11/05/04 - Beware damp proofing surveys

Cumbria County Council’s Department of Trading Standards is warning Furness residents about firms telephoning and offering to carry out a free damp proof survey.  The alert comes after 5 residents contacted the Department in one week after they received unsolicited telephone calls offering the free survey.

Phil Ashcroft, Head of Trading Standards, said

“We know from experience that these firms often find damp where none exists, and so they carry out work unnecessarily.  If you’re worried about damp, my advice is to consult a local builder who has been recommended to you and never to employ cold-callers”.

In the latest telephone sales pitch being reported to Trading Standards, the caller   falsely stating that they work with the Local Authority.  They say that a similar house down the street is damp and so yours will have damp too! And often get abusive when the householder refuses the survey.