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I need to get a few walls in my house damp proofed - I've had two quotes so far - one is twice the price of the other - but much more comprehensive and I feel more confident would be the better overall result - anyone out there have experience of damp proofing and the best route to take? Both come with 20 - 30 year gurantees.
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130I've had damp proofing. One was with Kenwood, and it was very good. One was done by the previous owner but I had the guarantee, they were useless. Seeing as you get the guarantee however, I'd be tempted to go with the cheaper one.
Or get another quote and see which end it falls at - if it's nearer the comprehensive one, then the other one looks dodgy, if it's nearer the cheap one, then the other looks uncompetitive.
More hassle I know... but I can recommend Kenwood and I think they're nationwide.
Posted on 24 November 2009 |
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212normally this involves hacking off and removing old plaster to at least 1m height around damp proof course, injecting silicone (I think) into the bricks (drill, inject, back fill) or inserting a new membrane between bricks (probably unlikely but would involve slicing through mortar and inserting it) ... cement scree and re-plaster to finish ... redecoration is usually left to you.
exceedingly messy job ... guarantee is uaually worthless as firm usually disappears before it runs out.
... just fyi if this helps distinguish between quotes.
I got mine cheaper as I offered to help out as a labourer.
Posted on 24 November 2009 | Love 0 loves
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59Think about what the 'Guarantee' is worth. If the company folds in 12 months, who will pay for any work under the guarantee?. i.e. is there an insurer, if so is that insurer reputable.
Sometimes Guarantees are not worth the paper they are written on!!!
As Donna says, get a third quote. If you know someone with 'Which? Local' access (i.e. the consumer magazine) they may be able to get you details of other 'recommended' contractors. Personally, I always get at least 3 quotes before getting work done, sometimes more. Had 6 quotes for Decking, lot of hassle but think I made the right decision, only time will tell...
Posted on 25 November 2009 | Love 0 loves
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4Thanks for the comments - my third quote has just come in and its about the same as the cheaper.
However they are all proposing to tackle the problem in slightly different ways.
Option 1 - strip plaster, inject walls, replace plaster, replace render on outside wall - most expensive - £4k
Option 2 - strip plaster, inject walls, replace plaster - £1800
Option 3 - put 'special' damproof plaster boarsd over existing wall - and plaster over - NO wall injection - £1800
How are you supopsed to know which is best?
Posted on 26 November 2009 | Love 0 loves
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1well i'd go for option 1 or 2.
option 3 is not fixing the problem simply masking over it. and damp behind the boards will still cause problems later.
the main difference between 1 and 2 is the removal and replacement of the outside render.
if you have a damp problem and its under the outside render you will probably want this doing as well . this very much depends on whats causing the damp (if its coming through the floor of course all these treatments are rather pointless!)
Posted on 15 December 2009 | Love 0 loves
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4Thanks phototopping a useful answer.
We've actually gone for option two and are getting someone else to rerender the outside wall - so hopefully all bases covered.
interestingly I told option one they were too expensive and they instantly offered a 10% discount - so worth pointing out - although ultimately still too expensive.
Posted on 15 December 2009 | Love 0 loves
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