Professional Equipment
Thermal Imaging When Appropriate
Thermal imaging can be included where appropriate to help identify temperature patterns, cold surfaces and areas that warrant closer investigation. It is used alongside the building inspection and other evidence rather than as a diagnosis on its own.
Richard Bull’s Qualifications & Memberships
Specialist training and professional memberships supporting independent investigation of damp, mould and moisture problems.
MISSE
Member, Institute of Specialist Surveyors & Engineers
ACIEH
Associate, Chartered Institute of Environmental Health
ABBE Level 3
Damp, Mould & Condensation in Buildings
IICRC WRT & AMRT
Water Restoration & Applied Microbial Remediation training
City & Guilds
Professional mould remediation training
SPAB Member
Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings
Why Independent Damp Investigation Matters
Independent surveying means keeping diagnosis commercially separate from remedial work. Richard’s role is to investigate the likely cause of the moisture problem and explain the evidence. Damp Detectives does not carry out, sell or receive income from damp-proofing treatments arising from the survey.
Investigation, Not Sales
Moisture patterns, construction, defects and environmental conditions are considered together rather than jumping from one reading to a treatment.
Thermal Imaging Available
Thermal imaging is used where appropriate to help identify temperature patterns, cold surfaces and areas requiring closer investigation, and is interpreted alongside the wider inspection and other evidence.
Reporting to Suit the Purpose
Verbal findings or written reporting options are available depending on the reporting tier and level of detail required.
Deal Directly with Richard
You deal directly with Richard Bull from the initial enquiry through to the survey and explanation of the findings.
What We Survey
Independent investigation for people who need to understand the cause of damp, mould, condensation or unexplained moisture before deciding what to do next.
Independent Damp Survey
For homeowners with damp, mould or moisture where the source is unclear. The investigation considers the building, visible evidence, moisture patterns and appropriate instrument readings.
Mould & Condensation Investigation
Investigation of recurring mould and condensation concerns, considering surface temperatures, humidity, ventilation, heating, insulation, thermal bridging and possible water ingress.
Pre-Purchase Damp Survey
If a Home Survey has flagged damp or high readings, an independent specialist investigation can help establish the likely cause and significance before you commit to remedial work or proceed with the purchase.
Verbal Advice or a Written Report?
Choose verbal findings, a brief written report, a concise report with photographs, or a detailed report. Photographs and recorded evidence depend on the option booked.
Your quotation is based on the property size, location, scope of investigation and reporting option. Larger or more complex properties are quoted individually. The full fee and agreed scope are confirmed before booking.
Coverage Area
Based in Derbyshire. Surveys are available across the listed parts of the East and West Midlands, South Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire.
East Midlands
Derby · Nottingham · Leicester · Chesterfield · Mansfield · Loughborough · Lincoln · Grantham
West Midlands
Birmingham · Coventry · Wolverhampton · Walsall · Dudley · Solihull · Stafford · Burton
Yorkshire & Lincs
Sheffield · Rotherham · Barnsley · Lincoln · Boston · Spalding
Cambridgeshire & PE Area
Peterborough · Cambridge · Ely · Huntingdon · Wisbech
Your Questions Answered
Straight answers about damp, mould and independent surveys from Richard Bull of Damp Detectives.
Why choose an independent damp surveyor?
Richard Bull is Damp Detectives’ independent damp surveyor covering Derby and the surrounding Midlands. The service is focused on investigating the likely cause of damp, mould and condensation. We do not attend in order to sell damp-proofing treatment, so the advice is separated from the sale of remedial work.
My Home Survey has found damp — what should I do next?
Do not assume a damp flag or high meter reading automatically means you need damp-proofing treatment. The useful next step is to establish the likely moisture source, extent and significance. Send Richard the property address, relevant survey extract and photographs so the problem can be considered in context.
Does a moisture-meter reading prove rising damp?
No. A meter reading is evidence to interpret, not a diagnosis on its own. Materials, salts, construction, moisture patterns and other building conditions all need to be considered before deciding where the moisture is coming from.
Why does mould keep coming back after I clean it?
Cleaning removes visible mould but may not remove the conditions allowing it to grow. Condensation, cold surfaces, thermal bridging, ventilation, leaks and water ingress can all be relevant. The important question is why the surface repeatedly becomes damp enough for mould to return.
What is the difference between an independent and a free damp survey?
Some free inspections are part of a contractor’s process for quoting for remedial work. An independent survey is paid for as an investigation and advice service, without the surveyor subsequently selling the damp-proofing treatment. A free inspection is not automatically wrong, but it is sensible to understand the commercial relationship before committing to work.
What does a damp survey involve and how long does it take?
Many residential investigations take around one to two hours, depending on the property and the problem. Richard brings together visual evidence, construction details, moisture patterns, environmental conditions and appropriate non-destructive instrument readings. Verbal findings or written reporting options are available depending on the reporting tier and level of detail required.
What should landlords and tenants know about Awaab’s Law?
Awaab’s Law currently places statutory requirements on social landlords in England for specified hazards, including damp and mould, with requirements being introduced in phases. An independent survey can help document conditions and investigate likely causes. Private landlords should not assume the same statutory timetable applies to every private tenancy and should check current official guidance.
Which areas does Richard Bull cover?
Richard carries out Damp Detectives surveys across Derby and a wide area of the surrounding Midlands. If you are unsure whether your property is within the survey area, send the town or postcode area with your enquiry and we can confirm.
Ready to Get a Straight Answer About Your Damp?
No call centres. No remedial sales process. Just Richard Bull — focused on an independent, evidence-led assessment of the property.