RICS Level 2 Survey in Wisborough Green

A RICS Level 2 Survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible areas of your potential new home. Our surveyors examine the condition of walls, floors, ceilings, and roofs, identifying defects that might not be apparent during a casual viewing. In Wisborough Green, where properties range from centuries-old timber-framed cottages to contemporary new builds, this detailed assessment proves invaluable for understanding exactly what you are purchasing. We check every accessible area systematically, documenting our findings with photographs and clear explanations.

The survey includes a thorough evaluation of the property's structure, highlighting any signs of subsidence, movement, or structural weakness that could prove costly to repair. Our inspectors pay particular attention to the specific construction methods used in West Sussex properties, including the traditional brickwork, clay tile roofs, and render finishes common throughout the village. We also check for damp penetration, which can be a particular concern in older properties that may not have modern damp-proof courses. Properties with rendered exteriors receive additional attention, as moisture trapped behind render can cause significant structural damage over time.

For properties within the Wisborough Green Conservation Area, our surveyors understand the additional considerations that come with owning a historic home. We note any alterations that may affect the property's listed status and provide guidance on maintenance requirements specific to period properties. With 46 listed buildings within the central conservation area alone, this expertise proves essential for buyers in the village centre. We understand that listed buildings often require specialist repair approaches and can advise on what to expect when maintaining or upgrading historic features.

The Level 2 Survey uses a traffic light rating system to clearly indicate the condition of each element inspected. This straightforward approach helps you quickly identify which issues require urgent attention and which are minor matters for future consideration. Our reports include practical recommendations alongside our findings, giving you actionable advice whether you are planning immediate repairs or budgeting for future maintenance. We always explain any technical terms in plain English, ensuring you fully understand the property's condition before committing to your purchase.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof covering and condition
• Damp and timber decay
• Windows and doors
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• Conservation considerations

Wisborough Green presents specific environmental considerations that our surveyors take into account during every inspection. The village experiences periodic flooding along Kirdford Road due to an underground stream that surfaces during wet weather conditions. Our inspectors assess the property's flood risk and note any signs of previous water damage or damp penetration that may relate to these local conditions. Properties near the River Arun flood plain to the east of the parish receive particular attention during our inspections.

The local geology and soil conditions in West Sussex can affect property foundations, particularly in older buildings where traditional shallow foundations may have been used. Our surveyors look for signs of subsidence, heave, or ground movement that could indicate foundation problems. While Wisborough Green does not sit within a mining area, the varied geology across the parish means each property can present different challenges. Clay soils are common in this part of West Sussex, and properties built on shrink-swell clay may show signs of movement during dry periods.

Given that Wisborough Green contains 95 listed buildings, many constructed using traditional methods including timber framing and Horsham slab roofing, our surveyors understand how to assess these older properties appropriately. The steep-pitched clay tile roofs common throughout the village require specific inspection expertise, as does the render and brickwork used in both historic and modern construction. This local knowledge ensures nothing important gets overlooked during your survey.

Our inspectors are familiar with the various brick types used in the village, from the red brick found on Georgian properties to the sand-coloured and mottled bricks common on Victorian and Edwardian homes. We understand how these different materials weather and what maintenance they require. This expertise proves particularly valuable for buyers unfamiliar with traditional English construction methods, as we can explain what is normal for the property's age and what represents a genuine concern requiring attention.

Properties in Wisborough Green, like all historic West Sussex villages, present specific defect patterns that our surveyors know to look for. Timber-framed properties, some dating back to the 17th century, may have issues with their structural frames, including rot in load-bearing elements and deterioration of the wattle-and-daub or brick infilling. Our surveyors examine these traditional construction methods carefully, understanding how they differ from modern timber frame buildings and what warning signs indicate potential problems.

Render finishes, common throughout the village on both period and modern properties, can hide underlying defects if not inspected properly. Our surveyors check for signs of render failure, including cracking, bulging, and areas where moisture has become trapped behind the surface. In older properties, the lack of modern breathability in render systems can lead to trapped moisture and subsequent rot in structural timbers. We note any areas where render appears suspect and recommend further investigation where necessary.

The steep-pitched clay tile roofs found on most properties in Wisborough Green can develop issues with tile slippage, ridge tile failure, and deterioration of the underlying battens and felt. Our inspectors access roof spaces where possible to examine the underside of the roof structure, checking for signs of past leaks, timber decay, and inadequate ventilation. Properties with Horsham slab roofing require specialist attention, as these stone tiles can become brittle with age and may allow water penetration if damaged or displaced.

Damp issues are particularly common in older properties that were built before modern damp-proof courses became standard. Our surveyors use moisture meters and visual inspection techniques to identify areas of damp penetration, rising damp, and condensation problems. Properties with solid walls, common in older Wisborough Green homes, are particularly susceptible to damp because they lack the cavity walls found in more modern construction. We provide specific recommendations for addressing damp issues, whether through improved ventilation, the installation of a damp-proof course, or repairs to the building fabric.