RICS Level 2 Survey in Surrey Heath

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a thorough inspection of all accessible areas of the property, including the roof space where safe and accessible, walls, floors, windows, doors, and extensions. We assess the condition of the building fabric and identify defects that are both visible and apparent, providing you with a clear picture of any issues that may require immediate attention or future maintenance. The inspection covers the main structural elements as well as secondary finishes and fittings.

In Surrey Heath, where a significant proportion of properties exceed 50 years old, our surveyors pay particular attention to common issues affecting the local housing stock. The borough's geology, characterised by Bagshot Beds and underlying London Clay, presents specific challenges including shrink-swell movement that can affect foundations. Our inspectors are trained to recognise the signs of subsidence, heave, and structural movement that may be related to the clay soils prevalent in areas around Frimley Green, Mytchett, and Lightwater. We examine walls for cracking patterns, doors for sticking or gaps, and floors for signs of movement that may indicate foundation issues.

We examine critical systems including electrical installations where visible, plumbing and drainage, heating systems, and insulation. While we do not test behind walls or move heavy furniture, our survey provides a comprehensive assessment of the property's current condition and highlights areas where specialist investigations may be warranted. Our surveyors will recommend further inspections by qualified electricians, plumbers, or structural engineers where defects are identified that require more detailed assessment.

The survey includes assessment of roof structure and covering, wall construction and condition, damp and moisture assessment, timber elements and decay, windows doors and joinery, chimneys and flues, garage and outbuildings, and grounds and drainage. Each element receives a condition rating using our clear traffic light system, making it easy to prioritise repairs and maintenance.

• Roof structure and covering
• Wall construction and condition
• Damp and moisture assessment
• Timber elements and decay
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Chimneys and flues
• Garage and outbuildings
• Grounds and drainage

Our experience surveying properties throughout Surrey Heath reveals several recurring issues that buyers should be aware of. Damp problems are particularly common in older properties across the borough, with rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation affecting many homes built before 1980. The high water table in certain areas and the age of the housing stock contribute to moisture-related issues, especially in properties with compromised damp-proof courses or inadequate ventilation. Properties in areas with older drainage systems may also experience damp issues related to failed or inadequate damp-proof membranes.

Roof defects represent another significant category of issues we identify regularly. Properties over 50 years old often show wear and tear on roof coverings, with damaged or missing tiles, deteriorated lead flashing, and blocked gutters being common findings. The concrete and clay tiles commonly used throughout Surrey Heath can deteriorate over time, and we frequently encounter issues with fascias, soffits, and bargeboards that require attention. We also check for signs of previous roof leaks that may have caused damage to internal timbers and plasterwork.

Electrical and plumbing deficiencies appear frequently in properties built before the 1980s. Original wiring systems often fail to meet current safety standards, and we regularly note instances of outdated consumer units, inadequate earthing, and wiring that requires upgrading. Similarly, old plumbing systems featuring galvanised steel or lead pipes can cause low water pressure and present potential health concerns. Properties with original electrical installations from the 1960s or 1970s may also lack sufficient socket outlets for modern living requirements.

Timber defects including woodworm and both wet and dry rot affect numerous properties in the area, particularly where damp conditions exist. We inspect all visible timber elements including floor joists, roof trusses, and window frames for signs of decay or infestation. Properties in conservation areas around Bagshot, Chobham, and Windlesham may also contain traditional fabric that requires careful assessment. Additionally, asbestos-containing materials may be present in properties built before 2000, particularly in older textured coatings, insulation, and roofing materials.

• Rising and penetrating damp
• Roof tile damage and deterioration
• Subsidence related to clay soils
• Outdated electrical systems
• Timber decay and woodworm
• Cracking from structural movement
• Asbestos in older properties
• Inadequate insulation

Surrey Heath continues to see new development activity, with several notable schemes completing across the borough. The Mews in Lightwater offers homes by Shanly Homes starting from £499,950, while Water's Edge in Mytchett by Cala Homes ranges from £699,950 to £1,275,000. Bellway's Lakeside development in Frimley Green provides options from £415,000, and Taylor Wimpey's The Moorings in Mytchett starts from £410,000. These modern developments offer new homes with the benefit of modern building regulations and construction standards.

Even new build properties benefit from a RICS Level 2 Survey. While brand new homes may have fewer visible defects than older properties, our inspection can identify issues with construction quality, snagging items, and problems that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. Our surveyors understand modern construction methods and building regulations, ensuring your new home meets expected standards. We can identify defects such as incomplete work, improper installations, or quality issues that builders should rectify before completion.

Many buyers assume that new build properties come with guarantees that eliminate the need for a survey, but this is not always the case. NHBC and other warranty providers require defects to be reported within specific timeframes, and having a professional survey at the point of purchase creates a valuable record of the property's condition. This documentation can be crucial if warranty claims need to be made later for issues that were present but not obvious at handover. Our survey provides you with expert eyes reviewing your new home before you commit to the purchase.

Surrey Heath contains several conservation areas with special architectural or historic interest, including parts of Bagshot, Bisley, Chobham, Frimley Green, Lightwater, and Windlesham. The borough also has numerous listed buildings ranging from Grade I to Grade II, indicating structures of exceptional or special architectural and historical interest. Properties in these areas often have unique construction features and traditional materials that require specialist knowledge to assess properly.

If you're purchasing a property within a conservation area or a listed building, a standard RICS Level 2 Survey may need to be supplemented with additional specialist assessments. These properties often require more detailed investigation of historic fabric, traditional construction methods, and specific considerations for maintenance and repair. Our team can advise on whether additional surveys are appropriate for such properties and recommend specialist heritage consultants if needed. We understand the additional considerations required for historic properties, including the need for Listed Building Consent for certain works.

Properties in conservation areas may also be subject to additional planning constraints that affect future renovation or extension plans. Our surveyors can flag potential issues related to permitted development rights and conservation area restrictions that may limit what you can do with the property. This information is valuable for buyers planning modifications to period properties and helps set realistic expectations for future works.