Chartered Surveyors in Collier Row

Collier Row grew rapidly through the interwar and post-war decades as Romford expanded northwards, and its housing tells that story. Alongside the bay-fronted 1930s semis you’ll find substantial post-war development, and among it some non-traditional and former local-authority construction. Knowing which is which is central to buying well here, because construction type can affect not just repairs but mortgageability and insurance.

As chartered surveyors in Collier Row, we always begin by establishing what a home is actually built of. The interwar semis show the familiar pattern — tired roof coverings and rainwater goods, perished pointing, dated wiring and heating, and localised damp, often worsened by later extensions. Among the post-war stock, some homes are of non-traditional or system-built construction; these can be perfectly sound, but certain designs are recognised as defective and can be difficult to mortgage or insure unless properly repaired and certified, so we identify the type early. Later private developments and modern infill each bring their own, generally lighter, considerations.

For a modern, conventionally built home in good order, a Level 2 (RICS Home Survey) is usually proportionate. For any home built in the 1930s or earlier, anything non-traditional or system-built, or a property that has been altered or extended, a Level 3 (Building Survey) gives you the deeper inspection and the plain-English advice on repairs and mortgageability that this mixed stock so often needs. If you’re buying to a mortgage or need a figure for probate, matrimonial or Help to Buy purposes, our RICS Registered Valuer can provide a Red Book valuation.

We cover Collier Row and the wider Romford and Havering area, including Marks Gate, Chadwell Heath and Gidea Park, with independent, RICS-regulated advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a house in Collier Row is non-standard construction?

It isn’t always obvious from the street, as many non-traditional homes were later clad or rendered to look conventional. Tell-tale signs include concrete panel joints, a repetitive design across a whole estate, and the build era. A Level 3 Building Survey identifies the likely construction type and explains what it means for repairs, mortgageability and insurance.

Do I need a Level 2 or Level 3 survey in Collier Row?

For a modern, conventionally built home in good order a Level 2 Home Survey is usually proportionate. For any home built in the 1930s or earlier, anything non-traditional or system-built, or a property that has been heavily altered, a Level 3 Building Survey is the safer choice — it goes further and gives you more to act on.

Can I get a mortgage on a non-traditional house in Collier Row?

Often yes, but it depends on the specific type and whether it has been repaired to an approved standard and certified. We flag the construction type and the likely lending implications so you can talk to your broker before you’re too far down the line.

What problems do you find in Collier Row’s 1930s semis?

Typically ageing roof coverings and rainwater goods, perished pointing, dated wiring and heating, and localised damp — often made worse by later extensions. We identify these, explain the likely causes and set out what needs doing and in what order.

Buying in Collier Row, Marks Gate or the wider Romford area? Get an independent RICS surveyor’s view before you commit. Contact Gibsons Surveyors for advice on the right survey level and a fast, no-obligation quote.