RICS Level 2 Survey in Stone

Stone's location on the River Trent brings specific flood risks that our surveyors check for during every inspection. Properties in areas such as Trent Road, Meadowside, Abbey Street, and Chandlers Way fall within fluvial flood zones, while surface water flooding is a known issue throughout the town. Our surveyors specifically examine properties for signs of previous flooding, water damage, and damp penetration, which is essential information for any buyer in this area.

The local geology presents another important consideration for Stone property buyers. The Mercia Mudstone series beneath much of the area contains clay-rich soils that undergo shrink-swell movement with seasonal moisture changes. This ground movement can affect foundations, causing cracking and structural issues that may not be visible during a casual viewing. Our inspectors are trained to identify the signs of this type of movement, including crack patterns in walls and misalignment of doors and windows.

Stone's housing stock spans multiple eras, each with their own typical defect patterns. Pre-Victorian and Victorian properties in the town centre often feature traditional sandstone construction and may have older roof structures requiring careful assessment. The 1980s and 1990s developments around Aston Lodge and Brassworks Farm present different issues, while newer properties in Walton reflect more modern construction methods. Understanding these local variations helps our surveyors provide accurate, relevant advice.

Our RICS Level 2 surveys provide a comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible areas of your Stone property. We examine the condition of walls, roofs, foundations, damp levels, and structural integrity, identifying defects that might not be apparent during a viewing. Our inspectors assess both the interior and exterior of the property, including garages, outbuildings, and boundaries where accessible.

In Stone, where properties range from pre-Victorian sandstone buildings to 1980s developments, our surveyors pay particular attention to age-related issues. Older properties may have traditional construction methods that differ from modern standards, while post-war homes can reveal different defect patterns. We also check for signs of movement or subsidence, which is particularly relevant given the clay soils in the Staffordshire area that can cause shrink-swell behaviour.

The survey includes an assessment of services such as plumbing, electrical installations, and heating systems. We identify any urgent defects requiring immediate attention and provide advice on maintenance issues that may become problematic in the future. Our reports use a clear traffic light system to highlight defects by severity, making it easy to understand which issues need priority attention.

We specifically assess the condition of roofing materials, checking for missing or damaged tiles, signs of past repairs, and the condition of flashings around chimneys and dormer windows. Given Stone's age diversity in housing stock, we frequently encounter both traditional slate and tile roofs on older properties and more modern concrete tile roofs on post-war homes. Each requires different assessment criteria that our surveyors apply accordingly.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof covering and condition
• Damp and timber decay
• Plumbing and electrical installations
• Windows and doors
• Boundary walls and outbuildings

Stone's location in Staffordshire brings specific challenges for property owners and buyers. The local geology includes clay-rich soils, particularly the Mercia Mudstone series, which is susceptible to shrink-swell movement. This means foundations can expand and contract with seasonal moisture changes, potentially causing structural movement in properties. Our surveyors are trained to identify signs of this type of movement, including cracking patterns and door/window misalignment.

The town features 75 listed buildings within its civil parish, including several Grade II* structures. If you are considering a listed property in Stone, our surveyors will assess how the special architectural features may affect maintenance requirements and potential alteration options. The town's Conservation Area, established in 1967, also has specific requirements that can impact property owners, and we can advise on how these affect your intended use of the property.

With significant new developments planned around Stone, including up to 510 new homes north of Eccleshall Road being developed by Bloor Homes and 240 homes south of Eccleshall Road from Richborough Estate, the area is experiencing substantial growth. Taylor Wimpey is also building approximately 140 new homes at Marlborough Road in Walton. Whether you are buying a new build or an established property, our surveys provide the detailed information you need to make an informed decision.

Stone's historic buildings often feature local sandstone, including Triassic varieties such as Sherwood Sandstone that was extensively quarried in the area. Traditional construction methods also include timber framing with plaster cladding, which can be found in several listed buildings throughout the town. Our surveyors understand these construction methods and can identify related defects that might not be apparent to buyers unfamiliar with local building traditions.

Stone is experiencing significant growth with several major housing developments either under construction or in the planning stages. Bloor Homes has submitted an outline planning application for up to 510 net zero carbon-ready homes on land north of Eccleshall Road, which will include specialist older people's housing and a new first school. The development will be built to Future Homes Standard with air source heat pumps, photovoltaic cells, and EV charging infrastructure.

Richborough Estate is proposing 240 new homes on land south of Eccleshall Road, including 96 affordable homes with a mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom properties. Taylor Wimpey is already building approximately 140 homes at Marlborough Road in Walton. Additionally, there are proposals for around 125 homes on land adjoining Uttoxeter Road. If you are purchasing on any of these new developments, our surveyors can provide independent assessments of the construction quality and identify any snagging issues.

Even new build properties benefit from a professional survey. While they may not have the age-related issues of older properties, our inspectors check the quality of workmanship, verify that construction materials meet expected standards, and identify any defects that the developer's snagging process might have missed. This is particularly valuable for new homes where the warranty period is the only protection you have after purchase.