RICS Level 2 Survey Barlavington

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property, giving you a clear understanding of its overall condition. The survey includes a thorough assessment of the roof structure, walls, floors, doors, and windows, along with an evaluation of the property's insulation and damp-proofing measures. Our inspectors examine the exterior of the building, including the condition of brickwork, render, and any pointing issues that could lead to water penetration. We also check internal elements such as the condition of ceilings, walls, and flooring, looking for signs of cracking, damp staining, or other defects that might not be visible during a casual viewing. Every element is photographed and documented in detail, giving you a complete record of the property's condition at the time of inspection.

In a village like Barlavington, where many properties are likely to be pre-1919 or constructed using traditional methods, our survey pays particular attention to common issues affecting older homes. This includes assessing the condition of any original features, checking for evidence of past alterations or extensions, and evaluating whether the property meets current building regulations. Our surveyors are trained to identify signs of structural movement, timber decay, and other defects that are particularly relevant to properties in rural West Sussex. We also examine the condition of outbuildings, garages, and boundaries, ensuring you have a complete picture of the property you're considering. Many properties in this area were built using local materials such as Bargate stone and Sussex flint, which require specialist knowledge to assess properly.

The RICS Level 2 format is ideally suited to properties in Barlavington, where the housing stock includes a high proportion of older buildings that may have been modified over the years. Our survey provides a clear red, amber, or green rating for each element of the property, making it easy to understand which issues require immediate attention and which are of lesser concern. We also provide practical recommendations for any repairs or further investigations that may be needed, helping you budget for any remedial work and negotiate with the seller if significant issues are identified. This rating system follows RICS guidelines and is consistent across all surveyors, giving you confidence in the reliability of our findings.

• Roof and rainwater goods
• Walls, brickwork and render
• Windows and doors
• Floors and ceilings
• Damp and timber assessment
• Electrical and plumbing visible
• Outbuildings and boundaries
• Energy performance overview

Properties throughout the Barlavington area, particularly those constructed before the 1980s, commonly exhibit issues related to damp penetration and rising damp. Traditional solid-wall constructions, which are prevalent in the village's older cottages and period properties, lack the cavity wall insulation that helps keep modern homes dry. Our surveyors are trained to identify the tell-tale signs of damp problems, including tide marks on walls, peeling wallpaper, and musty odours that indicate moisture penetration. We assess the effectiveness of any existing damp-proof course and provide recommendations for improving ventilation and reducing dampness in older properties. Properties built with solid walls in this area often require specialist damp-proofing treatment, and our report will advise on the best approach if this issue is identified.

Roof condition is another critical area our inspectors examine carefully in Barlavington properties. Many older homes in the area feature traditional pitched roofs with clay or concrete tiles that can deteriorate over time, particularly where trees or overhanging branches cause shade and retain moisture. We check for slipped or broken tiles, deteriorated felt underlays, and issues with lead flashing around chimneys and valleys. Flat roof sections, if present on extensions or outbuildings, receive particular attention as these are common sources of leaks in older properties. The rural nature of Barlavington means many properties are surrounded by trees and vegetation, which can accelerate roof deterioration and require more frequent maintenance checks. Our report will flag any roof issues that require immediate repair or further investigation by a specialist contractor.

The underlying chalk geology of the South Downs, combined with the presence of clay soils in some areas, means that properties in and around Barlavington can be susceptible to ground movement and subsidence. Our surveyors look for signs of structural stress, including diagonal cracking in walls, doors and windows that sticks or doesn't close properly, and uneven floors that may indicate foundation movement. While Barlavington itself doesn't have a history of mining activity, we still assess the general structural integrity of properties and note any concerns that might require a more detailed structural engineer's inspection. Properties near the River Rother or other watercourses may also be at risk of surface water flooding, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.

• Rising damp and penetrating damp
• Roof tile damage and leaks
• Subsidence and structural movement
• Outdated electrical systems
• Timber decay and woodworm
• Plumbing and pipework corrosion

Once our inspection is complete, you'll receive a detailed RICS Level 2 Survey report that follows the standardised RICS format used throughout the UK. The report begins with a clear summary of the property's overall condition, followed by detailed sections covering each major element of the building. Each section includes a condition rating, with red indicating serious issues requiring urgent attention, amber flagging defects that should be addressed, and green confirming that no significant issues were found. We include photographs throughout the report to illustrate our findings and help you visualise the issues identified. This visual documentation is particularly useful when discussing issues with contractors or negotiating with sellers.

The report also includes an assessment of the property's energy efficiency, drawing on available EPC data to give you an idea of the home's environmental impact and potential running costs. For properties in Barlavington, where heating older, solid-wall properties can be more expensive, this information is particularly valuable for budgeting purposes. We also highlight any conservation considerations, particularly relevant given the village's location within the South Downs National Park, where planning restrictions may affect any renovation work you undertake. Understanding these restrictions before completing your purchase can save significant headaches down the line.

Our report doesn't just list problems, it provides practical, prioritised recommendations for addressing any issues identified. We suggest which repairs are urgent, which can be scheduled for the medium term, and which are minor cosmetic concerns. If we recommend further investigations by specialists, such as a structural engineer or damp-proofing expert, we'll explain why this is necessary and what it might involve. This actionable advice helps you plan for any expenditure and gives you leverage in negotiations with the seller. We can also provide estimates for repair costs where appropriate, helping you understand the full financial implications of your purchase.