If moisture damage occurs in a building, it is often serious for both the property owner and for the occupier/user. It can, for example, give rise to unpleasant smells and ill health. In addition, it can be very expensive to correct such damage. Therefore, there is every reason to attempt to reduce the risk of moisture damage arising in the first place.

The property developer plays a key role in ensuring good moisture control. It is the developer, for example, who can specify appropriate requirements in this respect before building starts. If this is to produce successful results, it is also most important that the application of the specified requirements be carefully monitored and checked. Today, there is very little to assist the developer in doing so, whether during the construction stage or during use of the building. The purpose of this paper is to describe proposals for appropriate specifications, management, and verification by the building developer in order to ensure production of a dry building.