RICS Level 2 Home Survey in Havant

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a comprehensive assessment of the property's condition, focusing on the main structural elements and identifying defects that may not be visible during a casual viewing. We inspect the roof structure, walls, floors, foundations, dampness levels, and mechanical systems, producing a detailed report with clear ratings for each area of the property. The survey includes a thorough examination of all accessible areas, from the roof space down to the foundations, ensuring nothing significant is overlooked.

In Havant's diverse housing stock, our inspectors frequently encounter issues common to the area's older properties. Properties in areas like Langstone and Old Bedhampton, which feature Victorian and Edwardian construction, often present challenges including rising damp, worn roof coverings, and outdated electrical systems. These older properties were typically built with solid brick walls and pitched timber roofs covered in slate or clay tiles, and while they retain much of their original character, they often require updating to meet modern standards. Our surveyors know exactly what to look for in these period properties, identifying problems that might otherwise go unnoticed until they become expensive to repair.

Properties built between 1945 and 1980, common in areas like Leigh Park and Stockheath, may have cavity wall construction issues or deteriorating concrete tiles. These mid-century homes make up a large portion of the local housing stock and frequently appear in our survey work. The survey also includes a market valuation and a rebuild cost assessment, which is particularly valuable for insurance purposes. We additionally check for any potential environmental risks specific to the Havant area, including flood risk from the nearby Langstone Harbour and Chichester Harbour, as well as ground conditions related to the chalk and clay geology that characterises parts of the borough.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof, chimneys, and gutters
• Damp and moisture detection
• Electrical and plumbing systems
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Thermal insulation assessment

Havant boasts a diverse range of properties spanning several eras of construction. The older parts of the town, particularly around Havant Town Centre, Langstone, and Old Bedhampton, feature properties dating back to the Victorian and Edwardian periods, with some buildings even older. These properties were typically constructed with solid brick walls and pitched timber roofs covered in slate or clay tiles, and many retain their original character, though they often require updating to meet modern standards. Some properties in these areas even incorporate flint, a traditional building material in Hampshire that reflects the local vernacular architecture.

Significant post-war development between 1945 and 1980 created substantial residential estates throughout the area, with properties built using cavity wall construction techniques and concrete tiles. These mid-century homes make up a large portion of the local housing stock and frequently appear in our survey work. Properties from this era often show signs of wear to roof coverings, deteriorating damp-proof courses, and original electrical and plumbing systems that may now be outdated. Many of these properties also lack the insulation standards expected in modern homes, which can lead to heat loss and condensation issues.

Modern developments like the Harbour Views site on Bartons Road (Redrow Homes) offer contemporary construction with features like air source heat pumps and underfloor heating. However, even new builds benefit from our inspection service to identify any snagging issues or construction defects before you commit to the purchase. Our Level 2 Survey is valuable for all property types in the Havant area, including the significant proportion of homes that are over 50 years old and more likely to have age-related defects. The local geology, which includes chalk bedrock to the north and clay-rich Head deposits in other areas, can also affect foundations and structural stability, particularly in properties that may be susceptible to shrink-swell movement.

• Rising and penetrating damp
• Roof tile deterioration and flashing defects
• Outdated electrical wiring
• Subsidence in clay soil areas
• Timber rot and woodworm
• Poor insulation and thermal performance

We pride ourselves on providing clear, jargon-free reports that give you exactly the information you need to make an informed decision about your property purchase. Our surveyors are members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and have extensive local experience in the Havant area, meaning they understand the specific construction types and common issues found in local properties. Every report is written to be accessible to homeowners while maintaining the technical accuracy that professionals expect.

Unlike some other survey providers, we take the time to visit each property personally rather than using automated systems or remote assessments. Our inspectors climb into the loft space, examine the boundaries, and test electrical and plumbing fixtures where safe to do so. We check for signs of subsidence in properties built on the clay soils that characterise parts of Havant, and we assess the condition of drainage systems, which in some areas date back to before the mid-1960s. This hands-on approach ensures we identify issues that might be missed by less thorough inspections.

Many of our clients have purchased properties in flood-risk areas without realising the potential issues. Our survey includes assessment of flood risk based on Environment Agency mapping, and we flag any evidence of previous flooding that may not be apparent from the property's current appearance. This local knowledge proves invaluable for properties near the River Hermitage, Langstone Harbour, or in low-lying areas of the town. We also check for signs of asbestos in properties built before 2000, which remains a hidden concern in many older homes across the area.

The Havant area has 14 conservation areas and 241 listed buildings, particularly concentrated in the town centre, Langstone, and Old Bedhampton. If you are purchasing a period property in one of these areas, our surveyors can advise whether a more comprehensive RICS Level 3 Building Survey might be appropriate. We understand the unique challenges of surveying historic properties and can recommend the most suitable service for your specific property type.