Yes. A Level 2 Survey (typically the RICS Home Survey – Level 2) will check for signs of damp as part of the inspection, and the surveyor will usually use basic inspection equipment—RICS specifically notes the surveyor uses equipment such as a damp meter as part of the Level 2 inspection.
However, it’s important to understand what that means in practice: a Level 2 Survey is a non-intrusive, visual inspection that aims to identify significant visible defects and risks. It can flag damp indicators and advise on next steps, but it is not a specialist damp investigation that confirms the exact cause in all cases.
What “checking for damp” looks like in a Level 2 Survey
A RICS Level 2 Surveyor will typically assess damp risk by combining:
1) Visual indicators
Surveyors look for tell-tale signs such as:
- tide marks and staining
- blistering/bubbling paint and flaking finishes
- salt deposits (efflorescence)
- mould growth (especially at corners and behind furniture)
- decayed skirting boards or rotted timber at low level
- musty odours and condensation on glazing
- warped joinery around windows, or swollen frames
These visible symptoms often provide stronger clues than a single meter reading.
2) Moisture meter spot checks
RICS confirms Level 2 surveyors use equipment such as a damp meter.
In practice, that commonly involves:
- taking readings at low level (particularly on external walls),
- checking around openings (windows/doors) and known leak points,
- comparing readings across different areas to see whether moisture appears localised or widespread.
3) Looking for the likely source of moisture (as far as is visible)
A Level 2 Survey often links internal symptoms to external risk factors that can drive damp, such as:
- defective gutters/downpipes and overflowing rainwater goods
- cracked render/poor pointing or bridged cavities
- high external ground levels bridging damp-proof courses
- poor subfloor ventilation
- roof defects leading to leaks and staining
- inadequate extraction/ventilation (kitchens/bathrooms)
RICS also promotes a “whole building” approach to moisture—i.e., not relying on potentially misleading data alone.
What a Level 2 Survey won’t do for damp
A Level 2 Survey is deliberately non-intrusive. RICS is clear the surveyor does not open up the building fabric—so they won’t lift carpets/floorboards, move heavy furniture, remove stored items, or dismantle panels/fittings to look behind/within hidden areas.
That matters for damp because many common causes can be concealed, such as:
- leaks within wall/floor voids
- plumbing leaks behind kitchen units or bathroom fittings
- concealed damp bridging in cavities
- hidden decay in timber joists at the wall/floor junction
So a Level 2 Survey can often say “there are damp indicators here”, but it may not be able to confirm exactly why without further investigation.
What happens if the surveyor suspects damp?
A good Level 2 report won’t just mention “damp”—it should:
- explain what the surveyor observed (symptoms + readings where taken),
- highlight the likely risks if it’s left unresolved,
- and recommend proportionate next steps.
RICS guidance for Level 2 reporting also states that where the surveyor can’t reach a conclusion with reasonable confidence, they should recommend further investigation.
Typical next steps you may be advised to take
Depending on what’s found, recommendations might include:
- clearing/repairing gutters and downpipes
- improving external ground levels and drainage falls
- improving ventilation/extraction
- checking roof coverings/flashings
- arranging a specialist damp assessment (particularly where the cause is unclear or the readings are high)
- asking your solicitor to make enquiries (e.g., warranties, guarantees, past damp works)
When you might need more than a Level 2 for damp concerns
Consider going beyond Level 2 if:
- you can already see significant staining, mould or crumbling plaster
- the property is older (especially solid-wall / traditional construction)
- you suspect long-standing damp issues or previous “damp treatments”
- the survey flags high moisture readings and recommends further investigation
- you’re planning major works and want a deeper diagnosis up front
In these situations, the Level 2 Survey is still valuable as an early warning system—but a targeted follow-up inspection may be needed to avoid buying into an expensive problem.
How to help the surveyor spot damp issues on the day
You can improve the quality of the damp assessment by ensuring:
- access to external elevations is clear where possible
- the loft hatch is accessible (where relevant)
- keys are available for garages/outbuildings
- obvious damp-affected areas aren’t fully blocked by stored items
- you tell the surveyor where you’ve noticed mould, odours, staining, or previous repairs (RICS encourages clients to share particular concerns before inspection).
Want advice on the right survey if damp is a concern?
Email mail@howorth.uk or call 07794 400 212 — tell us the property type/age and what you’ve seen (staining, mould, tide marks, musty smells), and we’ll advise whether a Level 2 Survey is appropriate or whether you should add a more targeted moisture investigation.