RICS Level 3 Building Survey in Stourton with Gasper

The housing stock in Stourton with Gasper differs markedly from modern suburban developments. Most properties here were constructed using traditional methods that predate modern building regulations. Dressed limestone and rubble stone walls, often with traditional lime mortar pointing, characterise the majority of homes in the area. These materials breathe differently from modern brickwork, and when incorrectly repaired with cement-based mortars or modern damp-proof courses, they can suffer significant deterioration.

Our inspectors frequently encounter issues specific to this area's older construction. Thatched roofs, while beautiful, require specialist maintenance and present unique challenges including fire risk, wildlife infestation, and gradual degradation of the straw or reed materials. The clay subsoil present in Gasper creates foundation movement risks during dry spells, a particular concern for older properties that may have shallow traditional footings not designed to accommodate soil shrinkage. In contrast, the sandy soils with gravel, chalk, and flint found in Stourton village itself drain differently but can still present challenges with variable load-bearing capacity across the parish.

Properties near the River Stour face potential flood considerations, and our surveys thoroughly assess any evidence of water ingress or flood damage history. We also note the proximity of historical quarrying activity at Pen Pits, located southwest of Stourton village, where extraction of hard greensand rock occurred during the Iron Age, Roman, and medieval periods. While not modern mining, these historical workings can occasionally affect ground stability in their immediate vicinity.

• Traditional stone construction
• Thatched and tiled roofing
• Clay shrink-swell foundations
• Proximity to River Stour
• Historical quarrying activity
• Listed building considerations

Our experience surveying properties throughout this parish reveals several recurring issues that buyers should understand before purchasing. Damp penetration ranks among the most frequent problems, particularly in older stone properties where modern cement renders have been incorrectly applied, trapping moisture within the walls and causing salt migration and plaster deterioration. Our inspectors know exactly what to look for and can distinguish between historic damp and active problems requiring remediation. The use of impermeable modern paints and renders on traditional lime-based walls is a particular issue we see repeatedly in properties across the Stour valley.

Timber defects represent another significant concern in Stourton with Gasper. The area's older properties contain substantial timber framing, floor joists, and roof structures that can suffer from both wet and dry rot, particularly where ventilation is poor or where previous owners have made alterations affecting airflow. Woodworm activity is also relatively common in older properties, and our survey will assess any active infestation and its potential impact on structural integrity. We pay particular attention to exposed ceiling timbers in properties like the traditional cottages where original exposed beams are a feature.

Roofing issues feature prominently in our survey findings across the parish. Traditional tiled roofs on period properties often have slipped or broken tiles, deteriorating pointing, and problems with underlying battens and felting. Where thatched roofs exist, our inspectors assess the age and condition of the thatching material, looking for signs of settlement, bird damage, or water penetration. Properties like Gasper Cottage with its straw-thatched roof require specialist knowledge, and our report will flag any concerns requiring immediate attention from a registered thatcher.

Foundation movement is a particular consideration in Gasper where the clay subsoil creates shrink-swell risks during periods of drought or heavy rainfall. Our surveyors assess walls for signs of cracking that may indicate foundation movement, looking specifically at the junction between old and new extensions, porches, and chimney breasts where differential movement commonly occurs in older properties.

• Damp penetration in stone walls
• Wet and dry rot in timber
• Roof tile slip and deterioration
• Thatched roof condition
• Foundation movement in clay soil
• Windows and joinery decay