Surveying in Norfolk

Generally

There are many types of building construction and environmental issues for your surveyor to consider in the Norfolk area. It is essential that you select a surveyor with good local knowledge and a proper grasp of the construction methods used locally. If you choose a surveyor who does not practise locally and/or does not understand the traditional methods of construction you take a big and unnecessary risk.

Martin and Mortimer is well-versed in surveying and valuing all types of landed property in Norfolk.

Each type of property has its own unique potential constructional defects/problems. The surveyor needs to look out for and understand them. For example, bulging in flint buildings is commonplace but  how important is it? What is the cause? What is the remedy? What is the likely cost of repair? Older clay roof tiles are prone to lamination and rain 'creep'. Just how serviceable are the clay roof pantiles? What will it cost to strip and recover a deteriorated thatch roof? Is the thatch of reed or straw? What difference does it make?

Types of property construction found in Norfolk

Property types vary considerably throughout the county. Main wall construction includes random brick and flint, timber frame (old + period), cavity/solid brick, reinforced concrete, steel, carrstone and clunch. Roof coverings vary considerably (clay pantiles, clay plain/peg tiles, concrete tiles, reed/straw/sedge thatch, natural slate, cedar shingles). Each type of material has its own set of issues to take into account when choosing the right property to buy. All Martin & Mortimer surveyors are highly experienced and fully familiar with properties in Norfolk. With the benfit of our expert advice you can buy with confidence.

Environmental considerations in Norfolk

There are specific environmental issues in Norfolk. How might these affect the property in terms of structural stability/market value/re-sale? For example, should you purchase a property close to where there is a history of cliff/beach erosion? Where a property is close to the sea or industrial pollution, what is the likelihood of corrosion of the cavity wall ties? Is there a history of local flooding? If a bus can suddenly drop into an old lime working/shaft in the middle of a busy Norwich road (this actually happened) is the property you wish to purchase at similar risk?

Market values

The values of property (in particular private dwellings) vary greatly across Norfolk. Often, they can rise or fall markedly from one town or village to another, even one road to another. For example,a detached 3-bedroom flint cottage in Brinton will be worth 100% more than its identical twin in Briston. The villages are 2 miles apart. Martin and Mortimer has wide experience of valuation trends and will be happy to advise. We usually include an opinion of market value with every survey report we publish.

Offices throughout East Anglia - St. Ives, St. Neots, Ely, Fakenham, Holt, Cromer and Norwich