RICS Level 3 Structural Survey in Dursley

Our Level 3 Building Survey provides an exhaustive examination of all accessible areas of the property, including the roof space, walls, floors, ceilings, doors, and windows. Our surveyors visually inspect the construction and condition of each element, identifying defects such as cracking, damp penetration, timber decay, and structural movement. The survey includes an assessment of the property's services, such as plumbing, electrical installations, and heating systems, where these are visible and accessible. For Dursley properties, this is particularly valuable given the mix of older housing stock that may contain outdated electrical systems or original heating installations that require professional assessment.

The report provides clear ratings for each defect found, categorising issues as urgent, serious, or minor, and explains the likely cause of each problem along with recommended remedial actions. Our surveyors include photographic evidence of key defects, ensuring you have visual documentation of any issues that require attention. The report also includes a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost, which proves invaluable for mortgage purposes and buildings insurance arrangements. For properties in flood-risk areas of Dursley, such as those near the Little Avon River or in the Cam valley, our surveyors specifically note flood damage indicators and advise on necessary investigations.

One of the most valuable aspects of the Level 3 Survey is the advice and guidance section, where our surveyor provides tailored recommendations based on the specific property type and its location. This might include advice on obtaining specialist reports for listed buildings, recommendations for invasive timber inspections where wet rot or beetle activity is suspected, or guidance on properties in conservation areas where particular regulations apply. Our inspectors understand the local planning constraints imposed by Stroud District Council and can advise on how these might affect any renovation or repair work you are considering. We also highlight where properties may be affected by Article 4(2) Directions that restrict permitted development rights in certain areas.

• Comprehensive structural inspection
• Defect diagnosis with causes
• Photographic documentation
• Market valuation and rebuild costs
• Specialist advice for older properties
• Flood damage assessment

Dursley's housing stock presents a diverse range of construction types and ages that benefit significantly from detailed structural inspection. Approximately 19.7% of properties in the area were built before 1900, meaning many homes contain traditional construction methods that may have deteriorated over more than a century of occupation. These older properties often feature original slate roofs, cast iron rainwater goods, and solid wall construction that differs fundamentally from modern building methods. Understanding the condition of these elements is essential for anyone considering purchase in Dursley's historic core, particularly around Long Street where listed buildings require careful assessment.

The period spanning 1945 to 1980 accounts for around 25.8% of Dursley's housing, representing the post-war development boom that saw the construction of numerous semi-detached family homes throughout the town. While these properties are generally less than 80 years old, they were built to different standards than today's requirements, and our surveyors know to check for common issues such as original single-glazed windows, aging concrete foundations, and early cavity wall construction that may not perform as well as modern equivalents. The 21.6% of properties built after 1980 will have different considerations, including potential issues with modern building materials and any defects that may have emerged as buildings have settled. The Littlecombe development, built on former industrial sites, represents some of the newer housing in the area.

Recent flooding events in Dursley and the nearby village of Cam have highlighted the importance of flood risk assessment when purchasing property in the area. Properties in affected areas may have suffered structural damage that is not always visible on initial inspection. Our Level 3 Survey includes assessment of flood damage indicators, but we also recommend that buyers in affected areas consider additional specialist investigations. The November 2024 flooding saw record amounts of water in areas that had not previously experienced flooding, demonstrating that flood risk extends beyond traditional flood zones. Drainage concerns in flooding hotspots continue to be raised with Stroud District Council following Storm Bert.

• Pre-1900 period properties requiring specialist assessment
• Post-war housing with aging construction features
• Properties in flood-risk areas near Little Avon River
• Properties with render and brick construction issues
• Listed buildings requiring careful investigation