RICS Level 2 Survey in Steyning

A RICS Level 2 Survey provides a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of your potential property, examining the condition of the main elements including walls, roofs, foundations, and services. Our surveyors assess the property from top to bottom, checking roof spaces where accessible, examining external walls for signs of movement or damp, and evaluating the condition of windows, doors, and joinery. The report includes clear condition ratings from "Green" (no urgent issues) through to "Red" (urgent defects requiring immediate attention), helping you understand exactly what you're purchasing.

Given Steyning's significant stock of older properties, our surveyors pay particular attention to common issues found in historic homes. We inspect for signs of damp (rising, penetrating, and condensation), timber defects including rot and woodworm infestation, and the condition of traditional roofing materials such as Horsham slabs and clay peg tiles. We also examine the condition of electrical wiring and plumbing, which may be original in properties built before modern regulations. For properties in the Steyning Conservation Area, we note any visible issues that might affect the building's character or require listed building consent for future alterations.

The survey also addresses Steyning-specific environmental factors that could affect your property. Our inspectors assess the potential for subsidence given the local Gault Clay geology, check for flood risk awareness in properties near the River Adur valley, and evaluate the condition of drainage systems. We provide practical guidance on any defects found, including recommended remedial actions and estimated costs, enabling you to negotiate with the seller if significant issues are identified.

Our surveyors also examine the condition of integral appliances, testing functionality where safely possible and noting any visible defects in kitchen equipment, heating systems, and hot water installations. We assess the general condition of boundaries, outbuildings, and shared areas, providing a comprehensive picture of the property's overall state. For properties with large gardens or grounds, we note any trees that may pose a risk to structures through root systems or subsidence, which is particularly relevant given the clay soil conditions in the area.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof condition and insulation
• Damp and timber decay assessment
• Electrical and plumbing overview
• Drainage and drainage systems
• Conservation Area considerations

Steyning's built environment presents unique characteristics that our surveyors understand intimately. The town features a distinctive mix of timber-framed buildings from the Tudor and Stuart periods, Victorian and Edwardian terraces, and more modern developments. Traditional materials include Horsham slabs and clay peg tiles for roofing, with 19th-century properties often featuring slate. Many properties use brick and rendered elevations, with some incorporating flint which is characteristic of West Sussex villages. Our surveyors recognise these materials and understand the maintenance requirements specific to each type.

The local geology creates specific considerations for property purchasers. Steyning sits on Gault Clay deposits, which present a potential shrink-swell risk that can affect foundations, particularly during periods of drought or excessive rainfall. Properties in the Adur valley also face flood considerations, with areas near the River Adur carrying risk of both fluvial and tidal flooding. While most of Steyning has very low to low surface water flood risk, low-lying properties may require more detailed investigation. Our surveyors note these environmental factors and recommend appropriate actions where necessary.

The Steyning Conservation Area designation means that many properties face additional considerations for future alterations. With 109 listed buildings within the Conservation Area, including properties at Grade I and Grade II*, any work to historic structures requires careful consideration. Our Level 2 surveys identify properties that may warrant more detailed investigation, and we recommend consulting specialist conservation advice for buildings of significant historic interest. This helps you understand not just the current condition, but the future obligations and opportunities for the property.

The recent Land North of Glebe Farm development by Vistry Homes represents significant new housing growth in Steyning, with 265 new homes including a mix of affordable and market housing. While new-build properties benefit from modern building regulations and construction standards, they still require professional inspection to identify any defects not apparent to buyers. Our surveyors are experienced in identifying common new-build issues such as incomplete snagging items, inadequate sealing around windows, and potential problems with the sustainable drainage systems (SUDS) installed on modern developments.