RICS Level 2 Survey in Burgess Hill (RH15)

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of the property's accessible areas, identifying any defects or issues that could affect its value or safety. We examine the walls, roof, floors, doors, windows, and fixtures, giving you a clear red, amber, or green rating for each area inspected. For Burgess Hill properties, this is particularly valuable given that over 60% of homes were built before 1980 and may have hidden defects that are not immediately apparent to untrained eyes.

The survey includes a thorough assessment of the property's condition, highlighting any urgent issues that require immediate attention as well as matters that should be monitored over time. We check for signs of damp, structural movement, roof condition, and electrical or plumbing concerns. Our report also includes a market valuation and an insurance rebuild cost, which can be useful for mortgage purposes and ensuring you have adequate building insurance cover.

Given the geological conditions in the Burgess Hill area, our surveyors pay particular attention to signs of subsidence or heave. The Weald Clay beneath much of RH15 has a moderate to high shrink-swell potential, meaning properties with shallow foundations or those near large trees may be at risk of ground movement. We inspect walls, floors, and foundations for cracking or other indicators of structural concern, providing you with the information needed to arrange any specialist investigations if necessary.

We also assess flood risk exposure, which is relevant for properties near the River Adur and its tributaries that flow through parts of Burgess Hill. While most properties are not in high-risk flood zones, surface water flooding can occur in low-lying areas during heavy rainfall, particularly where drainage systems are overwhelmed. Our survey will note any evidence of past flooding or water staining that might indicate recurring issues.

• Walls and foundations
• Roof and gutters
• Damp and moisture
• Electrical systems
• Plumbing and drainage
• Windows and doors
• Structural movement
• Flood risk assessment

Burgess Hill's housing stock spans multiple eras, each with characteristic construction methods that our surveyors understand intimately. Pre-1919 properties, comprising approximately 10.1% of the housing stock, typically feature solid brick walls with shallow brick footings, timber floors and roofs, and slate or clay tile coverings. These older homes often have charm and character but may lack modern damp proof courses and insulation, making them more susceptible to damp and condensation issues.

Properties built between 1919 and 1945 (around 11.2% of the housing stock) saw the introduction of cavity brick walls, which provided better weather resistance and thermal performance. However, these homes still use traditional timber construction for floors and roofs. The post-war period from 1945 to 1980, which accounts for nearly 40% of Burgess Hill's homes, brought standardised cavity wall construction with concrete tile roofs, though the quality of materials and workmanship varied considerably during different decades of this period.

Modern properties built since 1980 benefit from contemporary building regulations requiring proper insulation, cavity wall insulation, and uPVC windows. However, even these newer homes can have defects, particularly where builders have cut corners or where design faults lead to issues such as condensation in poorly ventilated apartments. Our surveyors approach each property on an individual basis, assessing it according to its specific construction type and identifying issues relevant to that building method.

• Pre-1919: Solid brick walls, timber floors, shallow foundations
• 1919-1945: Early cavity wall construction, timber elements
• 1945-1980: Standardised cavity walls, concrete tiles
• Post-1980: Modern insulation, uPVC windows, diverse construction

Based on our experience surveying properties throughout the RH15 area, we commonly encounter several types of defects that buyers should be aware of. The Weald Clay geology creates particular challenges for properties built on shallow foundations, which were common in homes constructed before modern building regulations. Signs of subsidence or heave, including diagonal cracking to walls or doors that stick, are issues we frequently identify during our surveys.

Damp problems are another common finding in Burgess Hill homes, particularly in properties built before the 1980s that may have inadequate ventilation or failed damp proof courses. Rising damp can affect solid brick walls, while penetrating damp often results from defective rainwater goods, damaged render, or poor pointing. Condensation is also prevalent in older properties with single-glazed windows and inadequate extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms.

Roof defects are frequently identified in our surveys, regardless of property age. Broken or slipped tiles, deteriorated lead flashings, blocked gutters, and inadequate insulation are all common issues. In older properties, the original roof coverings may be reaching the end of their service life and require renewal. We also check for timber defects such as wet rot, dry rot, and woodworm, which can affect roof timbers, floor joists, and window frames, particularly in damp conditions.

Electrical and plumbing issues are also commonly found, especially in properties that have not been updated for several decades. Outdated fuse boxes with rewireable fuses, old rubber-coated wiring, lead or steel water pipes, and inefficient heating systems are all frequent findings. Additionally, properties built before 2000 may contain asbestos in materials such as artex ceilings, pipe insulation, or floor tiles, which our surveyors will note if identified.

• Subsidence/heave from clay movement
• Rising and penetrating damp
• Roof tile damage and leaks
• Timber rot and woodworm
• Cracking to walls and ceilings
• Outdated electrical systems
• Asbestos-containing materials
• Drainage and damp proof course failures