Forensic, Legal & Insurance Damp Investigations
Independent expertise for disputes, insurance claims, and moisture-related building failures.
Durndell Building Surveyors provide impartial, evidence-based investigations to support insurers, loss adjusters, legal teams, and building owners when moisture or damp-related defects become contentious. We act as independent Chartered Building Surveyors, specialising in damp ingress, condensation failures, latent defects, and construction detailing issues where robust evidence is essential.
When is a Forensic Damp Investigation Required?
- Ongoing insurance claims where liability for water ingress, damp, or mould is disputed.
- Latent defects or new-build warranty claims relating to failed damp-proofing or design detailing.
- Disputes between contractors, developers, or clients over workmanship or compliance with BS 5250 and BS 8102.
- Cases requiring expert validation of existing reports or conflicting damp diagnoses.
Our Forensic Investigation Process
Each investigation follows a clear, defensible methodology designed to stand up to scrutiny by insurers, legal professionals, or warranty providers:
- Non-invasive diagnostic survey to establish moisture distribution and potential ingress points.
- Targeted moisture profiling using calibrated instruments and surface/embedded readings.
- Salts and materials analysis to identify contamination and trace moisture source (groundwater vs. plumbing).
- Thermal imaging and hygrometric assessment to isolate cold bridging, leaks, or interstitial condensation.
- Construction detail review against as-built drawings, manufacturer guidance, and British Standards.
- Independent reporting — clear, factual evidence suitable for warranty, insurance, or litigation purposes.
Deliverables
Our forensic damp reports are concise, structured, and supported by photographic, moisture, and thermal data. Each report includes:
- Root cause diagnosis supported by measured evidence.
- Clear explanation of mechanism (e.g. capillary rise, bridging, design error, or condensation).
- Causation narrative suitable for legal or insurance submission.
- Recommended remedial options proportionate to risk and liability exposure.
Example Case Study
Read our Forensic Damp Investigation – School Extension, Milton Keynes, where defective DPC/DPM detailing and plaster bridging caused widespread rising damp in a new classroom block.
Why Choose Durndell Building Surveyors?
- MRICS-led investigations ensuring professional and defensible findings.
- Fully independent – no commercial bias or remediation sales.
- RICS-regulated, insured, and experienced in expert witness and warranty contexts.
- Serving Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, and Oxfordshire.
Next step:
Contact us to arrange an independent forensic damp investigation or insurance validation survey across Milton Keynes and surrounding areas.
Durndell Building Surveyors – Independent Forensic Damp & Moisture Diagnostics
Impartial expertise for insurers, housing providers, and commercial clients across the South Midlands.