RICS Level 3 Building Survey in Crowhurst, Tandridge

Crowhurst’s housing stock still shows its long history as a village with roots stretching back to the medieval period. Many homes were built with locally sourced materials, including bricks from the former Crowhurst Brickworks, which helps give the place its distinct character. Around Crowhurst Place and the historic core in particular, we see a number of timber-framed buildings with close stud framing, brick and stone plinths, and traditional Horsham slab roofs, all of which need specialist knowledge to assess properly.

We look closely at these traditional forms of construction, and we often spot problems that a less experienced assessor could miss. Much of Crowhurst sits on Wealden Clay, which brings shrink-swell ground movement risks that can affect foundations, especially in periods of drought or heavy rainfall. That matters all the more with older buildings, where footings may be shallower than modern building regulations require. In period homes across the village, we regularly find signs of previous movement, including cracked brickwork, sticking doors, and uneven floor levels.

There is newer housing here too, especially at Ardenrun Shaw and Crowhurst Lane End, where detached and semi-detached homes have been built from the mid-20th century onwards. Even where these properties are generally well kept, we still inspect the structure, services, and any extensions or alterations carried out over the years with care. Many date from the 1960s and 1970s, a period when construction methods were quite different from today’s standards, so we pay close attention to possible issues with concrete foundations, cavity wall construction, and original roofing materials.

According to the 2011 Census, around 28% of properties in Crowhurst parish are detached houses and about 22.6% are apartments. That range, from smaller cottages to substantial family homes, means we adjust our inspection approach to suit each property we assess.

Flood risk is one of the bigger local considerations in Crowhurst, especially for homes near the Powdermill Stream. We take particular care with properties along Forewood Lane, around the Post Office, and in sections south of Sandrock Hill Road, all of which have seen flooding historically. As part of our inspection, we assess the likely flood exposure of the property, look at drainage arrangements, check the state of any flood mitigation already in place, and consider how the site sits in relation to Flood Zones 1, 2, and 3.

Surface water flooding is also an issue in parts of Crowhurst, with drainage difficulties recorded around Springfield and Sampsons Lane. During the survey, we inspect gutters, drainage channels, and land grading so we can spot anything likely to cause water penetration or standing water. We then set out practical steps for managing those risks, which matters more as extreme weather events become more frequent. Where relevant, our reports include specific advice on flood resilience measures such as non-return valves on drainage, water-resistant plaster finishes, and the installation of sump pumps.

Knowing how these flood risks may affect a property is a key part of making a properly informed decision in Crowhurst. In a Level 3 Survey, we give a detailed view of the building’s vulnerability to flooding and moisture damage, so you have the information needed for insurance and for any flood resilience work you may want to consider. We also inspect any flood defences already present, including barriers, land raises, and drainage infrastructure.

Although Crowhurst is still mainly a village of period homes, there are new build options to look at as well. Gainsford Place offers nine luxury three, four, and five-bedroom homes from Chartwell Land & New Homes, while Bowerland Lane in nearby RH7 6DF has two detached four-bedroom family houses priced at £1,100,000 from White & Sons. New properties can still benefit from a Level 3 Survey, because we can pick up construction defects, snagging issues, and build shortcuts that may not be obvious to everyday purchasers.

New build homes come with their own set of risks, and we know what to look for. Our team checks for issues such as thermal bridging, insulation gaps, and faults with recently installed windows, doors, and mechanical systems. We apply the same thorough approach to newer properties as we do to older ones, so you get a clear picture before completion. Common examples include poor ventilation in roof spaces, missing or badly installed damp proof courses, and defects in window and door installation.

For buyers of new build properties, we also suggest thinking about a snagging inspection aimed specifically at cosmetic and minor defects that may not fall within a standard building survey. We can provide that extra service if needed, giving you confidence that your new home is in the condition you expect before you move in.