The past few months have seen our Nottingham building surveyor Pete Mallinson MRICS visiting three very substantial, but very different luxury properties among his daily survey rounds. These Level 3 Nottinghamshire surveys had a lot in common with surveys of smaller properties in the area, but as with any substantial homes, there were a few extra considerations to take into account.
The first property was a bona fide Manor House. With a stunning riverside location, this property reached well over 5000 square feet. The oldest parts of the property dated from circa 1850, but there was also a large 21st century extension. The two parts of the property would be very different in terms of their construction, particularly in regard to breathability. The new extension would use non-breathable materials and so would require a damp-proof course, whereas the older part would be built using breathable materials that allow moisture to move in and out. It is important to recognise this so that non-breathable materials used when decorating and maintaining the extension are not carried through and used in the older building. Otherwise, this would lead up to a build-up of condensation in the older building, which could progress to damp.
The next property was even more substantial, at nearly 8000 square feet. This was a very recent build, constructed around 2013, and even had an indoor swimming pool. While pools and specialist equipment need to be drained and subjected to a specialist inspection, surveyors will check the construction around the pool, plant rooms and wet rooms for signs of destabilisation or structural compromise. Condensation and the presence of chlorine can lead to premature deterioration in these rooms, and will be discussed in the report if it is identified as an issue. A surveyor will also be looking to see if there is appropriate ventilation, which is critical to optimal maintenance of a pool room.
The third property was actually three homes in one – an end terrace Victorian house that had been converted into three flats. In properties from this era, we frequently see historical damage such as cracking, damp, and water ingress. A key role of the surveyor here is to assess whether the defect is still an issue, or whether remedial works undertaken over the years have already fixed the problem. The surveyor will also be checking that any repairs have been carried out appropriately for the age and construction type of the building; this is crucial, because using modern techniques on period properties can often cause more harm than good.
