RICS Level 3 Survey in Wonersh

The geology of Wonersh presents specific challenges that our inspectors take into account during every survey. The village sits largely on Weald Clay Formation, which has a moderate to high shrink-swell potential. This means foundations can move significantly during wet and dry seasons, particularly for properties with shallow foundations or those situated near large trees. Our inspectors pay particular attention to signs of subsidence or heave, checking for cracking patterns, door and window sticking, and any evidence of previous remedial work. In areas to the north and east of the village centre, properties may sit on Hythe Formation sandstone or Folkestone Formation sandstone, which presents different ground conditions that also require assessment.

Many properties in Wonersh date from before 1919, particularly in the village centre and along the historic lanes. These older homes were typically built with solid wall construction, often using 9-inch or 13-inch brickwork or local stone, with timber floor joists and cut roof structures. While these properties have character and charm, they require experienced assessors who understand traditional building methods and can identify issues like rising damp, timber decay, or deterioration in lime mortar pointing. The predominance of detached properties at 58.7% of housing stock means many homes are substantial, with complex roof structures and multiple storeys that demand thorough inspection.

The River Tillingbourne flows through Wonersh, and properties near the watercourse or in low-lying areas face potential flood risk. Our surveys include assessment of flood resilience measures, previous flood damage, and the condition of drainage systems. We check whether properties have adequate damp-proof courses, ventilation in sub-floor voids, and whether any past flooding has been properly remediated with suitable drying and repair work. Surface water flooding is also a potential concern during periods of heavy rainfall, particularly where drainage infrastructure may be aging.

Wonersh sits within the Wonersh Conservation Area, with numerous Listed Buildings concentrated around the historic village centre. Properties in these designations require specialist assessment understanding of traditional building techniques and planning constraints from Guildford Borough Council. Our inspectors are experienced in evaluating historic properties and can advise on the condition of period features, the presence of any unapproved alterations, and potential costs for bringing the property up to standard while preserving its character.

• Weald Clay subsidence risk
• Historic solid-wall construction
• Flood proximity to River Tillingbourne
• Traditional roofing materials
• Conservation area restrictions

Our experience surveying properties across Wonersh and the surrounding Surrey Hills means we know exactly what to look for in local housing stock. Damp problems rank among the most frequently identified issues, particularly rising damp in solid-wall properties that lack modern damp-proof courses. Penetrating damp from failed lead flashing, degraded mortar joints, or damaged tile hanging is also common, especially after the wet English winters we experience in this part of Surrey. The age profile of housing in Wonersh means many properties will have original damp-proof courses that have failed or been bridged over time.

Timber defects affect many pre-1919 properties in the village. Woodworm infestations, wet rot in floorboards and structural timbers, and occasionally dry rot can cause significant damage if left untreated. Our inspectors probe timber elements to assess their condition and look for signs of active infestation or decay. Roof timbers receive particular attention, as traditional cut roofs in older properties can suffer from both structural movement and biological degradation. The presence of large trees close to properties in the area also increases the risk of root damage to below-ground timber elements.

Roofing issues are another common finding in Wonersh surveys. The traditional clay tiles and slates used on older properties have limited lifespans, and many roofs in the village will have surpassed their expected service life. We check for cracked or missing tiles, deteriorated lead flashing around chimneys and valleys, and any signs of sagging or structural distress in the roof structure. Given the character of the area, many properties also feature decorative tile hanging which requires specialist inspection. Chimney stacks are also a common source of defects, particularly where lead flashing has deteriorated or where brickwork has been affected by freeze-thaw cycles.

Foundation movement related to clay shrink-swell is a key concern for properties in Wonersh. The Weald Clay beneath much of the village expands when wet and contracts during dry periods, causing foundations to move. Properties with shallow foundations or those with large trees nearby are particularly vulnerable. Our inspectors examine walls for cracking patterns, check whether properties have been underpinned, and assess the proximity of trees to buildings. Any signs of previous movement are documented with recommendations for further investigation or remedial works if necessary.

• Rising and penetrating damp
• Timber rot and woodworm
• Roof tile deterioration
• Foundation movement on clay
• Chimney stack condition
• Drainage system failures