top of page
Tree Trunk Texture

Wet Rot Timber Decay 
SURVEY SPECIALISTS

Identify and Repair Wet Rot Before It's Too Late

Wet rot is a serious issue that can silently compromise the structural integrity of your property. At AMS Surveys, our chartered building surveyors in Liverpool specialise in diagnosing wet rot, identifying the root cause, and providing clear, actionable advice to resolve the issue.

Whether you're a homeowner, landlord, housing association or managing commercial buildings, we provide expert timber condition surveys, tailored reports, and cost-effective repair strategies.

​

We offer comprehensive independent damp and timber surveys across North Wales, Cheshire, Lancashire, Liverpool, Manchester and the surrounding area to gather the facts and give you the knowledge you need to resolve your wet and dry problems.

EXCELLENT WORDS FROM OUR HAPPY CLIENTS

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

HOW TO IDENTIFY WET ROT?

Wet rot can be difficult to identify as it is often present in dark, poorly ventilated, non-visible areas such as cellars, lofts, roofs, under floorboards, window and door frames, and under stairs. Wet rot can be identified through the following features:

​

  • Dark brown staining on the timber.

  • Splitting or longitudinal cracking along the grain of the timber.

  • A damp, musty smell.

  • Timber that is damp to the touch.

  • Localised fungus growing on the timber.

  • The affected area is darker in colour than the surrounding timber.

  • The timber has a soft, spongy feel.

  • The timber caves in easily when prodded with a screwdriver.

  • The timber crumbles and cracks when dry.

Wet Rot
Walkway Corridor Modern Architecture Abstract

SPECIALIST TIMBER INSPECTIONS BY QUALIFIED SURVEYORS

Our wet rot surveys are carried out by RICS-accredited building surveyors who use professional equipment such as:

  • Moisture meters to detect elevated timber moisture content

  • Calcium carbide testing for accurate damp source identification

  • Borescope or intrusive inspection tools, where needed, to inspect behind finishes

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE TIMBER SURVEY?

Dry Rot

✔ Full visual and moisture mapping of affected areas
✔ Assessment of timber strength and condition
✔ Identification of moisture sources (roof leaks, damp walls, plumbing)
✔ Tailored recommendations and repair specifications
✔ Indicative repair costs to aid budgeting or negotiation
✔ 5-star customer service and follow-up support

FIXING THE PROBLEM AT SOURCE

Our surveys don’t just tell you the timber is decayed — we tell you why, and what to do about it. We provide advice on:

​​​

  • Improved ventilation and airflow

  • Damp-proofing and rainwater goods maintenance

  • Replacement vs. resin repair of affected timbers

  • Future-proofing your property against recurrence

​

We can also recommend vetted contractors to carry out the work if needed or provide contract administration to oversee the repairs as part of a wider project.

TIMBER DECAY EXPERTS WITH A PROVEN TRACK RECORD

  • RICS Chartered Surveyors with heritage and residential expertise

​

  • Independent advice – we don’t sell damp-proofing treatments

​

  • Rapid report turnaround and responsive service

​

  • Local knowledge across Liverpool, Merseyside, and the North West

​

  • Trusted by homeowners, housing associations, and legal practices

AREAS COVERED

We operate throughout Liverpool, Wirral, Sefton, Cheshire, and across the North West. Contact us to check availability in your area.

Wood
Cracked Mud

REGULATED AND PARTNERED WITH

Mold on the walls and baseboard trim in the basement of a home from water leaking. This co

THE SPECIALIST TEAM FOR COMPLEX SURVEYING

Promote the future health of your home or commercial property. Arrange a damp and timber survey with AMS SURVEYS.

Thanks for submitting!

  • What is a Level 3 Survey?
    A level 3 survey is more thorough and detailed than than a Level 2 and will address matters such as the materials used for each part of the building, defects and remedial options as well as issues related to the future maintenance of the property.
  • How much does a Level 3 survey cost UK?
    A Level 3 Home Survey, sometimes called a Building Survey, costs £800 on average, though it can be as cheap as £600 and as expensive as £1,200. A Building Survey is the most comprehensive of all the survey types.
  • Is a RICS Level 3 worth it?
    Level 3 (Building or Structural Survey) This type of survey is more in-depth than a Level 2. It's also the best option for unusual or older properties, those that have undergone significant alterations. This type of RICS survey will cover: The property's overall condition in detail, including both major and minor defects.
  • Does a level 3 survey check for damp?
    The surveyor uses equipment such as a damp meter, binoculars and torch, and uses a ladder for flat roofs and for hatches no more than 3m above level ground (outside) or floor surfaces (inside) if it is safe to do so. So yes, the property is checked for signs or evidence of damp, however this may recommend a Damp and Timber Survey whereby chemical testing and analysis may be required.
  • How long does a Level 3 survey take to complete?
    The RICS Home Survey Level 3, also known as a full structural survey and previously as a RICS Building Survey, is the most thorough survey RICS offers. It can take around 2-4 at the property, maybe more depending on the size, type and condition for the surveyor to complete a Building Survey. It then takes several hours more to produce and write the report.
  • Is a Level 3 survey structural?
    The RICS Home Survey Level 3 has often been previously referred to as a “full structural survey” or “building survey”. The report can be on an RICS Home Survey Level 3 template or can be to the surveyor's bespoke design. Level 3 reports are conducted by Building Surveyors. Whilst the structure is reported upon, it does not necessarily provide a detailed investigation of structural issues such as subsidence or cracking which usually requires intrusive investigation. In which case you may need a Structural Inspection.
  • What areas does AMS SURVEYS cover?
    We cover: Cheshire, Lancashire, Liverpool and Manchester and everywhere in between.
  • What are the red flags on a house survey?
    Property surveyors can identify issues that may impact a buyer's decision to continue with the purchase. These red flags could include structural damage, unapproved extensions, damp or subsidence. Ultimately it depends on the cost of those repairs and whether you are able to negotiate the purchase price or willing to accept risk and the cost of those repairs.
bottom of page