Damp Proofing

Water possibly coming via airbrick, raised ground level

Anonymous user 28/02/2024 - 3.52 PM

I have an occasional damp smell in my property (1950s terrace) noticeable after rain. No internal leaks that I can find. What I have realised is that an airbrick on the living room wall is partially below ground level. Comparing the garden with neighbour's, it looks like the previous owners have raised the ground level by concreting over the run which is against the house. The rest of the patio looks like a poor attempt at crazy paving so rainwater pools around here, and i am assuming then runs in through the airbrick. I've been here a couple of years, neighbour reckons the patio was done a long time ago so who knows how long this been the case. Is it enough to just break up the concrete, return it to the original ground level and the damp smell will sort itself out as it dries, or do I need to have this inspected for extent of damage? Can it be investigated without too much disruption to the house, and is there a particular type of surveyor needed or can a general builder deal with this? Thanks