RICS Level 2 Survey in Boxgrove

We carry out a careful visual inspection of every accessible part of the property. That covers the roof, walls, windows, doors, floors and ceilings, along with the condition of plumbing, electrical installations and heating systems. Inside and out, we look for damp, rot, structural movement and any other defects that could affect the property's value or lead to expensive repairs.

Our Level 2 survey uses an easy-to-follow traffic light system to show the condition of different parts of the property. Green means no repair or attention is currently needed, amber points to issues that should be monitored or dealt with in time, and red marks serious defects needing immediate attention. It is a simple way to see what you are buying and which concerns may need raising with the seller.

In Boxgrove, the housing stock runs from traditional flint-built cottages to more modern developments, so our surveyors draw on local knowledge as they inspect. Flint is a long-established building material in older homes here, and with the chalk geology of the South Downs in the background, we pay close attention to wall ties in older properties, movement in flintwork and signs of damp linked to local soil conditions.

Being close to the South Downs, Boxgrove also leaves properties exposed to coastal weather, especially in the winter months. We record the condition of external joinery, rendering and roof coverings that may have been affected by salt-laden air and the higher rainfall levels common in this part of West Sussex. Those details feed into your report, so you have a clearer picture of the property's likely maintenance needs.

• Roof and loft condition
• Wall structure and damp testing
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and drainage systems
• Electrical safety observations
• Heating and hot water systems
• Evidence of subsidence or movement
• Timber decay and woodworm

Survey requirements vary quite a bit across Boxgrove and the wider PO18 area. The village has a mixed housing stock, including traditional homes with flint construction and modern houses built after 1980. In older properties, we often find outdated electrical systems, original windows nearing the end of their serviceable life, or roofing that has outlasted its expected lifespan. Newer homes can still have faults too, particularly in fixtures, fittings and built-in appliances.

Across West Sussex, our inspectors have surveyed a wide range of properties, including homes in the villages around Boxgrove such as Halnaker and Strettington. That experience gives us a solid grasp of the local issues, from chalk soils affecting foundations to coastal weather wearing down external joinery. So whether we are inspecting a house on The Street or a home on one of the newer developments, we know the construction methods and materials commonly used in the area, and what to check closely.

Nearby new-build developments in Halnaker and Strettington, where properties range from £500,000 to £650,000, show the level of quality on offer in this part of West Sussex. Even so, a Level 2 survey still has value on a new property. We can spot snagging issues, incomplete works and defects in building materials that are easy to miss without trained eyes. Homes at Oakford Park in Halnaker and on Waterbeach Road in Strettington may be modern, but they can still have issues worth dealing with before completion.

Terraced properties make up a notable part of the Boxgrove market, and they come with their own survey points. We assess shared walls, foundations and drainage arrangements where responsibility or impact may extend beyond one home. Our surveyors also understand the maintenance implications that come with terraced housing and can flag issues involving neighbouring properties. It gives you a fuller view before committing to what will probably be one of the biggest financial decisions you make.

We regularly see certain issues in Boxgrove properties during Level 2 surveys. Older flint cottages, attractive though they are, often have failing mortar pointing between the flint stones. Once that starts to deteriorate, water can get in and internal damp can follow. Our surveyors check the condition of this traditional pointing carefully and note where repointing is likely to be needed to slow further deterioration.

Homes built before 1980 can still have their original single-glazed windows, and many are now beyond a practical working life. Some can be repaired and draught-proofed, but others have rotten frames or failed seals and need replacement. We assess every window we can access and set out practical recommendations based on the age of the property and its construction type.

Because Boxgrove sits within the South Downs region, chalky subsoil can play a part in how foundations perform. Our surveyors watch for movement or cracking that may point to foundation problems, especially where trees stand close to the building. Across the PO18 area, clay shrinkage and tree root activity can also affect properties, and we flag any concern that may justify further investigation by a structural engineer.

In properties built before 1990, electrical installations may fall short of current safety standards even where everything appears to work normally. We note the age and visible condition of consumer units, wiring and socket outlets, and where needed we recommend a further inspection by a qualified electrician. This matters most in homes that have gone many years without updates.