recommendations. Where mould is present, the type of mould identified can often distinguish between an acute water event (such as a recent leak) and a chronic, long-term moisture problem. This distinction is critical because it shapes both the remediation strategy and measures required to return the indoor environment to normal mould ecology.

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For this reason, we often encourage air and/or surface sampling as part of the survey. Sampling not only confirms whether mould is present but also provides valuable & objective insight into the history of moisture exposure and the potential health implications for occupants.

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For clients concerned about the potential health impacts of mould exposure, or those working with healthcare or integrative medicine practitioners, we offer enhanced inspection and reporting services and mycotoxin analysis to build a clearer picture of the indoor environment and its potential role in health. Guided by the Indoor Environmental Professionals (IEP) Panel Consensus Statement, we design targeted remediation plans that support a holistic approach to recovery and wellbeing.​​​​​​​​​​​​

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The Broader Context: Damp, Mould, and Health

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Understanding the wider impacts of damp and mould helps put survey findings into perspective. Damp and mould are not just building issues, they are public health concerns. The World Health Organization (2009) and UK Health Security Agency (2022) highlight that exposure to dampness and mould increases the risk of respiratory symptoms, asthma, and infections. Children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions are especially vulnerable.

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Research indicates that between 10% and 50% of buildings worldwide are affected by damp and mould, with higher prevalence in older housing stock or poorly ventilated properties (WHO, 2009). In the UK, government surveys estimate that around 900,000 homes are affected, leading to significant health and economic costs (UK Parliament, 2023).

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The mechanisms of harm are complex. Damp conditions support the growth of mould fungi, bacteria, and dust mites, releasing spores, fragments, and microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) into the air. These can trigger allergic reactions, worsen asthma, and in some cases lead to more serious immune or neurological issues (Mendell et al., 2011; Caillaud et al., 2018).

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Functional and integrative medicine practitioners highlight the impact of ongoing mould exposure on immune, neurological, and respiratory systems. Research has documented associations between mould exposure in water-damaged buildings and neurological changes, including structural brain abnormalities (Shoemaker, House & Ryan, 2010). Recent professional articles and practitioner networks (BANT, 2025; IFM, 2025) emphasise the importance of identifying and eliminating environmental mould exposure as part of restoring patient health. Additionally, survey research from Finland has shown that people living in damp or mould-affected homes report not only respiratory and fatigue-related issues but also gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach ache (Pirhonen et al., 1996).

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Effective surveying is therefore not only about protecting buildings but also about safeguarding occupant wellbeing. By pinpointing sources of damp and mould early, surveys reduce health risks, prevent costly structural damage, and create healthier indoor environments.

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References:

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1. British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT). (2025) Find a Practitioner. Available at: https://bant.org.uk/find-a-practitioner (Accessed: 21 August 2025).

2. Caillaud, D., Leynaert, B., Keirsbulck, M. & Nadif, R. (2018) Indoor mould exposure, asthma and rhinitis: findings from systematic reviews and recent longitudinal studies. European Respiratory Review.

3. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2008) Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings.Washington, DC: U.S. EPA.

4. Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM). (2025) Find a Practitioner. Available at: https://www.ifm.org/find-a-practitioner (Accessed: 21 August 2025).

5. Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). (2024) ANSI/IICRC S520: Standard for Professional Mold Remediation. Las Vegas: IICRC.

6. Mendell, M.J., Mirer, A.G., Cheung, K., Tong, M. & Douwes, J. (2011) Respiratory and allergic health effects of dampness, mold, and dampness-related agents: a review of the epidemiologic evidence. Environmental Health Perspectives, 119(6), pp.748–756.

7. Shoemaker, R.C., House, D.E. & Ryan, J.C. (2010) Structural brain abnormalities in patients with inflammatory illness acquired following exposure to water-damaged buildings: a volumetric MRI study. Neurotoxicology and Teratology, 33(1), pp.1–9.

8. UK Government. (2023) English Housing Survey: Headline Report 2021–22. London: Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

9. UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). (2022) The Burden of Disease from Indoor Damp and Mould in England.London: UKHSA.

10. UK Parliament. (2023) Damp and Mould in Housing: House of Commons Library Research Briefing CBP-9905.London: House of Commons Library.

11. World Health Organization (WHO). (2009) WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mould.Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe.

12. Pirhonen, I., Nevalainen, A., Husman, T. & Pekkanen, J. (1996) ‘Home dampness, moulds and their influence on respiratory infections and symptoms in adults in Finland’, European Respiratory Journal, 9(12), pp. 2618–2622.