RICS Level 2 Survey in North Mundham

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property. We examine the walls, roof, floors, doors, and windows, looking for signs of structural movement, damp, rot, and other common defects that affect properties in the Chichester area. The inspection covers both the interior and exterior of the building, including any outbuildings, garages, and the general condition of the boundaries. We move through every room systematically, lifting accessible floorboards where safe to do so and examining hidden spaces that might reveal defects not visible from ground level.

Given the local geology in North Mundham, where the area sits on chalk overlain with Head deposits, our surveyors pay particular attention to signs of subsidence or ground movement. Properties with mature trees nearby may experience shrink-swell issues if clay content is present in the soil, and we specifically look for cracking or movement that could indicate foundation problems. We also check drainage and investigate any evidence of flooding risk, particularly in areas near the River Lavant. The superficial Head deposits in this area, comprising sandy, silty, and clayey materials, can behave differently from the stable underlying chalk, especially during periods of drought or heavy rainfall when soil moisture levels fluctuate significantly.

The RICS Level 2 Survey includes a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost, which proves invaluable in North Mundham's property market where detached properties average £530,000 and even terraced homes reach £320,000. This valuation helps you understand if the asking price reflects the property's true worth and ensures you have adequate insurance coverage. Our surveyors draw on extensive local knowledge of the Chichester district to provide accurate, area-specific assessments. We cross-reference our findings with recent comparable sales data from the local market, including properties that have sold in the village over the past year, to ensure our valuation reflects current market conditions.

Our inspection also includes an energy efficiency assessment that highlights the property's current thermal performance. With many properties in North Mundham dating from the mid-century period, insulation standards vary considerably, and our report flags areas where improvements could reduce energy bills and increase comfort. This is particularly relevant for the approximately 30% of properties built after 1980, which may offer better thermal performance but still benefit from our expert assessment of their energy efficiency rating.

• Wall condition and structural movement
• Roof, chimney, and rainwater goods
• Damp and timber defects
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical visible elements
• Boundaries, outbuildings, and drainage

Our experience surveying properties across North Mundham and the surrounding Chichester area reveals several recurring themes. Damp problems feature prominently, particularly in the older properties that make up a significant portion of the village's housing stock. Rising damp results from failed damp-proof courses or the absence of original damp-proofing in pre-1919 properties. Penetrating damp often affects walls exposed to prevailing winds, where mortar pointing has deteriorated over decades of exposure to West Sussex weather. Our surveyors use moisture meters to assess damp levels and identify the source of any moisture ingress, distinguishing between historic damp that has been addressed and active problems requiring remediation.

Roof conditions demand careful attention, especially on properties with original clay tile or slate coverings. Our surveyors frequently find slipped tiles, degraded felt underlay, and chimney defects that require remediation. In properties near mature trees, leaf debris can cause gutter blockages and water penetration. The chalk geology underlying North Mundham generally provides stable ground conditions, but properties built on areas with significant clay in superficial deposits may experience movement, particularly where trees draw moisture from the soil during dry spells. We inspect roof spaces where accessible, examining the condition of rafters, purlins, and any visible timber for signs of rot or insect infestation.

Electrical and plumbing systems in older properties frequently fail to meet current standards. Properties constructed before the 1980s often have outdated wiring that does not comply with Part P of the Building Regulations, and original plumbing may use materials now considered obsolete. Our survey reports highlight these safety concerns and recommend further investigation by qualified electricians and plumbers before completion. We note the type and condition of consumer units, the presence of earth bonding, and the general state of visible wiring and pipework. While we cannot certify electrical or plumbing work, our observations help you understand what further investigation is required.

Timber defects are another common finding in North Mundham properties, particularly in older homes with original timber frames and floor structures. Woodworm activity, wet rot, and dry rot can all affect structural and non-structural timber, often hidden behind plasterwork or flooring. Our surveyors lift accessible floorboards where safe to do so and examine visible timber for signs of insect activity or fungal decay. Properties with extensive timber structures, such as those with original wooden beams or traditional cut timber roofs, require careful assessment, and we report any concerns that warrant further investigation by a specialist timber treatment contractor.