RICS Level 2 Survey in Chesham

Older homes dominate Chesham, so a professional survey really matters. Around 25% of properties were built pre-1919 and a further 40% date from 1945 to 1980, which means our inspectors are often dealing with traditional construction and the quirks that come with it. In places such as Church Street and Market Square, inside the designated Conservation Area, we regularly see solid brick walls, original slate or clay tile roofs, and period detailing that needs a proper eye. We have surveyed plenty of homes on these historic streets, from Victorian bay windows to original chimneys, and we know the issues that crop up.

Beneath Chesham, the ground itself can shape what we find. The Chiltern Hills setting means many properties sit on clay-with-flints deposits, with a moderate to high shrink-swell potential, and that can bring foundation movement into play, especially where mature trees are nearby or weather has been extreme. Our inspectors look closely for subsidence or heave and the signs that point to instability. In Asheridge and Chartridge, we have seen how established vegetation and clay can combine, and we know the cracking patterns that deserve attention.

Flooding is a real consideration here as well. The River Chess runs through the town, and homes on lower ground near the station and along the valley floor can face flooding risk. Surface water flooding is also a concern after heavy rain, when drainage can be overwhelmed, and Chesham has been designated as a nationally significant Flood Risk Area for surface water flooding. Our Level 2 surveys pick up flood risk, check the drainage and the slope around the property, and note any history of flooding, so you have the full picture before you proceed.

Chesham’s mix of building types calls for careful inspection. We see everything from flint-faced walls in older houses to the red brick and render combinations more common in post-war homes, and our surveyors know how those materials behave over time. Even the newer developments around Nashleigh Hill and Chartridge Lane need a full assessment, because build quality and compliance with current building regulations still matter. We have surveyed all of these construction types across the town, and the common defects are rarely a surprise to us.

• Traditional red brick construction
• Clay tile and slate roofs
• Period features and conservation requirements
• Flood risk from River Chess

Our work across Chesham has turned up a few recurring problems that buyers should keep in mind. Damp is one of the most common, appearing as rising damp, penetrating damp, or condensation. Homes built before 1919 often lack a modern damp proof course, and solid walls are more prone to moisture getting in. We have found damp in Victorian terraces in the town centre and in 1970s semi-detached houses in residential streets, and our inspectors judge how serious it is before recommending anything from better ventilation to more substantial damp proof treatment.

Roofing comes up often too. Plenty of Chesham homes still have their original slate or clay tile roofs, and although they are durable, time still takes its toll. Slipped tiles, failing lead flashing, and worn mortar pointing are the sorts of issues we regularly see, and all can lead to leaks. In the Conservation Area, roof repairs may need planning permission or listed building consent, which adds another layer to the buyer’s decision. We have surveyed homes on St Mary’s Way, High Street, and the surrounding conservation streets where matching original materials is especially important.

Older Chesham homes also often need attention to electrics and plumbing. Wiring put in before the 1980s may not meet current regulations and can create safety concerns, and we have seen more than a few outdated fuse boxes and cable runs around the town. Original plumbing can be just as troublesome, especially where materials are now obsolete or have corroded over time. Lead pipes still turn up in several older properties and should really be replaced. Our Level 2 survey looks at these building services and flags anything that needs a qualified electrician or plumber to investigate further.

The local ground conditions mean subsidence is never far from the conversation in Chesham. Clay-with-flints can shrink in dry weather and swell when wet, and that movement often shows itself in cracks in walls. Properties with mature trees are especially exposed, because roots can draw moisture from the soil and intensify the shrink-swell cycle. We have surveyed homes on many roads where this has been an issue, and our surveyors are well placed to tell minor settlement cracks from structural movement that needs urgent action. We also look for signs of underpinning or ground stabilisation work, which can point to earlier subsidence.

• Rising and penetrating damp
• Roof deterioration and leaks
• Outdated electrical wiring
• Original plumbing systems
• Subsidence and structural movement
• Asbestos-containing materials