RICS Level 2 Survey in North Mundham

Our RICS Level 2 Survey gives you a detailed visual inspection of every accessible part of the property. We check walls, the roof, floors, doors and windows for structural movement, damp, rot and the kinds of defects we regularly see in the Chichester area. Inside and out, we assess the building, including outbuildings, garages and the overall state of the boundaries. Our surveyors work through each room methodically, lifting accessible floorboards where it is safe and looking into hidden spaces that can reveal problems not obvious from ground level.

In North Mundham, the local geology matters. The area sits on chalk with Head deposits above it, so our surveyors watch closely for subsidence and other signs of ground movement. Where there are mature trees nearby, shrink-swell issues can arise if the soil contains clay, and we look carefully for cracking or movement that may point to foundation trouble. We also inspect drainage and note any evidence of flood risk, especially near the River Lavant. The superficial Head deposits here, made up of sandy, silty and clayey materials, can behave very differently from the more stable chalk beneath, particularly in drought or during heavy rainfall when soil moisture levels change sharply.

The RICS Level 2 Survey also includes a market valuation and an insurance rebuild cost. In North Mundham, where detached properties average £530,000 and terraced homes reach £320,000, that can be extremely useful. It helps show whether the asking price matches the property's actual value and whether your insurance cover is likely to be enough. Our team combines survey findings with detailed knowledge of the Chichester district, then checks them against recent comparable sales in the local market, including homes sold in the village over the past year, so the valuation reflects current conditions.

We also include an energy efficiency assessment, setting out the property's current thermal performance. North Mundham has many homes from the mid-century period, and insulation standards can vary a lot from one house to the next, so our report points out where improvements could cut energy bills and make the property more comfortable. That matters just as much for the approximately 30% of properties built after 1980, which may perform better thermally but can still benefit from an expert review of their energy efficiency rating.

• Wall condition and structural movement
• Roof, chimney, and rainwater goods
• Damp and timber defects
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical visible elements
• Boundaries, outbuildings, and drainage

After surveying homes across North Mundham and the wider Chichester area, we see some problems time and again. Damp is high on the list, especially in the older properties that form a notable share of the village's housing stock. In pre-1919 homes, rising damp often stems from failed damp-proof courses or from the complete absence of original damp-proofing. Penetrating damp is another regular issue, particularly on walls facing the prevailing winds where mortar pointing has weathered over many years of West Sussex exposure. Our surveyors use moisture meters to check damp levels and trace the likely source of moisture ingress, so we can separate historic issues that have already been dealt with from active defects that still need remedial work.

Roofs deserve close inspection here, particularly where original clay tile or slate coverings remain in place. We often find slipped tiles, perished felt underlay and chimney defects that call for remedial work. Near mature trees, blocked gutters caused by leaf debris can lead to water penetration as well. The chalk beneath North Mundham is usually associated with stable ground conditions, but homes built where superficial deposits contain significant clay may still be vulnerable to movement, especially in dry spells when trees draw moisture from the soil. Where roof spaces are accessible, we inspect them too, checking rafters, purlins and visible timber for rot or signs of insect infestation.

Older properties often have services that no longer meet modern expectations. Homes built before the 1980s may contain outdated wiring that does not comply with Part P of the Building Regulations, and original plumbing can include materials that are now considered obsolete. We flag these safety concerns in the survey report and recommend further checks by qualified electricians and plumbers before completion where appropriate. Our surveyors note the type and condition of consumer units, look for earth bonding and comment on the visible state of wiring and pipework. We do not certify electrical or plumbing installations, but our observations help show what further investigation is needed.

Timber defects are another regular issue in North Mundham, especially in older houses with original timber frames and floor structures. Woodworm activity, wet rot and dry rot can affect both structural and non-structural timber, and the damage is often concealed behind plaster or beneath flooring. Our surveyors lift accessible floorboards where it is safe to do so and inspect visible timber for evidence of insect attack or fungal decay. Homes with extensive timber elements, such as original wooden beams or traditional cut timber roofs, need especially careful assessment, and we report any concerns that should be followed up by a specialist timber treatment contractor.