Home Buyers Survey in Campden Hill

Is it best to get a RICS Level 2 Survey, Full Structural Survey or RICS Level 3 Survey on a home in Campden Hill and which one is the cheapest?

The Full Structural Survey has been updated to a RICS Level 3 Survey and is essentially the same survey.

If the Campden Hill property is a flat or maisonette, or is 100 or more years old, or has been extended, or is built of unusual materials, RICS advise a cheaper RICS Level 2 Survey.

If you are thinking about whether to do any an extension, you should you opt for a RICS Level 3 Survey. The RICS Level 3 Survey is not as cheap as a RICS Level 2 Survey but it will offer a more detailed analysis of the Campden Hill property's condition and it includes an opinion on defects as well as maintenance options .

For further advice why not obtain an instant Campden Hill Homebuyers Survey Quote on our site or call us 0800 022 4428 to speak to one of our advisers.

Is clay soil an issue in Campden Hill? Will the Property Survey consider this? Does the chartered surveyor give maintenance advice?

Subsidence is often the result of unseen, subterranean causes, including clay soil. Subsidence is one obvious concern, but there are others, including moisture changes in the soil. Clay soil is naturally lower in volume, and will compact over several months in the case of new-builds. This settlement is predictable and necessary - the real concern is contraction in clay soil caused by changes in the local water table. If present, expansive clay soil can put lateral pressure on a Campden Hill property's foundations, leading to bowing, cracks and severe structural damage. Steps like monitoring the moisture content of the soil around the foundations, and taking steps to keep the level reasonably stable can help maintain clay-rich soil, but a purchaser should discuss specifics with the surveyor if extensive upkeep is warranted. If you are particularly concerned about a crack or other sign of movement, the surveyor can also report on whether it is recent, or an indication of much earlier subsidence.

What do I need to bear in mind when buying a house built in around 1720? What impact will the box frame structure have on regular maintenance?

For houses in Campden Hill built before the 20th Century, age can worry purchasers. Campden Hill property built with traditional methods can be costly to maintain. You should bear in mind that expert knowledge may be needed. Traditional building materials may also need to be sourced. This can result in higher ongoing expenses. Contact your property surveyor for more information.

Does a chartered surveyor inspect the serviceability of the gas heaters?

Your qualified RICS surveyor will visually check any accessible parts of the system. A surveyor will want to inspect the gas pipe route at the property, as well as gas connected appliances/installations e.g. chimney breasts or flues. Any external fittings or housings will not be taken off. Most people are aware that gas is potentially unsafe, if you have any concerns about gas, contact a gas safe engineer.

Gas Safe Register firms in Campden Hill include Empire Heating Limited of Unit 73, 272 Kensington High Street, London, . Tel. 07932 082646 and ProFix Plumbing of 108 Lexham Gardens, London Tel. 07929366338.

We want to put in an offer on a place in Campden Hill. Is there any Flemish bond advice we should be aware of?? Is age a factor?

Brick-built apartments do benefit from many advantages, but they will also be affected by several common problems. This could be anything from vertical cracking to efflorescence. The surveyor will mention these, with solutions or likely results if they are not resolved. One problem often found is damp and water damage resulting from gaps in uneven brickwork. For more information, contact a local builder, Mooney Marshall of 22 Edgeley Rd, Stockport, SK3 9NB on 0161-480 1595.

As an example, Scottish bond, featuring five courses (rows) of long-oriented bricks then one row of short faced bricks, before repeating the pattern.