RICS Level 2 Survey in Ansty and Staplefield

Our RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey provides a thorough inspection of the property's condition, focusing on the main structural elements and any significant defects. We examine the walls, roof, floors, doors, and windows, as well as the building's services including plumbing, electrical systems, and heating. In Ansty and Staplefield, where many properties sit on Weald Clay geology with its associated shrink-swell risks, we pay particular attention to foundations, any signs of movement, and the condition of trees near buildings that could affect ground stability.

The survey includes a detailed assessment of damp issues, which are particularly common in the older properties that dominate this area. Many homes here date from the Victorian or Edwardian periods, built with solid brick walls and traditional construction methods that can be prone to rising damp or condensation if ventilation is inadequate. Our inspectors will use professional moisture meters to assess damp levels and provide recommendations for remediation where necessary.

We also inspect the roof structure thoroughly, checking for deteriorated slate or clay tiles, failing leadwork, blocked gutters, and timber decay in roof trusses. Properties over 50 years old are particularly susceptible to these issues, and with a significant proportion of the housing stock in Ansty and Staplefield falling into this category, our survey often identifies roof-related concerns that require attention. We also check the condition of chimneys, which are a common feature on period properties in this area and can suffer from weathering, cracked flues, and instability.

Given the rural nature of Ansty and Staplefield and the presence of several watercourses and tributaries feeding into the River Adur, we pay attention to flood risk indicators during our inspection. While the overall flood risk is low to medium from rivers, surface water flooding can occur in low-lying areas during heavy rainfall. We note the property's position relative to natural drainage paths and any evidence of previous flooding.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof and chimney condition
• Damp and timber defects
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Boundaries and exterior elements

Given the age profile of much of the housing stock in Ansty and Staplefield, our RICS Level 2 surveys frequently identify issues related to outdated electrical systems. Many properties built before the 1970s will have wiring that does not meet current regulations, and consumer units often need upgrading. We recommend that electrical inspections be carried out by a qualified electrician before completion if the survey highlights any concerns. This is particularly important for properties that may have had minimal updating since original construction.

Drainage problems are another common finding in this area. Older properties typically have clay pipe systems that can become cracked, displaced, or blocked over time. During our inspection, we check accessible drains for signs of damage or blockage, and we recommend a CCTV drain survey if we identify any concerns that require more detailed investigation. The clay soil in this area can also cause movement that affects drain alignment over time.

Timber defects, including woodworm and both wet and dry rot, remain prevalent in the older properties throughout Ansty and Staplefield. These issues often affect floor joists, roof timbers, and window frames, particularly where condensation or damp has been present. Our surveyors will probe timber elements where appropriate to assess their condition and identify any active infestation or decay that needs treating. Properties with solid floors rather than suspended timber floors may have different risk profiles that we assess during the survey.

Many period properties in Ansty and Staplefield also suffer from inadequate insulation, which while not a defect as such, is something we highlight in our reports. Solid walls, which are common in pre-1919 properties, cannot be insulated with cavity wall insulation, and loft insulation may be minimal in older homes. We provide recommendations for improving thermal efficiency that are appropriate to the property's construction.

Even relatively new properties benefit from a RICS Level 2 survey. The new developments in Ansty and Staplefield, such as The Alders on Staplefield Road and The Maples on Deaks Lane, both built by Thakeham Homes, may still have defects that aren't immediately visible to the untrained eye. Our surveyors check the quality of construction, the installation of windows and doors, and any potential issues with modern building methods.

While new build properties typically come with NHBC or similar warranties, these often don't cover all defects, and identifying issues before the warranty period expires can save significant expense. A Level 2 survey on a new build property typically takes less time but still provides valuable assurance that your investment is sound. Common issues we find in new builds include inadequate ventilation, poorly fitted windows, and snagging items that the developer should address.

The Maples development offers larger 4 and 5-bedroom homes with prices ranging beyond £1.2 million, representing substantial investments where a survey is particularly valuable. Even at these price points, construction defects can occur, and our independent inspection provides you with the information needed to request corrections from the developer before completion or during the warranty period.

Ansty and Staplefield contain two designated Conservation Areas, covering the historic cores of both villages, as well as numerous Grade II Listed Buildings including historic farmhouses, cottages, and the churches of St. James in Staplefield and St. John the Baptist in Ansty. Properties within these areas often require more specialist surveys due to their age, traditional construction methods, and the specific planning restrictions affecting alterations or repairs.

Our RICS Level 2 survey can be suitable for listed buildings in reasonable condition, but we always highlight that a more detailed RICS Level 3 Building Survey may be more appropriate for properties of significant historic interest or those with complex construction. Issues such as timber decay in historic structures, structural movement in period buildings, and the need for appropriate traditional materials in any repairs are critical considerations that our surveyors understand.

If you're purchasing a property in either the Staplefield or Ansty Conservation Area, we recommend discussing the property's age and construction with us when booking, as this helps us allocate sufficient time for a thorough inspection and ensures the report addresses the specific considerations relevant to historic properties. The village of Staplefield itself is designated as a Conservation Area, protecting its historic character, including many period properties and green spaces, which adds to the desirability of the area but also means buyers should be aware of potential renovation restrictions.