RICS Level 2 Survey in Amersham

Our RICS Level 2 survey gives a detailed inspection of all accessible parts of your Amersham property. We look at the roof structure, walls, windows, doors, plumbing, electrical systems and damp conditions. That matters in Amersham because the local housing stock covers so many different eras. In the Old Town, properties dating back to the pre-1919 period often have solid walls and older roofing materials that need a proper expert eye, while post-war homes can bring different issues, from cavity wall construction to concrete tile roofs.

The Chilterns around Amersham bring their own geological quirks, and our surveyors take those into account from the outset. The chalk beneath much of the area, together with clay deposits in valley locations, means we pay close attention to subsidence risk, especially where foundations are shallow or large trees stand close by. Signs of movement or cracking can point to heave or shrinkage in the clay soils, and that is especially relevant in lower-lying spots near the River Misbourne.

Amersham’s conservation status means plenty of homes in the Old Town are listed or sit within the conservation area. A Level 2 survey still gives useful information for those properties, but our surveyors will tell you if a more detailed RICS Level 3 Building Survey is the better fit because historic buildings often need specialist handling. We set out any defects clearly, explain how serious they are, and outline the next steps.

We also inspect the grounds and outbuildings, which matters a great deal for Amersham properties on larger plots. Boundary walls, fences, drives and detached garages or sheds are all checked. Near the River Misbourne, we note flood risk and drainage too, since surface water flooding can happen in low-lying areas during heavy rainfall. Septic tanks and private drainage systems are included as well, as they are still found in some older homes on the outskirts of town.

• Roof and loft structure
• Wall construction and condition
• Windows and doors
• Damp and timber analysis
• Electrical systems
• Plumbing and drainage
• Grounds and outbuildings
• Energy efficiency matters

Surveying homes across Amersham has taught us exactly where the weak spots tend to be. In Amersham Old Town, older properties often show damp, especially rising damp in solid wall construction where damp proof courses may be missing or damaged. Penetrating damp is common too, particularly where roof coverings are ageing or the pointing in the brickwork has broken down. Our surveyors identify the type of damp, trace the cause and suggest suitable remedies. Solid walls usually need a different fix from modern cavity-walled homes, and our reports reflect that.

Roof condition deserves close attention as well. Many older homes have slate or clay tile roofs that last well, but they can still suffer from slipped tiles, tired felt underlay or failing leadwork around chimneys and valleys. In Amersham, inter-war and post-war houses often have concrete tile roofs that may be nearing the end of their serviceable life. We assess the age and condition of the roof and note any repairs likely to be needed. For Old Town homes with historic slate roofs, we flag cracked or missing slates and point out the specialist repair work usually needed to protect the character of those traditional roofs.

Clay soils beneath parts of Amersham mean there is always some potential for subsidence and heave, especially where trees are nearby or foundations are shallow. Our surveyors inspect walls carefully for cracking patterns that may suggest structural movement, and we consider whether any issue appears active and what remedial work might be needed. Homes near the River Misbourne also need a closer look for flood risk, and we include the relevant observations in our reports. We consider the property’s position in relation to the river and the direction of fall of the land, which helps us judge whether surface water pooling could be a problem during heavy rain.

Electrical and plumbing systems in Amersham homes often need a careful eye. Many properties built before the 1980s still have electrical installations that would not meet current regulations, and we highlight any concerns. Older plumbing with lead or galvanised steel pipes may also be close to the end of its useful life. Our surveyors note the approximate age of visible electrical and plumbing work, and where needed we recommend a qualified electrician or plumber for a closer inspection. In homes that have been extended or renovated over the years, we also check whether electrical work has been properly certified under Building Regulations.

• Rising and penetrating damp
• Roof tile damage and leaks
• Subsidence or structural movement
• Outdated electrical wiring
• Plumbing and pipework issues
• Timber rot and woodworm
• Window and door deterioration
• Chimney and flashing defects

Amersham has seen a lot of new development in recent years, with several notable schemes offering different property types. At Amersham Place (HP6 5AE), Catalyst, part of The Hill Group, offers 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments. Kings Reach on London Road (HP7 0HT), from Bellway, provides larger 3, 4 and 5-bedroom houses. The Chilterns development (HP6 5BE) by Inland Homes offers a mix of apartments and houses, while The View from Shanly Homes rounds things off with 2, 3, 4 and 5-bedroom homes.

Even so, a RICS Level 2 Survey is still useful for new build properties. Our inspection can pick up snagging issues, defects in build quality, problems with windows, doors and mechanical systems, and workmanship issues that the developer’s own checks may have missed. New homes can hide defects that the untrained eye will not spot straight away, such as poor insulation in walls, badly fitted windows that let in draughts, or plumbing issues that only appear once the system is under pressure. Our surveyors know what to look for in newly built homes and can spot problems before they turn into costly surprises.

For new builds, we can also carry out a new build snagging survey so your property is in proper condition when you move in. This is a detailed inspection focused on defects, unfinished work or anything that falls short of the expected finish. Many buyers value this because developers are often more responsive when an independent surveyor identifies issues than when complaints come straight from purchasers who may not have technical knowledge. The snagging survey can be completed soon after you get the keys, giving you a full list of items to put to the developer for remediation.