RICS Level 2 Survey Paglesham

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a thorough inspection of all accessible parts of the property. We examine the walls, roof, floors, doors, and windows, looking for signs of damp, rot, structural movement, and general wear and tear. The survey includes a visual assessment of the property's condition without invasive drilling or lifting floorboards, giving you a comprehensive overview of any issues that might require attention.

Given Paglesham's older housing stock, our inspectors pay particular attention to common defects found in historic properties. This includes checking for dampness caused by inappropriate modern materials on breathable traditional buildings, inspecting roof conditions where plain clay peg tiles or natural slate may have deteriorated, and examining chimneys that often show signs of age in properties dating back to the 17th century or earlier.

We also assess the electrical and plumbing systems visible during the inspection, noting any outdated wiring or pipework that may not meet current safety standards. Many homes in Paglesham Church End and East End retain original features that, while charming, may require updating to meet modern regulations. Our surveyors will flag any visible concerns with consumer units, wiring age, and pipework materials.

The exterior of the property receives careful attention, particularly given the prevalence of weatherboard construction in Paglesham. We inspect the condition of timber cladding, checking for rot, insect damage, and proper painting or treatment. For brick properties, we look for signs of spalling, mortar deterioration, and previous repair work that may not meet current standards.

• Wall and foundation inspection
• Roof and chimney assessment
• Damp and timber decay checks
• Electrical and plumbing observation
• Flood risk evaluation
• Conservation area considerations
• Weatherboard condition assessment
• Window and door operation checks

The underlying geology in Paglesham presents specific challenges for property owners. The London Clay and Claygate Beds beneath much of the area create a notable shrink-swell hazard, meaning properties can be susceptible to ground movement during dry spells followed by wet periods. This is particularly relevant for older properties with shallow foundations, which are common throughout the village.

Our inspectors specifically look for signs of subsidence or structural movement when surveying Paglesham properties. We examine walls for cracking, check that chimney stacks remain vertical, and assess whether doors and windows still operate properly. Trees and vegetation near properties can exacerbate shrink-swell issues by absorbing moisture from the clay soil, so we note any potential problem plants during our inspection.

Properties in the conservation areas may face additional considerations. While the characterful weatherboard cottages and historic buildings add to Paglesham's charm, they also require careful maintenance. We check for issues specific to traditional construction, including the condition of lime mortar pointing, the state of timber-framed elements hidden behind cladding, and any signs of deterioration in the characteristic flint and septaria church construction found at St Peter's Church.

The Church of St Peter in Paglesham Church End, constructed of stone, flint, and septaria with some Roman bricks, represents the traditional building methods of the area. While this specific building is not typically part of our residential survey, our understanding of these construction methods helps us assess similar materials used in period residential properties throughout the village.

• London Clay subsidence risk
• Tidal flooding from River Crouch
• Shrink-swell ground movement
• Conservation area restrictions
• Traditional building maintenance
• Surface water flooding

Our experience surveying properties throughout Paglesham has revealed several recurring issues that buyers should be aware of. Dampness is particularly prevalent in older properties, especially where modern non-breathable materials have been incorrectly applied to traditional buildings designed to breathe. This is a common problem with lime mortar walls that have been pointed with cement or covered with impermeable renders.

Roof conditions frequently require attention, with many properties featuring original clay peg tiles or slate that have deteriorated over decades. We commonly find slipped or cracked tiles, deteriorating ridge mortar, and failing flashings around chimneys. Flat roofs on later extensions are another area where we often identify issues, particularly where hidden gutters behind parapet walls may have become blocked or damaged.

The age of much of Paglesham's housing stock means that outdated electrical systems and plumbing are frequently encountered. Many properties still contain original wiring that would not meet current Part P regulations, and lead pipework or old galvanized steel pipes are still found in properties that haven't been modernised. These issues are flagged in our survey with recommendations for further investigation by qualified electricians and plumbers.

Structural movement related to the underlying London Clay is a key concern in the area. We regularly identify cracking that may be indicative of subsidence or heave, particularly in properties with shallow foundations and those near mature trees. The clay soils beneath Paglesham expand and contract with moisture changes, and this movement can manifest as diagonal cracking near window and door frames, or gaps where walls meet floors and ceilings.