RICS Level 3 Building Survey in BN17 7 Wick & Littlehampton

A RICS Level 3 Survey, also known as a Full Building Survey, is the most comprehensive inspection option available. Unlike a Level 2 HomeBuyer Report, which uses a traffic light system to highlight issues, a Level 3 Survey provides an in-depth analysis of every accessible part of the property. Our inspectors examine the structural integrity of walls, floors, roofs, and foundations, giving you a complete picture of the property's condition before you commit to the purchase. We have seen firsthand how older properties in the Wick area can hide structural issues that are not immediately apparent to the untrained eye, from compromised timber joists in roof spaces to subsidence indicators in properties built on the alluvial soils near the river.

In the BN17 7 area, where we see a diverse mix of property types from Victorian end-of-terrace houses to contemporary homes in new developments, having a detailed survey is particularly valuable. Many properties in Wick and Littlehampton date from the Victorian and Edwardian periods, while others were built during the mid-twentieth century. Each era brought different building techniques and materials, and our surveyors know what to look for when assessing these homes. We have identified numerous cases of rising damp in period properties with solid walls, defective flat roof coverings on extensions added in the 1970s, and structural movement in properties that have undergone partial renovation over the years.

We particularly recommend a Level 3 Survey for properties over 50 years old, those with visible defects, buildings of non-standard construction, or any home where you are planning significant renovations. The detailed nature of this survey means you can negotiate with confidence, knowing the true cost of any repairs or improvements needed. Our surveyors have extensive experience with the specific construction methods used in West Sussex properties, including the render-faced terraced houses common in Wick and the more substantial detached homes found along the riverside roads leading toward the Arun.

For properties in the BN17 7 area, we also assess environmental factors that could affect the long-term viability of your purchase. Properties near the Arun River may have flood risk considerations, while older properties in the Wick village centre may fall within conservation areas that affect what alterations you can make. Our detailed report will flag any such matters so you can factor them into your decision-making process.

• Victorian and Edwardian period properties
• Extended or altered homes
• Non-standard construction buildings
• Properties requiring major renovation
• Large detached houses
• Homes near the Arun River

Your RICS Level 3 Survey report is designed to be clear and actionable. The report begins with an executive summary that highlights the most significant findings, followed by detailed sections covering each area of the property. Each defect is described in technical but accessible language, with an assessment of its cause, current condition, and implications. We understand that not everyone has a background in construction, so we take care to explain technical terms and ensure our reports are understandable to all buyers.

For properties in the BN17 7 area, our reports commonly address issues related to aging infrastructure, where properties may have original plumbing or electrical systems that have been partially updated over the decades. We have found numerous instances of outdated electrical installations in Victorian and Edwardian properties that require upgrading to meet current regulations. Similarly, we often identify issues with original cast iron gutters and downpipes that have deteriorated over years of exposure to the coastal air in Littlehampton and Wick.

We also assess any signs of movement or settlement, which can be particularly relevant in properties built on the alluvial soils near the Arun River. Our surveyors are trained to identify the subtle indicators of subsidence or heave that might be missed by a less experienced inspector. Properties built on clay soils can be affected by shrink-swell movement during periods of drought or heavy rainfall, and our detailed inspection will identify any signs of this type of movement. The report includes practical recommendations, from urgent repairs that should be addressed before completion to maintenance items that can be planned for the future.

One of the key benefits of the Level 3 Survey is the advice section, where our surveyor provides guidance on the property's future maintenance requirements and any particular issues that may affect the value or usability of the home. This forward-looking advice helps you budget for ongoing maintenance and understand the long-term commitments of owning the property. We also highlight any planning or building regulation issues that may affect your intended use of the property, such as unauthorized extensions or alterations that may require retrospective approval.