The surveyor has been.

Good news: the yard doesn't have to be excavated.
Bad news: even to do a belt and braces job on the problem, I have to have my kitchen completely removed, and have a membrane fitted under boards to both kitchen and dining room, as well as a load of remedial plastering.

My "man who does" was here at the time, fitting some lights, and I think he's going to do the job. It would be good if he could get on with the bulk of it for the 3-4 weeks I am in New Zealand, then he can stack the kitchen in the living room.

Looks like the kitchen de-clutter had better start soon!

Andrea