Many clients who are going to renovate a newly bought flat discover, when the work starts, damp that wasn't visible at the viewing, and that surprise can blow the initial estimated budget.
Signs to check before buying
Recent patches of paint or new textured finish in one specific area (a sign something has been covered up), a damp smell on entering the closed-up flat, flaking at the base of walls that may indicate rising damp, and the state of the silicone seals in bathrooms (persistent mould despite recent cleaning) are signs a buyer without technical experience can easily overlook.
Why a prior technical inspection is worthwhile
A professional can detect signs that aren't obvious to the naked eye: checking suspect spots with a moisture meter, checking the real state under tiling by tapping (a hollow sound indicates it has come away), or asking the seller directly about the property's history of incidents.
How to quote with this uncertainty
When the client has already bought without a prior inspection, it is wise to include in the renovation quote a reasonable contingency item for unforeseen problems of this kind, rather than giving a fixed price with no margin that then has to be renegotiated at the first discovery.
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