The Most Common Issues Found in Hertfordshire Homes (and How a Survey Protects You)
Buying a home in Hertfordshire is exciting — but the county’s rich mix of property types comes with its own quirks. From Victorian terraces to 1930s semis and 1960s/70s family homes, each era carries its own pattern of defects that buyers should be aware of.
At ClearView Home Surveys, we inspect hundreds of properties across Hertford, Ware, Broxbourne, Bishop’s Stortford, and the surrounding areas, and the same issues appear time and time again.
Below, we break down the most common problems — and how a good survey protects you from unexpected repair bills.
1. Damp & Moisture Penetration
Damp is easily one of the most frequent issues we find across Hertfordshire. It appears in many forms:
Rising damp in older brickwork
Penetrating damp from defective pointing or cracked render
Condensation from poor ventilation
Blocked gutters causing water to run down external walls
Victorian terraces in Hertford and Ware are particularly prone, as they often lack a modern damp-proof course and have solid brick walls that absorb moisture.
Why it matters:
Damp can lead to timber decay, mould growth, and expensive remedial works.
How a survey helps:
We use moisture readings, visual checks, and condition ratings to determine the cause and severity — not just the symptoms.
2. Roof Issues (Especially on 1930s & Mid-Century Homes)
Roof problems are extremely common, especially on:
1930s clay-tiled roofs
1950s–1970s concrete tiles
Older slate roofs
Typical defects include:
Missing, cracked or slipped tiles
Failing underlay
Poor ventilation in the loft
Deteriorated flashings around chimneys and valleys
Moss build-up trapping moisture
Many homeowners have no idea the roof is nearing end-of-life until a survey reveals it.
Why it matters:
Roof replacements can run into thousands — and leaks cause secondary damage internally.
3. Outdated Electrical Installations
Many Hertfordshire homes still have:
30+ year old fuse boards
No RCD protection
Outdated wiring
Limited socket provision
DIY electrical alterations
Even “modern-looking” homes in estates around Hertford and Broxbourne often have untouched original electrics from the 1980s–1990s.
Why it matters:
Electrical safety is crucial. Mortgage lenders often question outdated installations.
How a survey helps:
We identify visible safety risks and advise when to obtain an electrical inspection.
4. Poor Loft Insulation & Lack of Ventilation
Energy efficiency issues are extremely common, including:
Thin or missing insulation
Blocked eaves vents
Condensation on roofing felt
Inadequate airflow causing mould within the loft
This is especially noticeable in older homes and those that have had loft conversions without proper ventilation strategies.
Why it matters:
Poor insulation = higher heating bills.
Poor ventilation = decay, damp, and unhealthy living conditions.
5. Structural Movement
Many homes in North and East Hertfordshire are built on clay subsoil, which is prone to shrinkage and expansion — especially during hot or dry summers.
Common concerns include:
Cracks around windows and doors
Out-of-plumb walls
Distortion in floors
Settlement around extensions
Not all movement is serious — but identifying whether it is historic or ongoing is vital.
How a survey helps:
We assess crack patterns, historic repairs, and risk factors to help you understand whether specialist advice is needed.
6. Inadequate or Poorly Built Extensions
Hertfordshire properties — especially 1930s semis and 1960s houses — often have single-storey rear extensions, loft conversions, or garage conversions.
We frequently identify:
Lack of building regulation approval
Poor insulation
Unsupported chimney breasts
Structural alterations without certification
Poor workmanship hidden behind finishes
Why it matters:
You inherit responsibility for any non-compliant or unsafe work.
7. Windows, External Joinery & Timber Decay
Timber windows and fascias in older homes often suffer from:
Rot
Flaking paint
Failed seals
Warping
Even uPVC windows can fail if poorly installed or very old.
Why it matters:
Window replacement or repair can significantly impact your budget.
8. Drainage & Gutter Problems
Another extremely common defect — often overlooked.
We commonly find:
Blocked gutters
Leaking downpipes
Poor surface drainage
Blocked or broken below-ground drains
Left unchecked, drainage issues lead to damp and foundation movement.
How a Survey Protects You
A professional RPSA-registered survey helps you:
✔ Understand the true condition of the home
✔ Avoid unexpected repair costs
✔ Budget for future maintenance
✔ Negotiate with confidence
✔ Buy safely and with peace of mind
Every survey we produce includes:
Photographs
Clear explanations
Colour-coded condition ratings
Priorities and risks
Straightforward recommendations
Plain-English summary
Thinking of Buying in Hertfordshire?
We specialise in surveying properties in: Hertford • Ware • Broxbourne • Bishop’s Stortford • Stevenage • Cheshunt • Hoddesdon • East Hertfordshire
Whether you’re looking for a Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey, a Level 3 Building Survey, or a New-Build Snagging Inspection, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
👉 Get Your Free Quote Today
www.clearviewhomesurveys.co.uk
