RICS Level 3 Survey in ST9

Our RICS Level 3 Survey provides an in-depth examination of all visible and accessible elements of the property. Our inspectors check the structural integrity of walls, floors, ceilings, and the roof structure, looking for signs of subsidence, damp, rot, and timber defects. We examine the condition of windows, doors, and fixtures, and assess the overall maintenance requirements of the building. For properties in the ST9 area, this is particularly important given the age of many homes in the region and the potential for hidden defects that may not be apparent during a casual viewing.

The survey includes a detailed assessment of the property's condition ratings, categorised as urgent, serious, and minor defects. We provide clear guidance on what needs immediate attention versus what can be addressed over time. For example, our inspectors frequently identify issues with roof coverings, chimney stacks, and pointing on older properties across the ST9 area, where traditional brick construction is prevalent. We also examine any extensions or alterations to ensure they have been properly constructed and do not compromise the structural integrity of the main building. In our experience, many properties in Tean and Upper Tean have had various modifications over the decades, and we know exactly what details to check on these older homes.

Given the ST9 area's mining heritage, our surveyors pay particular attention to signs of subsidence or movement that may relate to former coal mining activity. We examine walls for cracking patterns, doors and windows for sticking or jamming, and floors for unevenness that could indicate ground movement. While not all properties in ST9 will be affected, the risk means that a thorough Level 3 Survey is particularly valuable for buyers in this area. We recommend that buyers also obtain a Coal Authority mining report alongside our survey for properties in high-risk zones. Our inspectors will visually assess the property for any indicators of mining-related movement, but a dedicated mining report provides definitive information about historical mining activity beneath the site.

The clay soils found in parts of Staffordshire can cause shrink-swell movement that affects foundations and structural walls. Our surveyors are experienced in identifying the tell-tale signs of this type of ground movement, including diagonal cracking extending from doors and windows, lifted skirtings, and uneven floors that slope noticeably. We provide specific advice on whether the movement appears active and what investigations may be needed. This local knowledge is particularly valuable in the ST9 area, where clay ground conditions can affect properties regardless of their age or construction type.

• Complete structural assessment
• Damp and timber analysis
• Roof and chimney inspection
• Mining subsidence check
• Electrical and plumbing observation
• Energy efficiency commentary

The ST9 postcode covers a diverse range of properties, from older terraced houses in villages like Tean and Upper Tean to more modern developments around Barlaston and Forsbrook. Many properties in this area were built during periods of significant housing growth, and the construction quality can vary considerably. Older properties may have been subject to various alterations and extensions over the years, and while some work may have been carried out to a high standard, other modifications may not meet current building regulations or could have compromised the original structural integrity. Our inspectors have seen properties across ST9 with everything from carefully considered extensions to improvised conversions that were clearly undertaken without proper planning or building control approval.

Our Level 3 Survey is particularly valuable for the older properties found throughout the ST9 area. Properties built before 1900 often feature traditional construction methods that differ significantly from modern building practices. These older homes may have solid walls rather than cavity walls, original timber frame elements, and older roofing materials that are now beyond their expected lifespan. Our surveyors understand these construction methods and can identify issues that would not be spotted by a less detailed survey or during a standard mortgage valuation. We know that many properties in the villages around ST9 were originally built as miners' cottages, and we understand the specific characteristics and common defects of this housing type.

The clay soil prevalent in parts of Staffordshire can also pose a shrink-swell risk, where clay ground conditions expand and contract with moisture levels. This movement can cause subsidence or heave that affects foundations and structural walls. While not all properties in ST9 will be on clay soil, the risk means that a thorough Level 3 Survey is essential for understanding your potential property's ground conditions. Our inspectors look for tell-tale signs such as diagonal cracking, uneven floors, and doors that no longer close properly. We can often determine whether movement appears to be historical and stable, or whether it may be ongoing and requiring further investigation by a structural engineer.

• Pre-1900 period properties
• Properties with significant alterations
• Homes in former mining areas
• Properties on clay ground
• Extended or converted buildings
• Listed buildings (where appropriate)