RICS Level 3 Building Survey in Barnham and Eastergate

Our inspectors conduct a meticulous examination of all accessible areas of your property. This includes the roof structure, walls, floors, ceilings, doors, and windows, along with built-in fixtures and fittings. We assess the condition of each element, identifying defects, omissions, and areas requiring future maintenance attention. Every survey we undertake follows RICS guidelines strictly, ensuring you receive a comprehensive and professionally produced report that meets industry standards.

For properties in Barnham and Eastergate, our surveyors pay particular attention to the local construction methods common to West Sussex. Many homes in this area feature traditional brick and flint construction, which requires specialist knowledge to assess properly. We examine the condition of thatched roofs where present, check the integrity of timber-framed structures, and evaluate historic brickwork for signs of movement or deterioration. Our inspectors understand that properties such as Luccombe Cottage, a Grade II listed Sussex thatched cottage featuring knapped flints with red brick dressings, require a different approach to more modern construction.

The Level 3 survey also includes a thorough assessment of the property's structural elements, including load-bearing walls, beams, and joists. Our inspectors look for signs of subsidence, settlement, or structural movement that could affect the building's integrity. In areas like Barnham, where flood risk from the Aldingbourne Rife is a known concern with significant incidents recorded in June 2012, we also document any signs of previous water damage or flood mitigation measures. We check damp proof courses, ventilation arrangements, and look for evidence of past flooding that may not be immediately obvious to an untrained eye.

We also assess the grounds surrounding the property, including outbuildings, boundaries, and drainage systems. Our inspection covers the general environment of the property, identifying any potential issues such as nearby flood risk areas, ground instability concerns, or environmental hazards specific to the Barnham and Eastergate area. This comprehensive approach ensures you have a complete picture of the property's condition before committing to your purchase.

• Structural integrity and wall condition
• Roof, chimney, and flashings
• Floor structures and damp proof courses
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Extensions and alterations
• Services and utilities (visual inspection)
• Outbuildings and boundaries
• Drainage and ground conditions

The Barnham, Eastergate and Westergate (BEW) strategic allocation represents one of the most significant housing developments in the Arun District, with plans for up to 4,300 new homes over the coming years. If you're considering purchasing a new-build property in this area, our Level 3 survey remains valuable for identifying any construction defects, snagging issues, or areas where building work may not have been completed to the expected standard. Even new properties can contain hidden defects that only a thorough inspection would reveal.

For those looking at newer properties, we have experience surveying homes from developments such as Saint George's Park on the Eastergate/Barnham borders, where Elivia Homes is delivering 4-bedroom detached family homes. We also survey properties at Blackthorn Gardens in Eastergate, where Briarsgate Homes has constructed four detached 4-bedroom homes with prices starting from £875,000. Our inspectors understand the common issues that can affect new-build properties, including settlement cracks, inadequate insulation, and issues with windows and doors that may not have been properly fitted.

The BEW development includes various phases being delivered by different developers, including proposals from Pye Homes for approximately 180 homes off Woodgate Road. If you're purchasing a property in any of these new developments, our survey provides that your new home has been constructed properly and identifies any issues before they become major problems. Given the scale of development in this area, with the first phase of 1,250 units now progressing through planning, the demand for thorough property surveys continues to grow.

• Barnham, Eastergate & Westergate (BEW) Strategic Allocation
• Saint George's Park by Elivia Homes
• Blackthorn Gardens by Briarsgate Homes
• Pye Homes at Woodgate Road

The Barnham and Eastergate area features a diverse mix of property types, from historic C17 and C18 homes to modern new-build developments. Properties in the Church Lane conservation areas often feature traditional flint and brick construction with original features that require expert assessment. Meanwhile, the substantial new development at Barnham, Eastergate and Westergate is delivering thousands of new homes, many of which are large detached family properties. Understanding the construction type and age of property is essential for identifying potential defects that may not be apparent to buyers.

Historic properties in this area, including listed buildings such as Barnham Court (a rare mid-C17 Grade I red brick house), Luccombe Cottage, and the historic Barnham Windmill, were constructed using traditional methods that differ significantly from modern building standards. Properties in the Eastergate conservation area around Church Lane and The Square feature the distinctive knapped flint with red brick dressings common to West Sussex. These older properties may have hidden defects that only an experienced surveyor would identify, including structural movement, decay in timber elements, and deterioration of traditional materials.

The local geology and hydrogeology in the Barnham area also present unique considerations. The complexities of groundwater conditions can affect drainage systems and potentially contribute to ground movement issues over time. Our surveyors understand these local factors and include appropriate assessments in their reports. The overloaded sewer network in Westergate, Eastergate, and Barnham, which can become severely overwhelmed by groundwater and surface water during storms, is a particular concern that we factor into our property assessments.

Properties along Barnham Road in Eastergate have shown particularly strong price growth, with recent sold prices averaging £523,333 and detached properties reaching £880,000. Given these significant investments, our detailed Level 3 survey provides essential protection for buyers in this market. The survey is specifically recommended for properties over 70 years old, those showing signs of structural movement, or homes that have been significantly altered or extended.

• Pre-1919 period properties
• Listed buildings and conservation area homes
• Properties with visible defects or damage
• Extended or significantly altered homes
• Homes showing signs of subsidence or settlement
• Properties in flood risk areas
• New-build properties requiring defect assessment