Habitation Checks: damp reports & safety checks for your motorhome, campervan, caravan or self-build.

A habitation check is a structured health check of the living side of a motorhome, campervan, caravan, or self-build. It’s not about ticking boxes for the sake of it; it’s about catching issues that can lead to expensive repairs (or unsafe kit) if they're ignored.

What we cover in a habitation check

1. Damp inspection

Damp is the big one for most owners — and it’s the one that protects resale value.

We don’t just take a couple of readings and call it done. We do a consistent sweep of the places these vehicles typically fail and provide a recorded damp report.

• Moisture meter readings in known risk areas (windows, rooflights, corners, lockers, around doors, floor edges)

• Visual inspection for staining, soft spots, mould, delamination, and previous repairs

• A look at obvious ingress points (seals, trims, roof penetrations)

• If we find elevated readings, we’ll flag:

• Where it is

• How severe it looks

• What we’d check next and what you should avoid doing until it’s sorted

2. Water system

Water faults are one of the biggest causes of hidden damage, so we take this section seriously.

• Fresh water tank, caps, breathers, and visible pipework

• Pump operation and pressure behaviour

• Taps, shower, toilet supply (where fitted)

• Hot water system checks (where safe to run)

• Leak checks around joints, under sinks, behind access panels

  
  

Even a slow drip can cause significant damage over time if it’s inside a wall or under a floor.

4. Gas system (LPG, Propane & Butane)

If the vehicle has LPG appliances (hob, oven, heater, fridge, etc.), the gas portion of the inspection is a major component.

• Visual inspection of pipework, regulator, hoses, clips, and appliance connections

• Condition/date checks on flexible hoses where fitted

• Gas pressure testing to confirm the system is holding pressure as it should

• Appliance operation checks (safe ignition, stable flame, correct operation)

• Flue gas analysis (where applicable) to confirm appliances are burning correctly and venting safely

• Ventilation and flue checks (so combustion gases can’t end up inside the living space)

• If anything looks unsafe, it gets flagged immediately. Gas faults aren’t “monitor it and see how it goes” territory, just pass or fail.

5. 230V electrical systems, including inverter- based systems

• This is the side that can bite if it’s been bodged, overloaded, or poorly modified.

• Hook-up inlet, cable condition, and connection integrity

• Consumer unit checks (RCD/MCB operation and suitability)

• Polarity and earth checks

• Insulation resistance testing

• Basic safety testing of the 230V system and outlets

• Visual inspection for heat damage, loose terminations, and DIY additions

We’re looking for proper protection, correct earthing, and any signs of overheating or poor workmanship.

6. 12V electrics and charging

This is where most vans have been modified, so it’s a common source of issues.

• Leisure battery condition and installation (security, ventilation if required, terminals)

• Charging sources: alternator charging, mains charger, solar controller (if fitted) Fuse board condition and circuit protection

• Cable routing, chafe points, and signs of overheating

• Operation of key 12V circuits (lights, pump, fans, control panels)

If the vehicle has lithium, inverters, DC-DC chargers, or “upgraded” systems, we’ll often take a closer look because the currents involved can be serious.

7. Appliances, ventilation, and general safety

We’re not doing a full strip-down of every appliance, but we do check that the basics are safe and functional.

• Heater and hot water operation (where possible)

• Fridge operation checks (as appropriate)

• Extractors/vents and fixed ventilation

• CO/smoke alarm presence and condition (and we’ll advise if they’re missing/out of date)

• General condition checks: catches, steps, access panels, battery compartments, and apparent damage.

8. Self-builds and DIY conversions

We’re happy to carry out habitation checks on self-builds and DIY conversions — in fact, it’s one of the best things you can do once a build is “finished” and again after it’s had a season of real use.

The only caveat is we won’t ignore something just because it’s a DIY install. If we see anything that’s unsafe or likely to cause problems (gas, 230V, high-current 12V, poor cable protection, inadequate ventilation, signs of overheating, etc.), we’ll flag it clearly and recommend the correct fix.

That usually saves a lot of hassle later, because the minor issues are the ones that turn into big ones when you’re halfway up Scotland with the family.

What you get at the end

• We aim to produce a helpful output, not just a tick sheet.

• A clear pass/fail (or advisory) list

• A recorded damp report

• Notes on anything borderline now but likely to become a problem

• Photos where helpful

• Practical recommendations (what to fix first, what can wait)

Habitation check vs mechanical service

A habitation check is a safety and condition inspection of the living systems. It’s not a mechanical service, but it massively reduces the risk of nasty surprises, especially around damp and the integrity of the electrical systems.

Book your hab check now