RICS Level 2 Survey in Mattersey

Our RICS Level 2 Survey in Mattersey looks over the accessible parts of the property, inside and out. We inspect walls, floors, ceilings, doors, windows, the roof, chimneys, gutters and drainage systems, then note any signs of damp, rot, timber defects, structural movement, or other issues commonly seen across Nottinghamshire. Each element is given a traffic light rating, so it is straightforward to see what needs urgent attention and what can wait.

Because Mattersey sits on clay-rich superficial deposits over Sherwood Sandstone, our surveyors give extra attention to subsidence, heave and movement on shrink-swell prone soils. We check external walls for crack patterns linked to foundation movement, look at floor levels for unevenness, and test doors and windows for sticking that can point to structural shift. Across the Bassetlaw district, clay soils expand and contract as moisture levels change, and properties with large trees nearby or poor drainage are especially exposed. Where we think the risk is significant, we will say if a specialist structural engineer should take a look.

We also consider flood risk from the River Idle, which runs close to the village, and we look for evidence of earlier flooding or water damage. Low-lying parts of Mattersey parish, especially near the river and its tributaries, are classed as being at risk from river and surface water flooding. Water marks, damaged plaster at low level, and damp around the ground floor can all point to past flooding. Properties in the Conservation Area, or any that are listed, may need extra care, and we will advise if the inspection suggests a more detailed survey is the better route.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof covering and structure
• Damp and timber condition
• Plumbing and electrical visible elements
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Exterior finishes and pointing
• Chimneys and flues
• Garages and outbuildings

Mattersey has homes from a wide spread of eras, from historic cottages dating to before 1919 right through to post-1980s development. That mix means our surveyors come across a broad range of defects. Older homes, which form a sizeable part of the village stock, often show damp problems because they were built with solid walls and no modern damp-proof course. Rising damp, penetrating damp and condensation crop up frequently, especially where ventilation is poor or the external render has failed. Traditional brick homes across the Bassetlaw district were also built without cavity walls, so once pointing starts to break down they are more vulnerable to damp penetration.

The clay-rich ground around Mattersey carries a moderate to high shrink-swell risk, so we regularly check for subsidence and foundation movement. Homes with large trees close by, or older properties with shallow foundations, are the ones we watch most closely. We inspect brickwork for the crack patterns that often go with movement, check internal floors for levelness, and see whether doors and windows open and shut properly. Above the Sherwood Sandstone, the alluvium and glaciofluvial sand and gravel can behave unpredictably as moisture levels change, and poor drainage can make things worse. If we come across serious concerns, we will advise a structural engineer’s inspection.

Roof issues feature heavily in our reports too. Slipped tiles, perished felt, failing leadwork and chimney pointing defects are all common, especially on older properties that have not been kept to modern standards. Many Mattersey homes have traditional clay tile or slate roofs that are now reaching the point where regular maintenance matters. We inspect roof slopes from ground level and, where we can, from loft space, looking for broken or slipped tiles, worn ridge tiles and signs of old or active leaks. Chimney stacks can be vulnerable here, with pointing decay and damaged flashing often seen on properties exposed to prevailing winds.

In properties built before the 1980s, the electrical wiring often falls short of current standards, and our surveyors will note any visible concerns that should be checked by a qualified electrician. We cannot lift socket covers or test circuits, but we do visually inspect consumer units, wiring colours and the condition of visible cabling. Because the village sits close to the River Idle, we also look for flood damage or signs of water ingress in lower-lying homes, so you know about any flood risk before you complete. Properties near the floodplain may already have flood resilience measures in place, or may have a history of flooding that has affected lower floors and plasterwork.

• Rising and penetrating damp
• Roof tile slippage and felt failure
• Subsidence and foundation movement
• Timber rot and woodworm
• Chimney and leadwork deterioration
• Outdated electrical wiring
• Drainage and guttering issues
• Window and door deterioration