Woodworm - sorry, long post - bit off topic
 

Hello. I am a newbie here.

The following was previously posted to free.uk.diy.home
Someone there suggested that I post it here.

Yes I did get a homebuyers inspection when I bought the place but the
woodworm was hiding under plywood under hardboard under vinyl floor
covering which could not be easily lifted.

Many thanks for any advice.


Bought 40 year old house a couple of years back.
Kitchen floor now uneven under vinyl covering. A few months before
bought it there was a major escape of water when occupiers were in
Spain. Ply & hardboard flooring now found to be warped.

Having moved bits under fitted kitchen, rolled back vinyl and levered up
part of floor found evidence of woodworm. Hole size and shape suggest
common furniture beetle.

Stuck some tissue across some of the holed areas to see if infestation
is still active.

Since found some holes under under stairs cupboard and cloakroom - all
on the same side of house. Before discovering this I had lifted one or
2 boards in lounge and diner and saw no evidence. These latter 2 rooms
are immaculately decorated, furnished and newly carpeted and I would
rather not disturb them.

If infestation is active presumably enough boards will have to be taken
up to allow spraying of all the joists etc.?

Some sites suggest getting moisture content below 12 percent would cause
the outbreak to die out. Doesn't seem damp under the floor but I would
have to hire or buy a meter to find out. Air bricks are all clear. House
is in Essex where it is relatively dry.

Anyone got any advice?

Work will be a little delayed whilst we find the money to:
Get the woodworm treated if necessary.
Replace the kitchen floor
Get a new consumer unit and re-wire the kitchen
Source and fit new kitchen including moving plumbing and gas
Repair and skim kitchen ceiling (changed lighting)
Over-tile walls

I have done quite a bit of diy over the years but do not play with gas,
am hopeless with plaster and am not Part P or whatever so am now
restricted on wiring.
Given that I suffer badly with stress and we do not want the kitchen out
of action for months would it be best to find someone to project manage
this? If so where do I start?

TIA for any advice. I have refitted a kitchen before but this I find a
bit overwhelming given that it will all have to be completed in a fairly
short timescale.

Thanks again. Is there anywhere more appropriate I could post this?