RICS Level 3 Building Survey in Hammerwich

Our Level 3 Building Survey in Hammerwich goes far beyond a simple visual inspection. Our surveyors meticulously examine the structural integrity of the property, including load-bearing walls, floors, ceilings, and the roof structure. We assess the condition of all major building elements - from the foundations through to the chimney stacks - and identify any signs of movement, damp, rot, or insect infestation that could compromise the building's stability.

The geology around Hammerwich and the wider Lichfield area presents specific considerations for property purchasers. Many properties in this part of Staffordshire were constructed using traditional building methods, with timber-framed cores and rebuilding work in red brick. Our surveyors understand these construction styles and can identify common issues associated with older properties, including movement in solid walls, deterioration of traditional mortar pointing, and the condition of original timber windows and doors.

We also examine the condition of modern extensions and alterations, which are common in Hammerwich's housing stock. looking at a property that has been extended by previous owners or one of the newer homes built by developers like Tame Homes at their Horizon development, our surveyors check that all work has been carried out properly and meets current building regulations where applicable.

For properties in areas identified by the Hammerwich Neighbourhood Plan as having potential flood risk, our survey includes specific assessment of lower-level elements, drainage systems, and any existing flood damage. This is particularly relevant for properties near the watercourses that run through the parish, where localised flooding has been reported in the past.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof structure and coverings
• Chimneys and flues
• Floors, ceilings, and stairs
• Windows and doors
• Damp and timber condition
• Plumbing and electrical visible elements
• Extensions and alterations

Our surveyors based in the Lichfield and Hammerwich area bring specific local knowledge to every inspection they carry out. They understand the common construction methods used in this part of Staffordshire, from traditional Victorian and Edwardian properties in the village centre to the more modern developments that have sprung up in recent years. This local expertise means our surveyors know exactly what to look for when inspecting a Hammerwich property.

We understand how the local clay soil can affect foundations in the area, which is particularly relevant for older properties that may have shallower footings than modern standards require. Our surveyors recognise the signs of past flooding that the Neighbourhood Plan has identified in certain areas, and they can spot issues with extensions and alterations that may not have been properly building control approved.

For buyers considering properties in the proposed Highfields Road development by Cameron Homes, we recommend waiting for the homes to be completed and then arranging a Level 3 survey before completion. This allows you to identify any issues while the developer can still easily address them under their warranty obligations. Even with new build properties, our survey has previously identified defects that buyers would otherwise have discovered after moving in.

Hammerwich has seen significant residential development in recent years, including the Horizon development by Tame Homes and the proposed 450-home development on Highfields Road. If you're purchasing a new build property in the area, you might wonder whether a Level 3 Building Survey is still necessary. The answer is absolutely yes.

Even brand new properties can have defects that aren't immediately obvious to the untrained eye. Our surveyors have inspected properties in the Horizon development, built using traditional brick and block construction with clay roof tiles, and identified issues that buyers would have been unaware of without a professional inspection. These new build defects can include problems with window installations, issues with waterproofing in wet rooms, and snagging items that the developer should rectify before completion.

For buyers considering properties in the proposed Highfields Road development by Cameron Homes, waiting for the homes to be completed and then arranging a Level 3 survey before completion is advisable. This allows you to identify any issues while the developer can still easily address them under their warranty obligations. We also recommend having the survey completed before the developers' defects liability period expires, typically 12 months after completion.

Many buyers assume that new build warranties like NHBC cover all defects, but these warranties have limitations and may not cover everything a Level 3 survey would identify. Our thorough inspection gives you and ensures any issues are documented while they can still be rectified by the developer at no extra cost to you.

The Hammerwich Neighbourhood Plan has identified flooding as a significant concern in the parish, with locations where localised flooding occurs regularly. If you're purchasing a property in an area known for flood risk, our Level 3 Building Survey includes assessment of any existing flood damage, the property's vulnerability to future flooding, and recommendations for mitigation measures.

Our surveyors inspect the condition of lower-level walls, floors, and fittings for signs of previous water damage. We also assess the effectiveness of any existing drainage systems and examine whether the property has been appropriately flood-proofed. Given the environmental concerns raised in the Highfields Road development consultation, flood risk is clearly on the agenda for ongoing development in the Hammerwich area.

Should our survey identify potential flood risk or existing water damage, we provide practical advice on what steps you can take to protect your property. This might include recommendations for flood barriers, improvements to drainage, or simply factor in the cost of appropriate insurance when budgeting for your purchase. We can also advise on the availability of flood resilience measures that can reduce future damage if flooding occurs.

For properties in areas with higher flood risk, we recommend obtaining flood risk data from the Environment Agency and considering a specialist flood risk assessment in addition to our Level 3 survey. This is particularly important for properties near the burns and watercourses that run through the Hammerwich parish, where surface water flooding has been reported during periods of heavy rainfall.