The point about gutters is really important. We have a Victorian farmhouse
with a few damp problems. Fixing the gutters, new roof and lead flashing
sorted it and we did not carry out the remedial damp course work identified
during the survey. Doing sensible things like letting the property breathe
can also help - for example mildew can form on the back of fitted carpets on
tiled floors due to very slight permeability so we enjoy the tiles instead.

If you can manage it, sort the roof and gutters, check the floor and then
see what happens to the damp and assess later whether you need to do
anything.
"Robin Soper" wrote in message
m...
Hi,

I was hoping somone could give me a bit of advice regarding a derlict
cottage I'm thinking of buying and renovating. It has a solid roof and
external walls but no windows or doors & also has no services
whatsoever (water/sewerage/electricty).

I was planning to extend it (it's tiny but in a good location).
However as the place is old (more than 100 years) it doesn't seem to
have a Damp proof course, it's built of granite blocks with lime
mortar (I assume) with a concrete floor inside.

What damp proofing arrangements would I need to make (if any), and if
I extended would I need to make any special allowances?

Any general advice concerning this proposal would be gratefully
received.

Regards
Robin