How to start a damp proofing business

Damp is an issue affecting many homes in the UK. As a result, there is always demand from homeowners to get work done. Knowing how to start a damp proofing business could be your next step to consider as a tradesperson.

Expertise of damp proofers lies in preventing and fixing the problem of damp. It is not only highly-valued, and highly sought after, but also crucial for clean living environments.

It is having responsibility for keeping the areas we live and work in safe that makes the job so rewarding. What’s more, the constant demand for damp proofing professionals provides exciting business opportunities.

Why should you consider starting your own business?

Becoming a self-employed damp proof specialist is the perfect way to take advantage of market demand. You’ll also enjoy the freedoms of setting your own rates, choosing who you work with and deciding your working hours.

Acting either as a sole trader or small business is a good choice for tradespeople for a reason. It is so important to get the right work-life balance. And being your own boss means you can do just that!

When you’re thinking about getting your own damp proofing business started, this guide is for you. Read on to see our tips and advice to consider when starting out.

What qualifications do I need to be a self-employed damp proof specialist?

Qualifications are essential for proving you’ve had all the necessary training.

A customer is much more likely to give you their business if you have formal evidence of your skills and expertise. The most common credentials that’ll highlight your reliability are:

• NVQ Level 2 in Insulation, Building Treatments or Damp-proofing
• Specialist apprenticeship focusing on damp treatment

If you’re looking to enter the industry and you have construction experience, you can gain the relevant skills through completion of a short training course.

Industry-recognised organisations, such as the Property Care Association, offer courses to ensure you’re ready to deliver a high-quality service.

What certification do you need to start a damp proofing business?

Following formal assessments based on industry standards, you can gain further certifications which recognise your competence and expertise.

These not only help develop you as a professional, but can impress potential customers. These are the most relevant certificates to consider:

• Certificated Surveyor of Timber & Dampness in Buildings (CSTDB)
• Certificate in Remedial Damp Surveying (CRDS)
• Certificated Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing (CSSW)

Construction sites are a great opportunity for damp proof specialists – you can work on big projects and develop a reliable source of business.

However, contractors often won’t employ your services without completion of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS). Holding a CSCS card should therefore be a priority when starting your own damp proofing business.

What skills do I need to become a damp proofer?

Formal qualifications and experience go far in helping you succeed. However, when faced with difficult business and on-the-job challenges, you’ll need certain attributes to get you through:

• Attention to detail
• Problem solving skills
• Practical thinking
• Ability to work independently
• Interpersonal skills
• Numerical skills
• Ability to lead and manage

Obviously, carrying out the correct training to become a damp proofer is the best place to start. But when you’re thinking about setting up your damp proofing business, there’s many other skills you’ll need to have.

Running a business is a much bigger demand than just carrying out the work. But do it right, and it can really pay off. You could find yourself earning a really healthy wage, for example.

How do I start a damp proofing business?

It is crucial to make the most of your experience and qualifications to get your business up and running.

Having the necessary skills is key. Knowing how to market them is therefore even more essential. So when you want to start a damp proofing business, here are some important steps to consider.

Registering your business

First things first, you’ll have to deal with the legalities of starting your own business.

You can either register your business as a sole trader or limited company. Whilst both have benefits, the business structure you choose should depend upon how you want to run your company. You could also consider a partnership.

Devising a business plan

Before you start offering your damp proofing services, it’s important to establish business goals. You also need to think and identify how you will achieve them. Building your trade business based on specialist expertise, as well as market research, will set you up for success.

For example, you may choose to focus on a specialism. That could be the application of damp prevention paint or the installation of damp course, membranes or carrying out remedial work.

Your business plan should also cover who your target market is. Directing your efforts towards local contractors in construction, for instance, can help develop a steady stream of work.

Looking after your finances

It’s crucial to stay in control of your finances. The costs of starting your damp proofing business mean your expenditure may initially be higher than your income. However, with good cash flow management, it is possible to succeed.

Costs could include sourcing equipment, business insurance and taxes. However, this is typical for a new business and a business loan could help keep your business going early on.

Building trade relationships

Developing strong relationships with other local tradespeople can be highly beneficial all around.

When working on certain jobs, you may find damp has damaged structures to the extent that you require the service of a carpenter or plasterer. On the other hand, if local tradespeople discover mould, they may refer you to their customers.

Investing in digital marketing

When starting out, it is a good idea to create a website. Using online marketing can make your damp proofing business more accessible, and can be set up simply to start off with. Social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram can also be beneficial in connecting and engaging potential customers in your area.

Getting customer recommendations

As with any trade, word-of-mouth recommendations are massively important for damp proofers. These rely on delivering a great service and being friendly to customers.

Homeowners with damp issues will be looking for a reliable damp proofer who ticks the right boxes. As a result, being recommended by a happy customer will do wonders for you.

Joining Checkatrade could also really help you with recommendations. Homeowners will leave reviews for your business, and you can also showcase images of your work. This means more people looking for a damp proofer can discover your service and enlist your services.

How to nurture your damp proofing business

The success of your damp proofing company will depend upon your ability to deliver a high-quality service. But it also needs to build a network of business connections, such as customers, affiliates and suppliers.

Because of that, Checkatrade membership can be an invaluable tool for growing your customer base. Not just because of the visibility you gain, but also the contacts you’ll receive.

For example, in 2024, there were over 407,000 searches for damp proofing work through the Checkatrade website.* With that kind of interest, what are you waiting for?

FAQs

What damp-proofing advice can I give to customers?

Some homes will be more prone to damp than others. So, to provide an exemplary service, you can give advice on how to make their home damp-proof.

Do you need qualifications to start a damp proofing business?

Whilst it isn’t necessary, it is largely expected that damp proof specialists possess some formal qualifications. Colleges across the UK offer relevant NVQs and experienced proofers can gain certifications from professional bodies.

Where do you find the most damp proofing leads?

A possible route for your marketing is targeting areas with older housing which are more prone to damp. These locations are likely to be in higher demand for damp surveys and remedial work, for example. That would maximise opportunities for you to provide these services.

How much does a damp proof specialist make a year?

The salaries of damp proof specialists vary depending on experience:

• Newly trained damp proofers can earn around £17,500 a year
• Experienced damp proofers earn on average £27,500 a year

Self-employed damp proofers will be able to set their own rates and provide specialist services, meaning they can earn more. Owners of damp proofing limited companies have the potential to really take home a lucrative salary.

* Internal search data based on users of the Checkatrade.com website in 2024