RICS Level 2 Survey in Car Colston

Car Colston's housing stock predominantly consists of period houses constructed between 1800 and 1911, with The Green area featuring traditional properties that showcase the village's historical character. Properties in this age bracket require particular attention during the inspection process, as they were built using traditional construction methods that differ significantly from modern building standards. The use of brick, local stone, timber frames, and slate or tile roofs characterises these buildings, but over time, materials deteriorate and construction techniques that were once considered adequate may now present risks.

The village's proximity to Nottingham and its position within the desirable NG13 postcode area has made Car Colston an increasingly popular location for buyers seeking a rural lifestyle with good transport links. Recent sales in the area include properties fetching £750,000 in December 2024 and £1,025,000 in April 2024, demonstrating the premium that buyers place on character properties in this location. With property values at these levels, the investment in a thorough RICS Level 2 Survey represents a fraction of the purchase price but can save you from costly unexpected repairs.

Older properties in Car Colston may also fall within conservation considerations, and while specific conservation area designation information was not found in our research, the presence of period houses suggests that certain properties may have listed building status or be subject to specific planning constraints. Our surveyors understand these local considerations and will flag any relevant issues in your report.

The geology in parts of Nottinghamshire includes clay soils that can be prone to shrink-swell movement, which affects foundations over time. Our surveyors are trained to identify signs of subsidence or structural movement that may indicate foundation issues, particularly in older properties where original foundations may not meet modern standards.

Properties built before modern building regulations often lack adequate insulation, and original heating systems may be inefficient or reaching the end of their useful life. A RICS Level 2 Survey will assess these elements and provide practical recommendations for improvements that could reduce your energy costs.

• Period properties (1800-1911) require specialist inspection knowledge
• Traditional construction materials need experienced assessment
• Potential hidden defects in older plumbing and electrical systems
• Possible conservation or listing considerations for period homes

Properties built between 1800 and 1911 in Car Colston share common characteristics with other period homes across Nottinghamshire. Our surveyors frequently identify issues related to damp, which remains one of the most prevalent problems in older buildings. Rising damp occurs when moisture from the ground rises through brickwork or stone walls, often due to the absence or failure of original damp-proof courses. Penetrating damp results from water ingress through damaged roofs, cracked render, or deteriorated pointing, and can lead to structural damage if left untreated.

Roof conditions represent another significant area of concern. Original slate and tile roofs on period properties may have degraded over more than a century of exposure to the British climate. Issues include broken or missing tiles, failed pointing to ridge tiles, sagging roof timbers, and deterioration of original felt or underlay. Our surveyors inspect roofs from both the inside where accessible and outside, providing you with a clear picture of the roof's condition and expected remaining lifespan. For Car Colston properties with original slate roofs, we can advise on whether repairs are feasible or if a full replacement will be needed.

Electrical systems in properties of this age are highly likely to be outdated. Original wiring may be rubber-insulated, which degrades over time and presents a fire risk. Consumer units from this era do not meet modern requirements, and earthing arrangements may be inadequate. While our surveyors are not electricians, they will identify obvious electrical hazards and recommend that a qualified electrician conducts a more detailed inspection. This is particularly important given that many period properties in the NG13 area have had minimal upgrading to their electrical systems over the decades.

Structural issues can also be present in older properties, including movement in foundations caused by clay soils that shrink and swell with seasonal moisture changes. Our surveyors look for signs such as cracking to walls, doors and windows that stick or do not close properly, and uneven floors that may indicate underlying foundation movement. While a full structural engineer's report would be needed to diagnose serious issues, our initial assessment can flag areas of concern that warrant further investigation.

Timber decay, including wet rot and dry rot, can affect structural timbers and joinery in period properties. Our inspection covers exposed timber elements such as floor joists, roof timbers, window frames, and door frames. We identify any signs of woodworm infestation or fungal decay that could compromise the structural integrity of the property.

• Rising damp and penetrating damp in walls and floors
• Roof tile damage, slate deterioration, and timber decay
• Outdated electrical wiring not meeting current regulations
• Subsidence or structural movement in older foundations
• Timber rot and woodworm in structural elements
• Inadequate insulation and outdated heating systems