RICS Home Surveys in Poulton-le-Fylde

Poulton-le-Fylde developed as a market town around Market Place and St Chad’s Church. The designated conservation area includes much of the historic centre and surrounding streets containing buildings from different periods.

Properties in and around the older part of Poulton may include:

• traditional brick or rendered walls;
• slate or replacement roof coverings;
• chimney stacks and fireplaces;
• suspended timber floors;
• older roof structures;
• bay windows and altered openings;
• rear additions constructed at different times; and
• buildings converted from commercial or other previous uses.

Depending on the individual property, the survey may consider the visible condition of masonry, pointing, render, roof coverings, flashings, rainwater goods, ventilation and accessible timber elements.

Traditional buildings can manage moisture differently from modern cavity-wall houses. Repairs should therefore be selected with regard to the property’s age, materials and form of construction rather than applying modern methods without appropriate consideration.

Where a property is listed or situated within the conservation area, your solicitor should confirm its status and investigate whether previous alterations required planning permission, listed-building consent or other approval.

Established houses and bungalows

Beyond the historic centre, Poulton contains extensive areas of twentieth-century semi-detached houses, detached family homes and bungalows.

The inspection considers the accessible and visible condition of elements such as the roof, walls, floors, windows, rainwater goods, external surfaces and grounds within the scope of the selected service.

Bungalows can require particular consideration because the roof often covers a relatively large proportion of the building. The condition of the roof coverings, accessible roof structure, insulation and ventilation may therefore have a significant influence on future maintenance.

Many established homes have undergone replacement windows, new roof coverings, internal alterations or changes to external ground levels. The presence of modern finishes does not necessarily establish the condition of concealed or original construction.

Electrical, heating, plumbing and drainage installations are not tested as part of a standard Home Survey. Accessible visible components are considered within the agreed scope, and specialist inspection or testing may be recommended where appropriate.

Extensions, removed walls and garage conversions

Many homes in Poulton-le-Fylde have been enlarged or reconfigured by previous owners.

Alterations may include:

• rear or side extensions;
• garage conversions;
• dormer or roof-space alterations;
• conservatories and garden rooms;
• removal of internal walls;
• enlarged kitchens and living areas; and
• changes to drives, patios and external ground levels.

The survey may comment on accessible visible matters such as cracking around altered openings, differences in floor level, junctions between original and later construction, roof abutments, rainwater disposal and apparent distortion.

However, a visual inspection cannot expose concealed beams, foundations or other structural components. It also cannot confirm whether structural calculations, planning permission, Building Regulations approval or other consent was obtained.

Your solicitor should investigate the planning history and request available completion certificates, guarantees, calculations and approvals before you become legally committed to the purchase.