RICS Level 2 Survey in PO19 1 Chichester

Our chartered surveyors conduct a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property. We examine the walls, roof, floors, doors, and windows, along with any permanent fixtures and fittings. The survey includes an assessment of the property's overall condition and identifies any defects that could impact its value or require future maintenance. We check the condition of the building fabric, inspect for signs of damp or timber decay, and assess the condition of all visible services including plumbing, electrical wiring, and heating systems.

In Chichester's PO19 1 area, many properties are period homes with historic features that require expert assessment. Our inspectors are experienced in evaluating Georgian and Victorian construction methods common throughout the city. We note the condition of original features, check for signs of damp or structural movement, and assess whether previous renovations meet current standards. Given that PO19 1 contains numerous Grade II listed buildings and properties within the Chichester conservation area, our surveyors pay particular attention to any alterations that may require listed building consent.

The RICS Level 2 survey uses a traffic light rating system to clearly indicate the condition of each area inspected. Green indicates no significant issues, amber flags areas requiring attention but not major concern, and red highlights serious defects that need urgent professional advice. This straightforward approach helps you quickly identify which issues require negotiation with the seller or further specialist investigation. Each rating is accompanied by detailed descriptions and photographs, so you can see exactly what our surveyor found.

Our inspection covers all key structural elements and building systems. We assess the roof structure and covering, the condition of gutters and drainage, the external walls and pointing, the condition of windows and doors, the состояние полов и потолков, and the condition of any extensions or conversions. We also check for any signs of subsidence, settlement, or structural movement that could indicate foundation problems common in some older properties in the Chichester area.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Condition rating system for each element
• Assessment of services and utilities
• Analysis of any visible defects or potential problems

Our report provides more than just a list of problems. It gives you a clear understanding of how the property was built and what maintenance it will need in the future. Our reports include practical advice on priority repairs, estimated costs for significant works, and guidance on any specialist surveys that might be advisable for period properties. We explain the implications of each defect in plain English, helping you understand which issues are urgent and which can be addressed over time.

For properties in Chichester's conservation areas, which are common throughout PO19 1, the report highlights any considerations related to listed building status or planning restrictions. This information is crucial for understanding what modifications you may be able to make to the property and what listed building consents might be required for future renovations. Our surveyors are familiar with the Chichester District Council planning requirements and can advise on typical restrictions that apply to properties in conservation areas.

We believe in transparent, jargon-free reporting. Our surveyors write reports that are clear and understandable, avoiding unnecessary technical language while still providing comprehensive professional assessments. You can discuss your report with our surveyor directly if you have any questions after receiving it. We want you to feel confident in understanding your report and able to make informed decisions about your property purchase.

The report also includes a market valuation element, giving you an indication of the property's current value based on our assessment and comparable sales data in the PO19 1 area. This can be useful for mortgage purposes and for negotiating the purchase price if significant defects are found. Our valuation takes into account the current condition of the property and any issues that may affect its value.

Properties in PO19 1 Chichester present specific inspection challenges that our surveyors are well-equipped to handle. Many properties in this area were built before modern building regulations, meaning they may have non-standard construction details that require expert assessment. The age of the housing stock means that issues such as decaying timber, deteriorating mortar, and outdated electrical and plumbing systems are commonly encountered during our surveys.

Given the historic nature of much of the housing in PO19 1, damp is one of the most frequently identified issues. Rising damp can affect solid brick walls that lack modern damp-proof courses, while penetrating damp may be present in properties with aging roof coverings or damaged pointing. Our surveyors use their experience to identify the type and cause of any dampness, distinguishing between historic damp that may be acceptable for a period property and more serious issues requiring remediation.

Roof conditions are another common concern in Chichester properties. Many period homes have original slate or clay tile roofs that may be nearing the end of their useful life. Our inspection includes a thorough assessment of the roof structure, checking for damaged or missing tiles, signs of past repairs, and the condition of flat roof sections that are particularly vulnerable to leaks. We also inspect chimney stacks, which are a common source of problems in older properties.

Electrical and plumbing systems in period properties often require careful assessment. Original wiring may not meet current regulations and could pose a safety risk, while old plumbing systems may have lead pipes or galvanized steel supply pipes that need replacement. Our surveyors identify these issues and recommend appropriate specialist investigations to ensure you have full information before completing your purchase.