RICS Level 3 Building Survey in Stone ST15

Stone has a broad mix of homes, so a RICS Level 3 Survey is often the right fit when you want the fullest inspection available. Our surveyors look at every accessible part of the property, from the foundations and walls through to the roof structure and insulation, so you get a detailed picture of the building's condition. Compared with simpler surveys, a Level 3 report goes further, setting out technical descriptions of defects, their likely causes and recommendations for remediation.

Across Stone, the market ranges from 18th-century Georgian houses built with traditional solid wall construction to 1970s detached homes put up with very different materials and methods. A lot of these properties have been extended over time. Our surveyors check those alterations, consider their structural integrity, and look at whether the right building regulations approval was in place. In the ST15 area, we have come across many extensions added without appropriate permissions, which can have a real effect on mortgageability and future saleability.

The Level 3 Survey is intended for properties in conventional condition, but it is also a strong option for older homes, buildings with clear defects, and places where major renovations are planned. We provide a written report with clear ratings for each defect, photographs showing the issues, and practical recommendations for repairs and maintenance. It follows the RICS traffic light system, making it easy to spot what needs urgent attention.

Some Stone properties call for more detail. Homes left vacant for long periods, buildings showing signs of subsidence or movement, and houses with serious timber decay all fall into that category. In those cases, a Level 3 Survey gives you the technical information needed to make an informed decision or negotiate a suitable reduction in the purchase price. In ST15, our surveyors have identified serious structural issues that have saved buyers from expensive mistakes.

In Stone town centre, you see a real mix of period housing, including Georgian and Victorian townhouses around the historic High Street and nearby streets. These buildings often have traditional construction, such as solid brick walls, original timber frame elements and heritage features that need specialist assessment. Our surveyors know the usual defects in period homes and what to watch for, from settlement cracks in solid walls to the condition of historic timber windows.

Walton and Barlaston have plenty of substantial 20th-century detached and semi-detached houses from the mid-century period. Many use cavity wall construction, but issues with concrete lintels, garage structures and original windows are not unusual. A large number have also been extended over the years, so we assess whether those additions were properly built and approved. In this area, we commonly find original concrete tile roofs that may be due for replacement.

Stone also has newer developments, particularly around the Crown Street area and towards the Trentham Road. Modern properties there can still benefit from a snagging inspection alongside a standard Level 3 Survey. Even a new build can have defects, and our detailed inspection helps buyers identify issues before completing a purchase. We have surveyed many new build properties in the ST15 area and found defects that were not apparent to the buyers.

Near the River Trent, especially in the lower-lying parts of Stone, properties can come with particular concerns around flood risk and ground conditions. Our surveyors record any evidence of past flooding, dampness issues or drainage concerns that may affect long-term condition and value. The clay soil common in the Stone area can also contribute to foundation movement, so we look specifically for signs of that during the inspection.

Clay soils under Stone are prone to shrinkage and expansion as moisture content changes. That movement can lead to foundation problems, particularly in properties with shallow foundations or homes close to trees that draw moisture from the soil. Our surveyors look for cracking to walls, doors and windows that stick, and uneven floor levels. In the ST15 area, we have identified many properties with foundation concerns that needed further investigation by a structural engineer.

Period homes in Stone often have solid wall construction without cavity insulation, which leaves them more vulnerable to damp penetration. We regularly see rising damp in ground floor walls, particularly where original damp proof courses have failed or were never installed. We also identify penetrating damp linked to defective gutters, damaged roof coverings and missing pointing to external walls. In our reports, we document the state of the solid wall construction and any signs of damp carefully.

Roof defects appear frequently in our Stone surveys. Older roof coverings that have reached the end of their service life are a common reason. We often find slipped tiles, damaged flashing and deteriorated mortar to ridge tiles, all of which can let in water. On properties with flat roof areas, ponding water and failed felt or membrane systems are regular findings. We also assess the roof structure thoroughly, including any rot or insect damage affecting timber elements.

Older Stone properties often need work to windows and doors. Rotting timber frames, failed double glazing seals and damaged hardware are all common findings. We assess every window and door, noting draughts, condensation between glass panes and any difficulty in operation. Where a property still has original timber sash windows, we consider whether repair and restoration would be possible instead of replacement, which is often the more cost-effective option.