Moisture problems rarely shout at the start; they whisper. Small signs include faint discolouration, patches of paint that look slightly bubbled or flaky, or areas that stay cooler and slightly damp compared to the rest of the wall.

You might see very light yellow or brown “shadows” forming, especially near ceilings, corners, or behind furniture. Sometimes the skirting board or lower part of the wall will swell or warp slightly. In early stages, these spots can be easy to miss unless you’re looking closely.

Another hint is mould – tiny black or dark green dots that keep returning even after cleaning. Even if they’re small, they’re telling you that moisture is feeding them from somewhere.

If you notice these things, it’s worth investigating before they become full damp patches. The earlier you find the source – leaking pipes, poor waterproofing, condensation – the cheaper and simpler the fix usually is.