About Ben Horne

Hello, I'm Ben

I'm an independent damp and timber surveyor based in Cleckheaton, and I carry out surveys for homeowners, home buyers, landlords and tenants across West Yorkshire.

I set up Damp Surveyor West Yorkshire because people with damp problems deserve a straight answer. Too often, the person diagnosing the damp is the same person selling the cure. I don't carry out damp-proofing or building work, and I don't take commission from anyone I might suggest. When I survey your home, my only job is to find out what's causing the problem and tell you, in plain English, how to fix it as cost-effectively as possible.

Qualifications and insurance

• Federation of Damp (FOD) trained and certified. The Federation of Damp was set up to raise standards in how damp and mould are understood, diagnosed and managed in UK housing, through structured training and certification.
• Fully insured for the surveys I carry out.
• Independent, with no ties to damp-proofing companies, contractors or product manufacturers.

View my Federation of Damp certificate (PDF, large file).

How I work

Every property is different, so I start by listening: when did the problem appear, does it change with the weather, what has been tried already? Then I inspect inside and out, take moisture, humidity and temperature readings, and look at the things that are so often overlooked, such as gutters, ground levels, ventilation and how the house is used.

Afterwards you get a written report that explains what I found, the cause, the work that's needed and a guide to the likely costs. Much of that work can be done by a general builder, roofer or plumber of your choosing, and sometimes by you.

Where I work

I cover the whole of West Yorkshire, including Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, Huddersfield, Halifax, Dewsbury, Batley, Morley, Brighouse, Mirfield, Pontefract and Castleford, and I'm especially quick to reach around the Spen Valley: Cleckheaton, Heckmondwike, Birstall and Lightcliffe.

You can also find me on Google. If I've surveyed your home, a short review there really helps other people find an independent surveyor.