Building Surveys in Epsom: What Local Buyers Need to Know
Epsom offers buyers a wide variety of property, from older character homes and traditional Victorian and Edwardian houses to inter-war properties, post-war developments, flats, extensions and modern estates.
That variety is part of the area’s appeal, but it also means there is no single checklist that applies to every property.
An older house may require careful consideration of its roof, chimney stacks, dampness and historic alterations, while a more modern property can present a completely different range of issues.
At Delamere Nicolet LLP, our surveyors help buyers understand the condition of the property they are considering before making a significant financial commitment.
If you are buying in Epsom, here are some of the issues that may deserve particular attention during a building survey.
Older Properties and Period Construction
One of the attractions of Epsom is its variety of established residential property. Older homes can offer generous proportions, character and original architectural features, but age inevitably brings maintenance requirements.
A surveyor may identify issues involving ageing roof coverings, weathered brickwork, deteriorated pointing, older windows, chimney stacks and previous repairs.
It is also important to understand how an older property was originally constructed. Traditional buildings can contain materials and construction methods that behave differently from those found in modern homes. Repairs that are perfectly appropriate for a newer property may not always be suitable for an older building.
This is why defects need to be assessed in the context of the individual property rather than simply applying a standard checklist.
Cracking and Signs of Building Movement
Cracks are one of the most common things buyers worry about. Fortunately, the presence of a crack does not automatically mean that a property is suffering from subsidence.
Buildings can crack for many reasons, including historic settlement, thermal movement, alterations and movement between different sections of a property.
During a survey, the pattern, position and extent of cracking can be considered alongside evidence elsewhere in the building.
For example, cracking around an extension may have a different significance from similar-looking cracking within the original structure. Where the evidence suggests that movement may require further investigation, your surveyor can recommend appropriate next steps.
Damp and Moisture
Dampness is another issue frequently encountered when inspecting residential property.
Potential causes can include defective gutters, leaking downpipes, roof defects, inadequate ventilation, plumbing problems, deterioration of external walls and high external ground levels.
The visible symptom does not necessarily reveal the underlying cause.
At Delamere Nicolet LLP, we use advanced damp and moisture meters where appropriate during our Full Building Surveys to provide additional information when investigating potential moisture problems.
Meter readings are not treated as a diagnosis in isolation.
Our surveyors consider them alongside the construction of the property, visible defects and other evidence found during the inspection to build a more complete picture of what may be happening.
Roof Defects
The condition of the roof can have a significant impact on the cost of maintaining a property.
Slipped or damaged tiles, deteriorated coverings, defective flashing, leaking gutters and problems around roof junctions can all allow water to penetrate the building.
Older properties may also have chimney stacks requiring maintenance, while extensions and loft conversions can introduce additional roof junctions and potential weak points.
One of the difficulties for buyers is that many of these areas are several metres above ground level and can be difficult to see during a normal viewing.
That is why we take a closer look where possible.
A Closer Look With Extendable Pole Cameras
As part of our Full Building Surveys, Delamere Nicolet LLP uses extendable pole cameras where appropriate to obtain closer views of roofs, chimney stacks, gutters, flashing and other high-level areas.
Depending on the property and conditions, this equipment can help our surveyors identify visible issues such as damaged or slipped tiles, deteriorated chimney pointing, defective flashing, blocked gutters and previous roof repairs.
For many residential properties, a pole-mounted camera provides a practical and relatively unobtrusive way of obtaining additional visual information.
Unlike a drone, there is no aircraft operating above the property or neighbouring gardens. There is also considerably less noise and potential disturbance to neighbours. Drone inspections can be useful in the right circumstances, but weather, surrounding properties, trees, operational restrictions and the particular configuration of a site can affect their suitability.
The appropriate inspection method ultimately depends on the property.
Chimneys on Older Epsom Homes
Chimney stacks are worth particular attention when buying an older property.
Their exposed position means they are continually subjected to rain, wind and temperature changes.
Over time, mortar joints can deteriorate, bricks may become damaged and flashing around the base of the stack can fail.
Chimney pots and the material securing them can also deteriorate.
The repair itself may sometimes be relatively straightforward, but access to a chimney can require scaffolding or specialist equipment. This means apparently minor chimney defects can sometimes result in greater expenditure than a buyer initially expects.
Extensions and Previous Alterations
Many established homes have been altered during their lifetime.
Rear and side extensions, loft conversions, removed internal walls, chimney breast alterations and changes to windows and doors are all common examples of work that can affect a property.
