RICS Level 3 Building Survey in Burrough Green

Our RICS Level 3 Building Survey looks right across every accessible part of the property, and it goes well beyond the basic checks you get with a standard home report. We assess the structure itself, from walls, floors and ceilings through to roofs and foundations, looking for movement, decay or any sign of weakness. The roof covering, chimneys, rainwater goods and flashing are all checked too, so we can spot places where water ingress might become a problem later on. We also look at the damp-proof course, ventilation and timber members such as joists, rafters and load-bearing beams.

In Burrough Green, that level of detail matters. Many homes built between the 16th and 19th centuries were put together using traditional methods, so they need a very different approach from modern construction. We pay close attention to timber frame integrity, with checks for rot, woodworm infestation and structural movement in older buildings. Thatched roofs, still seen on several historic homes in the village, are inspected for condition and any maintenance needs that could become expensive if ignored. Properties such as Pembroke Farmhouse, with its rendered timber frame and thatched roof, are exactly the sort our surveyors assess here.

After the inspection, you get a written report that usually runs to 30-40 pages or more, depending on the size and complexity of the property. We set out any defects, explain what they mean for the building’s integrity, and order the recommendations so you can see what needs attention first. A clear traffic light rating system makes it straightforward to spot urgent issues and those that can wait. We also include market valuation advice, so you can see how the property’s condition affects its worth in the current Burrough Green market. It is the kind of detail that helps with a purchase decision, or with negotiating with sellers.

We also look beyond the obvious structure and consider the home against current building regulations and energy efficiency standards. Any clear departures from approved documents are noted, although we do not carry out a full building regulations compliance check. Windows, doors and insulation are all assessed, with commentary on what they mean for energy performance. For Burrough Green homes with original single-glazed windows, which are common in period properties, we flag the likely effect on heating bills and comfort, so buyers can budget for upgrades if needed.

• Complete structural assessment
• Detailed defect identification
• Priority-based recommendations
• Market valuation advice
• Legal compliance checks
• Energy efficiency observations

Older housing in Burrough Green brings a different set of considerations from newer residential areas. A lot of homes still have original single-glazed windows, historic plaster finishes, and older electrical and plumbing systems that may fall short of current regulations. Our Level 3 survey picks up on those points and looks at the effect on safety, energy efficiency and maintenance costs. We also check whether renovations or extensions were done with the right planning permission and building regulation approval, which matters all the more where listed buildings are involved and controls are tight.

Clay in the local subsoil creates specific problems for property owners in Burrough Green. When wet, clay expands, and when it dries it contracts, so the ground can move enough to stress foundations and cause cracking. Homes with shallow traditional foundations are especially exposed, and our surveyors know exactly what to look for when assessing foundation condition. We examine walls for typical crack patterns, check whether windows and doors open properly as signs of movement, and assess the overall structure with those ground conditions in mind. The chalk beneath the village can also produce variable ground behaviour, so experienced interpretation is needed.

For anyone looking at the new-build homes at Oak Tree Rise, the Level 3 survey still has real value, even with modern construction methods. Developed by Pure Eco Homes in partnership with Hemspan, these five executive barn-style homes use innovative timber superstructures with hemp insulation, so they are quite different from a traditional build. Each property has five or six bedrooms, and a second phase of nine additional houses is planned. New-build defects tend to be less common than in older homes, but the complexity of these eco-homes means a professional inspection can still pick up issues with ventilation systems, solar installations or the structural elements themselves. With pricing from around £1,275,000, a thorough survey is well worth the investment. The mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) systems and solar PV panels need specific checks to make sure they are performing properly.