Things to know
Damp proofing has a genuine trust problem in the trade. Misdiagnosis, treating rising damp when the real cause is condensation or a leaking gutter, is common enough that customers are often sceptical before you've even started. A clear, separately priced diagnostic survey, ideally with moisture readings noted and explained, is what distinguishes a proper assessment from a quick look followed by a guessed treatment.
Credit the survey fee against the job if the customer proceeds with treatment. This removes the incentive to overstate a problem just to justify the visit, and it's a fair, standard practice that signals you're confident enough in your diagnosis to not need to double-charge for it.
State the guarantee terms in writing, not merely verbally. Damp treatments commonly come with 20-30 year guarantees, but the details, such as what voids it and whether it's insurance-backed, matter more to a cautious customer than the headline number. This is often the deciding factor between two otherwise similar quotes.
Re-plastering after treatment is a separate phase, not part of the same visit. Walls typically need a drying-out period before replastering can begin, sometimes several weeks depending on severity. State this timeline clearly so a customer doesn't expect a fully finished wall the same week the treatment is applied.
Typical damp proofing specialist line items and UK prices
Indicative ranges, excluding VAT. Rates vary by region (London and the South East run higher) and by job size.
| Item | Unit | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Damp survey + written report | per property | £150–£350 |
| Chemical DPC injection | per linear metre | £60–£120 |
| Hack off + replaster (salt-resistant) | per m² | £50–£90 |
| Cavity membrane system (basement/wall) | per m² | £60–£120 |
| Positive input ventilation (PIV) unit | per unit | £500–£900 |
| Extractor fan with humidistat | per fan | £200–£400 |
| Insurance-backed guaranteeUsually arranged through a guarantee provider; check what the provider charges per job. | per job | £50–£150 |
Common damp proofing specialist jobs and how to price them
- Rising damp treatment
- Per linear metre of injection plus replastering, after a survey that rules out other causes.
- Condensation and mould
- Ventilation solutions such as PIV or humidistat fans, priced per unit with advice.
- Penetrating damp
- Repair of the external defect (gutters, pointing, render) before any internal work.
- Basement tanking
- Per m² by system, with sump and pump if needed.
Regulations and certificates to reference
- Property Care Association (PCA) and CSRT — PCA membership and the Certificated Surveyor in Remedial Treatment (CSRT) qualification are the recognised credentials. Name them on the survey and quote.
- Awaab’s Law (social housing) — social landlords in England must investigate and fix damp and mould hazards within set timescales (in force from October 2025). Housing association clients will ask for dated reports.
- Building Regulations Part C — new damp-proof courses and membranes in renovations should meet resistance-to-moisture requirements. Most remedial treatments are not notifiable.
Payment terms damp proofing specialists commonly use
- Survey fee paid upfront, often deductible from the works.
- Works: deposit (20–30%), balance on completion; guarantee issued on full payment.
- Landlords and housing associations: 30 days with photographic report.
Read more: Invoice payment terms explained · Payment methods to offer clients
VAT and CIS for damp proofing specialists
VAT
Damp proofing is standard-rated at 20% once you are VAT-registered.
Construction Industry Scheme (CIS)
Damp-proofing and remedial building work done for a contractor is construction work within CIS.
General guidance, not tax advice — check your position with HMRC or an accountant.
Read more: Do I need to charge VAT on my invoices? · What must an invoice include? (UK legal requirements)
What this template includes
- Diagnosis/survey priced separately, credited if job proceeds
- Treatment method stated (injection, tanking, ventilation)
- Guarantee/warranty terms specified in writing
- Re-plastering noted as a separate follow-on phase
- PDF download or shareable tracked link
Full guide
How to Start a Damp Proofing Business as a Sole Trader
Frequently asked questions
A proper survey with moisture readings, salt analysis and checks of external defects separates rising damp from condensation or leaks. The treatments are completely different. Charging for it, and crediting it against works, signals the diagnosis is independent.
It is often confused with condensation or penetrating damp. Your report should show the evidence that rules those out before recommending a chemical DPC.
Many treatments come with a long manufacturer- or contractor-backed guarantee, sometimes insurance-backed. State the length, the scope and the conditions on the quote.
Social landlords in England must act on damp and mould within set timescales, so they need dated, clear reports. Make sure yours show the date found, the cause and the recommended action.
A proper survey with moisture readings, not just a visual look, is the only reliable way — condensation and leaking gutters are commonly mistaken for rising damp. This should be a distinct, priced diagnostic step.
Most specialists credit the survey fee against the treatment cost if you proceed — check this is stated on the quote.
No — walls typically need several weeks to dry out before re-plastering. This should be stated as a separate follow-on phase, not part of the same visit.
More free templates
All templates- QuoteInsulation InstallerA professional quote template for insulation installers. Itemise the pre-installation survey, ventilation notes, and grant eligibility — download a branded PDF in under a minute.
- QuoteWelder / Metal FabricatorA professional quote template for welders and metal fabricators. Itemise material costs, workshop vs on-site labour — download a branded PDF in under a minute.
- QuoteCCTV & Security InstallerA professional quote template for CCTV and security system installers. Itemise wired vs wireless setup, monitoring, and coverage — download a branded PDF in under a minute.
Send your first quote today
Free plan stays free forever. No credit card. Branded PDFs in 60 seconds.
Start free