RICS Level 2 Survey in GU35 0, Bordon

Our RICS Level 2 survey provides a comprehensive inspection of the property's visible and accessible elements. We examine the roof structure and covering, checking for damaged or missing tiles, signs of leaks, and the overall condition of chimneys and flashings. Our surveyors assess the walls externally and internally, looking for cracks, signs of movement, damp penetration, and the condition of pointing and render. We inspect joinery elements including windows, doors, fascias, and soffits, noting any defects or deterioration that may require attention.

The survey includes a thorough evaluation of the property's plumbing and drainage systems. We check the condition of pipework, taps, and fittings, looking for signs of leaks, corrosion, or outdated materials that could cause problems in the future. Electrical systems are inspected where accessible, including the consumer unit, wiring, switches, and sockets, identifying any obvious safety concerns or areas that do not meet current regulations. We also examine the property's insulation and ventilation, which are particularly important in older properties where inadequate ventilation can lead to condensation and damp problems.

Each survey report includes clear ratings for the condition of each element inspected - Condition Rating 1 indicates no repair is currently needed, Condition Rating 2 advises that repairs are needed but are not urgent, and Condition Rating 3 indicates serious defects that require urgent attention. Our reports also include an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) data summary, helping you understand the property's energy efficiency and potential running costs. This is particularly useful for properties in GU35 0 where energy efficiency can vary significantly between older homes and new-build properties.

We inspect floors, stairs, and ceilings throughout the property, checking for signs of damage, unevenness, or structural concerns. Our surveyors also examine outbuildings, garages, and the general boundaries of the property. For properties with extensions or modifications, we assess whether the work appears to have been carried out with appropriate permissions and to acceptable standards.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, chimneys, and flashings
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and drainage systems
• Electrical installations
• Insulation and ventilation
• Floors, stairs, and ceilings
• Damp assessment

Properties in GU35 0 face several environmental considerations that our surveyors take into account during inspections. The area has experienced groundwater flooding in the past, with Bordon particularly susceptible to rising water levels following prolonged periods of rainfall. Our surveyors check for signs of previous water ingress, damp proof course effectiveness, and the property's overall vulnerability to flooding. We note the condition of drainage systems and any features that may mitigate flood risk. The groundwater flooding events in Bordon have exceeded records from 2000/01 in recent years, making this an important consideration for buyers.

The South East England clay soils present a significant geohazard that affects properties throughout GU35 0. During periods of dry weather, these soils contract and can cause foundations to settle, while wet periods cause them to expand. This shrink-swell behaviour can lead to subsidence or heave, resulting in cracking to walls and structural movement. Our surveyors assess the condition of the property's foundations and look for signs of past or ongoing movement, including cracks around door and window openings, uneven floors, and misaligned frames. We also note the presence of trees or large shrubs near the building, as these can exacerbate moisture-related ground movement.

For properties in the wider GU35 area, including those near the South Downs National Park, there may be conservation considerations and restrictions on alterations. If you are considering purchasing a listed building or a property in a conservation area, we can advise on the need for a more detailed RICS Level 3 Building Survey, which provides additional analysis of historic construction methods and materials. East Hampshire District Council maintains records of listed buildings, and our surveyors are familiar with the requirements for maintaining properties of architectural or historic interest.

The economic landscape of Bordon is evolving as the military presence diminishes and regeneration projects take shape. The Whitehill and Bordon regeneration aims to create up to 2,975 new jobs through various construction phases and new commercial space. This economic development can influence property values and the desirability of different areas within GU35 0, and our reports can provide context on how local developments may affect your property.

Our experience surveying properties throughout Bordon and Whitehill has revealed several recurring issues that buyers should be aware of. Dampness is one of the most common problems we encounter, particularly in older properties where original damp proof courses may have failed or been bridged by external ground levels. Signs of penetrating damp, rising damp, and condensation are frequently identified, especially in properties that have been modernised with non-breathable materials that trap moisture within the structure. In GU35 0, we frequently see properties with solid walls that lack adequate insulation and ventilation, leading to condensation issues during the colder months.

Roof defects are another frequent finding in our surveys. We regularly discover damaged or slipped tiles, deteriorating flashings around chimneys, and problems with flat roof sections that have reached the end of their serviceable life. In older properties, the original roofing materials may have exceeded their expected lifespan, leading to water ingress and associated damage to ceilings and timber elements beneath. Our surveyors also check for adequate ventilation in roof spaces, as poor ventilation can lead to timber decay and condensation problems. In properties with thatched roofs, which can be found in the surrounding Hampshire countryside, specialist inspection may be recommended.

Structural movement and subsidence related to the local clay soils is a key concern in the GU35 0 area. We frequently identify cracking in walls, particularly around door and window openings, which may indicate movement in the foundations. Our inspectors assess the pattern, width, and location of cracks to determine whether they represent ongoing movement or are historic issues that have stabilised. We also look for signs of previous underpinning or foundation repairs that may indicate past structural problems. The medium to high plasticity clays in this area mean that properties with trees nearby are particularly susceptible to foundation movement.

Outdated electrical installations are commonly found in properties that have not been updated for several years. We identify consumer units that do not meet current regulations, older-style wiring that may be reaching the end of its serviceable life, and a lack of adequate socket points for modern household requirements. While our survey is not a detailed electrical inspection, we flag obvious safety concerns and recommend further investigation by a qualified electrician where necessary. In properties with older fuse boards or fabric-covered cables, we strongly recommend a full electrical inspection before purchase.

Inadequate insulation is frequently identified in properties built before modern building regulations came into effect. Many homes in Bordon and Whitehill lack sufficient insulation in walls, roof spaces, or floors, resulting in higher energy bills and poorer comfort. Our survey reports include the property's EPC rating and can highlight areas where insulation could be improved to increase energy efficiency and reduce running costs.

Your RICS Level 2 survey report is designed to be clear and easy to understand, even if you have no previous experience with property surveys. The report begins with a summary of the property's overall condition and highlights the most important issues that you need to be aware of. Each section of the property is then addressed in detail, with clear descriptions of what we found and what any defects mean in practice. We avoid technical jargon where possible and explain any specialist terms in plain English.

We use a traffic light system to indicate the urgency of repairs needed. Green indicates that no action is required, amber indicates that repairs should be considered, and red indicates that urgent repairs are needed. This makes it easy for you to prioritise works and budget accordingly. Where we identify issues that require further investigation by a specialist, such as structural engineers, damp specialists, or electricians, we clearly flag these in the report and explain why further investigation is recommended.

For properties in GU35 0, our reports include specific references to local factors that may affect the property. This includes the potential for ground movement in clay soils, flood risk from groundwater, and any nearby developments that may impact the property. We also include the Energy Performance Certificate data, giving you information about the property's energy efficiency and potential improvement measures. This is particularly valuable for older properties where energy efficiency may be a significant concern.

The report includes a section on legal considerations and what you should discuss with your solicitor. This may include any apparent discrepancies between the property and the title deeds, signs of unauthorized alterations, or potential issues that may affect the property's value or your ability to insure it. Our goal is to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your property purchase.