For UK damp proofing specialists
Damp proofing quote template (UK)
A clear layout for a damp proofing quote that sets out the diagnosis, the treatment scope, the guarantee, terms and VAT properly, so the customer knows what is included before a wall is opened up.
What a damp proofing quote should include
Damp proofing quotes go wrong in one predictable place: diagnosis. Treat condensation as rising damp and the customer pays for the wrong work while the real problem stays. A good damp proofing quote starts from a proper survey, names the diagnosis, prices the defined treatment firmly, and handles the hidden extent honestly, because the true reach of a problem is only known once the old plaster comes off.
- Your business and any trade body. Trading name, address, contact, membership of a recognised damp and timber body if you hold it, and your VAT number if registered.
- The customer and the site. Their name and the property address.
- The diagnosis. What the survey found, whether rising damp, penetrating damp or condensation, since correct diagnosis decides the correct treatment.
- A specific treatment scope. The exact treatment, such as damp proof course injection, tanking, re-plastering, timber treatment or ventilation, and the finish standard.
- Labour and materials. Days by your rate, plus the DPC materials, membrane, render, timber treatment and any parts named where it helps the customer trust the price.
- VAT. If registered, subtotal, 20% VAT and total. If not, say so.
- The guarantee. Length and cover, and whether it is insurance backed, because a long guarantee is a genuine selling point.
- Timeline and payment terms. Days on site, any drying time, and when you expect payment.
- Exclusions and validity. Decoration and final skim are often excluded, and "Valid for 30 days" so a material price does not follow you around.
A damp proofing quote example
The figures below are illustrative and shown only to demonstrate the layout. They are not market rates. Price every job from your own supplier prices and day rate.
| Section | Detail | Amount (example only) |
|---|---|---|
| Survey and diagnosis | Site survey, moisture readings and diagnosis of the damp type | £X |
| DPC or tanking treatment | Damp proof course injection, or tanking and cavity membrane to cellar or basement | £X |
| Re-plastering | Hack off affected plaster and re-plaster with salt retardant render | £X |
| Timber treatment | Treat affected timber for rot or woodworm where found | £X |
| Subtotal | £X | |
| VAT (20%, if registered) | £X | |
| Total | £X |
Scope note: "Inject a chemical damp proof course to affected walls, hack off plaster to the agreed height and re-plaster with salt retardant render, treat exposed timber where affected, and control condensation with added ventilation as diagnosed. Excludes decoration and final skim." Terms note: "Price assumes the diagnosis holds once plaster is removed. Any hidden extent found on hacking off will be quoted and agreed in writing before proceeding. Guarantee terms are set out separately. Valid for 30 days."
The mistakes that cost damp proofers money on a quote
- Mis-diagnosing condensation as rising damp. The most common and most expensive error. Treating the wrong problem means the customer pays and the damp returns. Let the survey lead the quote.
- Pricing extent you cannot see. The true reach of a damp problem is hidden behind plaster and only known once you hack off. Add a clear variations line rather than a firm price for the unknown.
- Vague re-plastering scope. "Re-plaster" invites the customer to expect a full decorated finish you never priced. State the height, the render type and whether the final skim and decoration are in or out.
- Loose guarantee terms. A long, insurance backed guarantee wins work, but only if the length, the cover and any conditions are written down. Vague guarantee wording causes disputes later.
- Confusing a quote with an estimate. A quote is a fixed price. An estimate can move. Label the document as one, never both. See quote vs estimate.
Should a damp proofer send a quote or an estimate?
For a defined treatment, where a survey has diagnosed the problem and set the scope, quote it firmly. Where the extent is hidden behind plaster and only known once you open up, an estimate with a firm quote to follow after the survey is the honest approach. Diagnosis comes first either way, and the survey is what turns an estimate into a quote you can stand behind. Our guide to quote vs estimate for UK trades explains when each is fairer.
Send a damp proofing quote in two minutes
Type the diagnosis, the treatment and your prices, and QuoteSmith turns them into a branded PDF proposal with scope, guarantee, timeline, terms and VAT set out clearly, with your logo on it. Built for UK tradespeople.
Get StartedQuoteSmith is £19.99 a month. Unlimited quotes. Cancel anytime. Also on the App Store.
This page is practical quoting guidance, not a structural survey and not legal advice. Diagnosis of a damp problem should be made on site by a competent surveyor. For a serious dispute or a large sum, take proper advice.
Damp proofing quote FAQ
What should a damp proofing quote include?
Your business and any trade body details, the customer and site, the diagnosis from the survey, a specific treatment scope, a breakdown of labour and materials, VAT, the guarantee terms, a timeline, payment terms, exclusions and a validity period.
How do I quote a rising damp treatment?
Start from the survey diagnosis, then price the damp proof course injection, the hacking off and salt retardant re-plastering, any timber treatment, and add a variations line for extent that is only known once the old plaster is removed.
Should a damp proofer quote or estimate the work?
Once a survey has diagnosed the problem and defined the treatment, quote it as a fixed price. Where the extent is hidden behind plaster and only known once you open up, an estimate with a firm quote to follow after the survey is often fairer.
Do damp proofing specialists charge VAT on a quote?
If you are VAT registered, show subtotal, 20% VAT and the total. If you are not registered, say so clearly on the quote.
Related guides: How to write a professional quote · All trade quote templates · Electrician template · Builder template · Plumber template · Plasterer template