RICS Level 2 Survey in Sutton, Chichester

The village of Sutton, situated in the Chichester district of West Sussex, boasts a rich history reflected in its architecture. Along The Street, you will find numerous traditional houses and farmhouses, many of which are listed buildings dating back several centuries. The surrounding countryside, within the South Downs National Park, adds to the area's desirability, but it also presents specific challenges for property owners and buyers that a RICS Level 2 Survey addresses. We regularly survey properties along Barlavington Lane, Drovers Lane, and the smaller lanes that connect the village to Pulborough, each with their own character and potential issues.

Properties in Sutton and the wider Chichester area commonly feature traditional building materials including flint, red brick, and render. These materials, while aesthetically pleasing and characteristic of the region, require specialist knowledge to assess properly. Our surveyors understand how these materials perform over time, particularly in relation to moisture exposure and the local geology. The area sits near the chalk bedrock of the South Downs, with some clay deposits that can pose shrink-swell risks for properties with shallow foundations. We have seen numerous properties where clay soils near the surface have caused movement in foundations, particularly during dry summers when the ground contracts.

Given that many properties in Sutton are pre-1919 or from the interwar period, they often lack modern insulation and may have outdated electrical and plumbing systems. A RICS Level 2 Survey provides you with an independent assessment of these elements, flagging any work that may be required to bring the property up to current standards. This information is invaluable when negotiating the purchase price or requesting that the seller address specific issues before completion. We have found that many Victorian and Edwardian properties in the area, while solidly constructed, often require significant updating to meet modern living standards.

The flood risk in Sutton also deserves consideration. While the village is inland and avoids coastal flooding, properties near the River Rother or its tributaries face potential fluvial flooding risk. Surface water flooding can also occur during heavy rainfall, particularly in low-lying areas or where drainage systems are overwhelmed. Our surveyors assess the property's flood risk based on its specific location and provide appropriate recommendations. This local knowledge is invaluable when making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.

• Identify structural issues
• Highlight dangerous defects
• Uncover hidden damp problems
• Assess roof and chimney condition
• Evaluate electrical and plumbing safety
• Provide expert repair recommendations

Based on our experience surveying properties throughout the Sutton and Chichester area, several recurring issues frequently appear in our reports. Damp problems are perhaps the most common finding, particularly in older properties with solid walls or compromised damp-proof courses. Rising damp and penetrating damp can lead to structural damage if left untreated, and our surveyors use professional moisture meters to assess affected areas thoroughly. We often find that traditional solid wall construction, while characteristic of the area, lacks the damp-proofing features found in modern properties, making ongoing maintenance crucial.

Roof condition is another area where we frequently identify defects. Many properties in Sutton feature traditional pitched roofs with clay or slate tiles, and age can take its toll. We commonly find slipped or broken tiles, deteriorated felt underlays, and rotted timber rafters or battens. Chimneys, particularly on older properties, often require attention, with flashing failures and deteriorating brickwork being common issues. In our experience, properties with original roof coverings over 50 years old often require some degree of repair or renewal, and we factor this into our assessment when providing cost guidance.

Subsidence and movement are considered carefully, especially given the local geology. While chalk bedrock is generally stable, the presence of clay in some areas can cause shrink-swell movement, particularly where trees are close to the property. Our surveyors assess walls for signs of cracking or movement, taking into account the specific ground conditions in the Sutton area. We have seen properties where trees planted too close to the foundations have caused significant movement over time, particularly in clay soils. We recommend a careful inspection of any trees or large vegetation near the property as part of our overall assessment.

Electrical and plumbing systems in older properties frequently fail to meet current regulations. We cannot test these systems fully (this requires a specialist electrician or plumber), but we visually inspect consumer units, wiring, and pipework, flagging any obvious concerns or outdated installations that should be upgraded by a qualified professional. We commonly find old fuseboxes with rewireable fuses, fabric-covered cabling (which can be a fire hazard), and lead or galvanised steel pipes that should be replaced. These issues are typically straightforward to resolve but can represent significant cost that should be factored into your budget.

Timber defects are another common finding in Sutton properties. Woodworm (deathwatch beetle, common furniture beetle) can affect structural timbers, while wet and dry rot can compromise floor joists, roof timbers, and plasterboard. We inspect all accessible timber elements, probing where appropriate to assess the extent of any decay. In older properties with suspended timber floors, we often find ventilation issues that have contributed to timber deterioration. Our report will identify any timber defects and recommend appropriate specialist treatment.