To counteract this, the Building Regulations require that dwellings are designed with prevention in mind and British Standard 8215: 'Design & Installation of Damp Proof Courses in Masonry Construction' sets out the key criteria.
Damp proof course (DPC): An impermeable material built into a wall near the ground to prevent rising damp. Types available include lead-based, bitumen-based, or plastic-based. Two courses of impermeable engineering bricks can also be used.
DAMP PROOF COURSE (DPC)
An impervious layer (eg slate, felt, PVC) built into a wall to prevent the passage of dampness.
DAMP PROOF MEMBRANE (DPM) ...
DAMP PROOF COURSE (DPC) A barrier, usually physical, built into masonry to prevent moisture migrating up from the ground or down from above, eg chimneys, parapets.
A damp proof course must be provided 150mm above the ground or any concrete or paving. Thus if you are planning to have an outside entertainment area make sure your damp course is in the right place.
The damp proof membrane must be continuous over the whole floor zone, dressed up the walls to link in with the damp proof course.
In an old brick building, a damp proof course can be created by injecting silicone into the bricks both inside and outside the building. For the average three bedroom terraced house, this is likely to cost around £300-£400.
Older houses may not have a damp proof course (DPC) which prevent soil moisture from rising up into the living areas, lack of a DPC can occur in walls or under solid floors.
In a concrete ground floor, it is normal practice for a damp proof membrane is positioned below the concrete slab and lapped with the damp proof course, in the surrounding walls, to protect the structure from the ingress of moisture.
 See also: Walls, Brick, Floor, Roof, Home
  
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