RICS Level 2 Survey Chobham, Surrey

Chobham has a housing stock that calls for a careful eye, and our surveyors are trained to spot the usual trouble signs. Many homes here date from before 1919, especially in the Conservation Area around the village centre. That often means solid brick walls, timber framing with tile hanging, and original clay tile roofs, all of which need proper assessment. Our inspectors work with these traditional building methods every day, so we know how they behave over time.

Another point we always consider is the ground beneath the property. Chobham sits on the Bagshot Formation, with sandy, silty deposits over clay, and that clay layer brings a moderate to high shrink-swell risk, especially where mature trees are close by. We check foundations, walls, and drainage for any sign of subsidence or heave, and we look closely at cracking, sticking doors and windows, and other clues to ground movement that are not always obvious at first glance.

Flooding is part of the local picture too, particularly for homes near the River Bourne. The river and its tributaries run through the area, so heavy rain can bring fluvial flood risk, while some parts of the village also face surface water flooding where drainage capacity is limited. Our surveys look at the property's position in relation to flood zones and whether the drainage on site is up to the job.

Older Chobham properties often bring familiar issues, and we check for all of them, from rising damp in solid-wall construction to timber decay in traditional roofs and electrical systems that no longer meet current safety standards. A lot of homes here need close attention to their damp-proof courses, since many either do not have modern DPCs or have damaged existing ones. We set out the findings clearly so repairs or price discussions with sellers can be handled with evidence.

The way homes in Chobham are built explains a lot about the defects we see. Red brick is common, often with decorative detailing, and render appears on many properties too. Timber framing, sometimes left exposed or finished with tile hanging, is a familiar sight across the village. Roofs are usually tiled, and clay tiles are especially common on period homes throughout the area.

Before 1919, most houses were built with solid walls and no cavity insulation, which changes both how they hold heat and how they deal with moisture. Those walls depend on breathability, and modern changes such as cement-based renders or non-breathable insulation can cause real issues if they are not specified properly. Our surveyors know how these older structures work, and we can spot when modern alterations are doing more harm than good to historic fabric.

The inter-war years, 1919-1945, brought cavity wall construction to some homes, although many smaller properties still used solid wall methods. After the war, construction varied by era, from traditional brick and block to more modern system-built approaches. We have inspected properties across all of these types, so we know the issues each one tends to throw up.

Surveying homes across Chobham has shown us a few defects that keep turning up. Because so many properties here have solid walls, rising damp is a regular finding. Homes without modern damp-proof courses, or with damaged existing DPCs, can draw moisture up through the brickwork, leaving damage to decorations and possible health concerns. We assess how serious the damp is and suggest suitable remedial work.

Timber defects are another area we look at closely. Many Chobham homes have traditional timber-framed construction or original timber roof structures. Our surveyors check for woodworm activity, wet rot, and dry rot, all of which can affect structural integrity. Roofs need equal care, and in properties over 50 years old we often find slipped tiles, failing felt, and deteriorating leadwork. Where we can get safe access, we inspect the roof space and check for decay or insect activity.

Clay soils here shrink and swell, so subsidence checks matter. Homes with shallow foundations, or those under pressure from tree roots, may show cracking, sticking doors and windows, and other signs of movement. Our reports set out any concerns plainly and, where needed, recommend further investigation. We pay close attention to movement linked to the clay geology beneath much of Chobham.

Older properties often need a close look at electrical and heating systems. Many homes built before the 1970s still have wiring that falls short of current regulations. Original plumbing can also include lead pipes or galvanised steel, which may affect water quality and pressure. Our surveys flag these points and advise on checks by qualified electrical and plumbing contractors.