"John Williamson" wrote in message
...
Gill Smith wrote:
bought a 1950's ex-council house

it's just about liveable-in

so, where to start?

central heating, electrics, or the damp patches I just noticed at the
base of the sitting room walls

I'd say electrics first for safety, then heating, and that may sort out
the damp patches, too.

A quick check which costs nothing would be for earth built up outside and
bridging the damp proofing in the outside walls. Did somone put raised
flowerbeds by the walls?

that could be one cause of the dampness for the gable wall

p.s. is it advisable to get a job lot i.e. get reputable contractors to
price for the whole job

or lots of individuals doing their bit

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http://www.gillsmith999.plus.com/