Pre-Georgian Properties

Pre-Georgian properties are traditional English homes which were built in the 17th Century, after the Tudor period (ended 1601).

They are a rarity and are found, where they are present, in rural areas.

These homes have frequently been described as ‘chocolate box’ homes, in that they are pretty and compact.

They are characterised by generally being small, with low ceilings and most often a thick thatched roof. Stairwells are tight, they have open window seats and normally have a hearty, welcoming fireplace.

Issues are mainly associated with how long ago these properties were built including, for example, degradation of materials and the fact that certain architectural improvements were not practised at the time of building and so these features have been added subsequently later, and perhaps with less than satisfactory workmanship.

 Chimney

You can often find weathering of the pointing to the chimneys, ridge tiles and perimeter.

  Flashing

Flashings are often replaced with a cement wedge, where it is advisable if possible to return it to its original lead material.

 Roofs

Thatched roofs require regular maintenance. Click to get a thatched roof survey quote.

 Walls

These vary enormously and often they have been refurbished, using bricks for example. Original stone-builds may last well, but pointing may be an issue and settlement may make lines crooked.

 Damp Proof Course

Damp proof courses were not commonly laid until the 1770s, after this period, so they will have been added during periodic improvements of these kinds of properties. Bad workmanship in particular can mean rising damp problems.

 Window problems

Lintels and frames can rot over the years and replacements may be subject to fault.

 Floors and foundations

Foundations are often entirely absent. Combining this with inadequate drainage and faulty pipes can mean properties are subject to subsidence, which will be exacerbated in areas of predominantly clay soil. If you are thinking of buying a property built in this era, if you instruct a chartered surveyor to carry out a home buyers survey for you, they may recommend you get a structural engineer to carry out a subsidence survey.

Also, the original build may not have had any dedicated drainage features or at best very primitive ones. More than likely, drainage systems have been added over time, with refurbishments. These often degrade, even if they were well enough built in the first place.

 Lath and plaster ceiling issues

Problems can arise because original ceiling work is constructed of lath and plaster but refurbished sections may be of plasterboard. Where these combine, there can be cracking.&

 Sub-standard refurbishment work

While a property may have been very well-built originally, subsequent refurbishments may not be and may contribute to a plethora of issues. We always advise therefore that you instruct a skilled, experienced RICS surveyor to examine these properties for soundness if you are thinking of buying one.

Given the age of these properties and the materials involved, if you are considering buying one, you would be strongly advised to instruct a chartered surveyor to carry out a Building Survey or Full Structural Survey on it.

Your building surveyor, depending on their findings, may also recommend you get a timber survey and a thatched roof survey. Thatched roofs demand a lot of love, needing repairs and maintenance and replacement every 30-50 years.