RICS Level 2 Survey in Wiston

When our surveyor visits your Wiston property, we conduct a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas. This includes the roof structure where safe to access, external walls, windows and doors, damp proof courses, and the condition of plumbing and electrical installations that are visible. We examine the foundations where visible, check for signs of subsidence or movement, and assess the overall structural integrity of the building. Our inspectors work from the inside out, examining each room systematically before moving to external elements.

The Wiston area presents specific considerations that our local surveyors understand intimately. The village sits at the intersection of the chalky slopes of the South Downs and the wooded clay areas of the Weald, with a strip of greensand dividing these geological zones. This geological diversity means that properties in different parts of the parish may face different ground conditions. Clay soil, in particular, can cause shrink-swell movement affecting foundations, and our inspectors are trained to look for the signs that might indicate this type of ground movement.

Given that Wiston contains 38 listed buildings across the Wiston Estate alone, including the Grade I listed 16th-century Wiston House and the Grade II* Parish Church of St Mary dating from the 14th century, many properties in this area will have traditional construction methods. Our surveyors understand the characteristics of older properties built with traditional lime mortar, Horsham stone, and period features. We know that these buildings require different assessment criteria than modern construction, and our reports reflect this understanding.

Wiston House itself provides an interesting case study in local building materials. While originally constructed with Horsham stone coverings, around 80% of these have been replaced with natural slate from Wales, Cumbria, Spain, and China during restoration work using traditional lime mortar. This mix of traditional and modern materials is common throughout the village, and our surveyors know exactly what to look for when assessing roofs and walls.

• Roof structure and covering condition
• Wall structure and damp assessment
• Window and door condition
• Plumbing and electrical visible installations
• Foundation and ground floor assessment
• Chimney and fireplace condition

Wiston boasts an extraordinary concentration of historic properties that sets it apart from many other villages in West Sussex. The village is home to buildings spanning multiple centuries, from the 11th-century All Saints Chapel at Buncton, which became the parish church in 2009, through to 16th-century manor houses and 18th-century cottages. This means the majority of residential properties in the area are likely to be pre-1919, requiring specific expertise to assess properly.

The predominance of traditional construction methods in Wiston means that our surveyors frequently encounter features that would be unusual in newer properties. Solid walls, lime-based mortars, original timber frames, and historic roof coverings all require detailed inspection and understanding. We know that what might appear to be a defect in a modern property could simply be an expected characteristic of an older Wiston home.

The Wiston Estate itself is a major presence in the village, and properties associated with the estate often have unique features and maintenance requirements. considering a farmhouse near Stocks Hill, a cottage along Hole Street, or a more modern home on the village periphery, our surveyors have the local knowledge to provide accurate assessments.

Based on our experience surveying properties across the Wiston area, certain defects appear more frequently than others. Older properties, which make up a significant proportion of the housing stock in this village, commonly exhibit damp issues. This is particularly true for buildings with solid walls where modern damp-proof courses may be absent or ineffective. Our inspectors examine all walls for signs of damp penetration, rising damp, and condensation, providing clear guidance on any remediation required.

Roofing defects represent another common finding in Wiston surveys. Many properties feature traditional roofing materials that require ongoing maintenance. The historic use of Horsham stone on significant buildings, combined with slate on other period properties, means roofs can be complex to assess and expensive to repair. We check for missing or damaged tiles, signs of past leaks, ridge tile condition, and the state of lead flashing around chimneys and valleys. Any concerns about roof condition are clearly flagged in our reports.

Electrical and plumbing systems in older Wiston properties frequently require attention. Properties built before 1980 often have wiring that does not meet current regulations, and our surveyors note any obvious concerns regarding consumer units, earthing, and visible wiring condition. Similarly, older plumbing systems may use materials no longer considered best practice, and we identify where these might need updating. These findings are particularly important given that electrical and plumbing upgrades can represent significant expenditure.

Foundation movement is a key concern in areas with clay soil, and Wiston's location at the junction of the South Downs chalk and the Weald clay means some properties may be affected. Our surveyors look for signs of subsidence or settlement, including crack patterns in walls, doors and windows that stick or don't close properly, and floors that appear uneven. Where concerns are identified, we recommend further investigation by a structural engineer.

• Rising damp in solid wall properties
• Roof tile damage or deterioration
• Outdated electrical wiring
• Old plumbing systems
• Chimney structural concerns
• Window and door frame decay