Home Survey Level 3 – City Centre Townhouse (Chester, UK, CH1)

Overview

Location: City Centre, Chester, UK (CH1)

Property type: Older city-centre townhouse (traditional construction)

Survey fee: £795

The buyer needed a clear view of condition and near-term repair risk before purchase. Key concerns included weathering exposure, rainwater goods performance, localised damp indicators and ventilation management typical of older stock.

Findings

• Roof coverings and junctions showed age-related wear; defects were likely to allow moisture ingress during wind-driven rain.
• Rainwater goods and discharge arrangements presented a recurring risk driver for damp staining and masonry saturation.
• Internal damp indicators were consistent with a combination of water shedding defects plus ventilation/condensation management issues.
• Sub-floor and concealed voids required cautious interpretation; access limitations meant risk-based recommendations were provided.
• Services and safety items required further checks by competent contractors prior to commitment.

Recommendations

• Prioritise roof and rainwater goods repairs (alignment, joints, outlets) to stabilise water shedding and reduce ongoing saturation.
• Undertake targeted damp investigation only after external water shedding defects are corrected and drying time is allowed.
• Introduce a ventilation/humidity plan (extract, background ventilation, occupant guidance) to reduce condensation risk.
• Commission electrical and gas safety inspections and budget for likely minor upgrades typical of older homes.
• Agree a first-year maintenance plan and budget, with urgent items completed early post-completion.

Outcome

The survey gave the purchaser a staged repair plan: stabilise external water shedding first, then re-check damp indicators once the building has had time to dry, reducing the risk of unnecessary or poorly targeted remedial work.