During a survey, our surveyors consider visible evidence of alterations and whether there are associated signs of defects.
An extension, for example, may show cracking where it joins the original building. A loft conversion may have involved alterations to the roof structure. Removing an internal wall or chimney breast can also raise questions about structural support.
Where appropriate, buyers should ask their legal adviser to investigate relevant permissions, approvals and documentation.
Loft Conversions
Additional living space is attractive to buyers, and converted lofts are common in many established residential areas.
However, a loft conversion introduces several areas that deserve attention.
The roof structure may have been altered, additional loads introduced and new rooflights or dormers installed. These changes create new junctions that need to remain weatherproof.
Where visible and accessible, a building survey can identify signs of defects or alterations that may warrant further investigation.
Drainage and Rainwater Disposal
Water management around a property is easy to overlook during a viewing.
Gutters, downpipes and drainage systems play an important role in moving rainwater away from the building.
A blocked gutter can saturate an external wall. A leaking downpipe can contribute to localised dampness. Drainage problems can sometimes have wider implications.
Our surveyors therefore consider visible rainwater goods and signs that water may not be draining effectively from the building.
Where there is evidence suggesting an underground drainage problem, a specialist drainage investigation may be recommended.
Windows, Doors and External Joinery
Windows and external timberwork can represent a considerable future maintenance cost, particularly on larger or older homes.
Traditional timber windows may suffer from peeling paint, decay, failed glazing or poor operation. Modern replacement windows can have their own problems, including failed sealed units or poor installation.
Doors and windows can also provide clues about the wider condition of a building.
One sticking door is unlikely to establish a structural problem. However, several distorted openings combined with significant cracking elsewhere may warrant closer consideration.
Again, context matters.
Flat Roofs on Extensions and Garages
Flat and low-pitched roofs are commonly found on extensions, garages, dormers and porches.
Their condition can sometimes be difficult for a buyer to assess.
A surveyor may identify deterioration to the covering, cracking, defective joints or areas where water is not draining effectively.
Understanding the visible condition and approximate age of a flat roof can help buyers anticipate whether maintenance or replacement may need to be budgeted for.
Don’t Be Distracted by Fresh Decoration
A beautifully presented property can still contain defects.
Fresh paint, new flooring and recently refurbished rooms naturally attract attention during a viewing, but a building survey looks beyond decoration.
Recent finishes can sometimes make signs of historic problems more difficult to identify.
Our surveyors consider the building fabric, visible defects and the relationship between different areas of the property rather than assessing it on presentation alone.
Why Local Buyers Should Consider a Full Building Survey
Not every property requires the same type of survey.
However, a Full Building Survey can be particularly valuable where a property is older, unusually constructed, substantially altered or where the buyer has specific concerns about its condition.
At Delamere Nicolet LLP, our Full Building Surveys are intended to provide buyers with a detailed understanding of the visible condition of the property.
We use professional judgement alongside modern surveying equipment where appropriate.
Our extendable pole cameras help us obtain closer views of difficult-to-see high-level areas.
Our advanced damp and moisture meters provide additional information when investigating potential moisture problems.
But equipment alone does not determine what is wrong with a building.
The information gathered during the inspection has to be interpreted by the surveyor in the context of the property’s age, construction and overall condition.
A Survey Is About Understanding What You Are Buying
A good building survey is not simply a long list of everything that is imperfect about a property.
Its value lies in helping the buyer understand the building.
Some defects may require relatively simple maintenance. Others may warrant further investigation or involve more substantial expenditure.
Knowing about these issues before proceeding with a purchase can help you ask better questions, understand potential future costs and make a more informed decision.
Buying a Property in Epsom? Speak to Delamere Nicolet LLP
Whether you are buying an older character house, an extended family home, a flat or a more modern property in Epsom, understanding its condition before you commit can help reduce the risk of unexpected surprises after moving in.
At Delamere Nicolet LLP, our surveyors provide professional property surveys for buyers and use modern inspection equipment, including extendable pole cameras and advanced damp and moisture meters, where appropriate as part of our Full Building Surveys.
If you are buying a property in Epsom, contact Delamere Nicolet LLP to discuss the most appropriate survey for your prospective purchase.
This article is intended for general information only. Property construction and condition vary considerably, and the issues described will not apply to every home in Epsom. The extent of an inspection is subject to access, weather, site conditions and safety considerations. Further specialist investigation may be recommended where appropriate.