RICS Level 3 Building Survey in Great and Little Chishill

Great and Little Chishill has a character that asks for a closer look than a typical modern estate house. Great Chishill includes a designated Conservation Area, and there are several listed buildings, among them St Swithun's Church and historic farmhouses and cottages on Chrishall Road and St. Mary's Lane. These older homes were built in traditional ways that are very different from modern construction, so a basic mortgage valuation will not tell the full story. Our inspectors know how to assess traditional buildings without causing harm, which matters when the property is historic.

South Cambridgeshire’s geology brings its own set of issues. Our inspectors often pick up problems linked to the chalk bedrock and Gault Clay beneath the area. Clay soils can shrink and swell, so properties may see subtle movement during drought or after heavy rain. That is especially relevant for older homes with shallow foundations, or for those close to mature trees along Codicote Bottom and other watercourses that draw moisture from the soil. We have surveyed properties near St. Mary's Church and along the village lanes where trees are plentiful, and we always consider vegetation alongside foundations as part of the structural assessment.

Red brick, timber framing, render and weatherboarding all turn up in Great and Little Chishill, and many houses still use those traditional materials. Some older homes also include local flint or clunch, which ties neatly into the chalk geology of this part of Cambridgeshire. Getting those materials right takes experience, and our RICS qualified inspectors know how to spot defects that a less seasoned surveyor might miss. We look for everything from rising damp in solid-wall construction to movement in period roof timbers. Wattle and daub infill panels need particular care, and we have seen plenty that deserve a proper structural check.

Flood risk in Great and Little Chishill is usually fairly low, with limited fluvial risk because the village sits away from major rivers. Even so, there are some pockets of medium surface water flood risk on certain roads and in low-lying dips where rainwater can gather after heavy downpours. Our surveyors examine drainage around the property and look for signs of earlier flooding or water staining that could point to past problems. That local understanding helps us give advice that is relevant to the specific home you are looking at.

• Properties in Conservation Areas
• Period cottages and farmhouses
• Listed buildings
• Homes near mature trees
• Properties on clay soil
• Properties with traditional construction

Our experience across South Cambridgeshire shows the same issues cropping up again and again in Great and Little Chishill. The clay soil geology means subsidence and heave are real concerns, especially in older homes with shallow foundations. Our inspectors look for movement, including cracking to walls, particularly diagonal cracks around door and window openings, doors that stick or will not close properly, and uneven floors. We also check for trees and vegetation close to the property, because soil moisture changes can affect foundations, which matters even more where mature oak or ash trees sit in the garden.

Damp is another regular finding in the older housing stock here. Solid walls without cavity insulation can suffer from rising damp, especially if the damp proof course has failed or was never installed at all. That comes up often in period cottages built before modern building regulations. Penetrating damp from faulty roof coverings, damaged flashing or leaking gutters is also seen frequently, particularly on traditional roofs with clay tiles that have been in place for many decades. Our surveyors use moisture meters to identify damp-affected areas and judge the likely cause and severity, separating rising damp, penetrating damp and condensation.

Period homes with original timber often show wet rot, dry rot or woodworm attack. Roof timbers, floor joists, window frames and door frames can all be affected, especially where maintenance has been left too long. Our inspectors tap timber elements to check soundness and look for visible signs of rot or insect activity, including fungal growth, insect holes and wood dust, or frass, from active woodworm. Where we find timber defects, we report them with recommendations for specialist remedial treatment.

Older roofs often bring their own set of issues, from slipped or worn tiles to tired leadwork around chimneys and valleys, and even sagging or damaged roof timbers. Many traditional roofs in the area use clay tiles or slate, and although both are durable, time and exposure eventually take their toll. Where it is safe and practical, our inspectors get into the roof void to examine these parts up close. We also check flashings, parapet walls and flat roof sections, where water ingress is common. If a thatched roof does appear in this rural area, we give specific advice on its condition and maintenance needs.