Introduction
1930s houses form a large proportion of the suburban housing stock across Greater London.
Large areas of Bromley, Barnet, Croydon, Harrow, Enfield and Hillingdon were developed during the 1930s housing boom,
creating the familiar semi‑detached and terraced houses that remain popular with buyers today.
Although these properties are generally well constructed, they are now approaching a century in age and may suffer from
a range of building defects. Commissioning a Level 3 Survey undertaken by experienced Building Surveyors is therefore
recommended when purchasing a 1930s property.
A detailed Building Survey allows Building Surveyors to identify structural issues, damp problems, roof deterioration
and defects associated with cavity wall construction that are commonly encountered in 1930s houses.
Typical Construction of 1930s Houses
1930s houses introduced several construction changes compared with Victorian and Edwardian properties.
One of the most important developments was the widespread adoption of cavity wall construction.
Common construction characteristics include:
• Cavity brick external walls
• Timber suspended ground floors
• Timber pitched roof structures
• Clay tile roof coverings
• Steel or concrete lintels above openings
• Timber casement windows
Understanding these construction methods allows Building Surveyors undertaking a Level 3 Survey to identify
defects that commonly affect houses of this period.
Structural Movement and Settlement
Structural movement can occasionally occur in 1930s houses due to settlement of foundations,
changes in ground conditions or nearby tree growth.
During a Building Survey, Building Surveyors examine cracks within brickwork and internal plaster
to determine whether movement is historic or progressive.
A Level 3 Survey provides a detailed analysis of structural behaviour and helps determine whether
further investigation may be required.
Damp Problems in 1930s Houses
Dampness is one of the most common issues identified during a Building Survey of 1930s houses.
Common damp defects include:
• Rising damp within masonry
• Bridged damp proof courses
• Penetrating damp through brickwork
• Condensation due to poor ventilation
• Defective rainwater goods
Building Surveyors undertaking a Level 3 Survey will assess the causes of dampness and recommend
appropriate remedial works.
Cavity Wall Issues
Many 1930s houses feature cavity brickwork which was designed to improve moisture resistance.
However defects can occur within cavity walls.
Common issues identified during a Building Survey include:
• Corroded wall ties
• Debris within cavities
• Poorly installed cavity insulation
• Thermal bridging
• Moisture trapped within cavity walls
Thermal imaging can sometimes be used during a Level 3 Survey to assess heat loss and insulation performance.
Roof Defects
Roofs on 1930s houses typically consist of timber pitched structures covered with clay tiles.
Over time these roofs may develop defects including:
• Slipped roof tiles
• Deteriorated mortar bedding
• Chimney stack deterioration
• Blocked gutters and downpipes
• Timber decay within roof structures
Building Surveyors may use drone inspections during a Building Survey to safely inspect roof structures.
External Fabric Defects
External elements of 1930s houses may deteriorate due to weather exposure and age.
Common defects include:
• Spalling brickwork
• Deteriorated mortar joints
• Cracked render
• Defective pointing
• Movement around bay windows
A Building Survey allows Building Surveyors to assess the condition of these elements
and recommend repairs where necessary.
Timber and Joinery Defects
Timber components within 1930s houses may deteriorate due to moisture exposure or age.
Common timber defects identified during a Building Survey include:
• Rot within floor joists
• Woodworm infestation
• Defective window frames
• Timber decay in roof structures
During a Level 3 Survey, Building Surveyors inspect accessible timber elements to assess their condition.
Alterations and Extensions
Many 1930s houses have been altered over the decades with rear extensions, loft conversions
and internal structural changes.
While these alterations can increase living space, poorly executed works may introduce structural risks.
A Building Survey undertaken by experienced Building Surveyors can identify issues associated with
alterations and advise buyers accordingly.
Why a Level 3 Survey is Recommended
Although 1930s houses are generally robustly constructed, their age and history of alterations
mean defects may still be present.
A Level 3 Survey provides the most comprehensive Building Survey available and helps buyers
understand the true condition of the property before purchase.
Conclusion
1930s houses remain one of the most popular property types in London suburbs due to their generous
plots and practical layouts.
However, commissioning a Level 3 Survey undertaken by experienced Building Surveyors allows buyers
to identify structural defects, damp problems and roof issues before committing to the purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defects are common in 1930s houses?
1930’s houses were somewhat at the confluence of building technique advances. In the 1930’s cavity wall constrcution was being introduced in certain areas of the UK, but not all. This means that some residential construction in this period will be built in cavity brickwork identified by a circa 260mm – 300mm wall width and stretcher boind brickwork while others will have been built in the pre-ceeding costruction technique know as solid brickwork, crucially without a cavity, with a wall width of 225mm.
The identification of the same is crucial in a building survey with a cavity wall construction often having greater damp resisting qualities but also instroducing further items to a building survey around cavity wall insulation.
Damp proof courses were also commonly being used from the 1930’s.
Should a 1930s house have a Level 3 Survey?
Yes.
Can Building Surveyors detect damp problems?
Our building surveyors, as part of a Level 3 Survey, will undertake full damp testing.
Do 1930s houses suffer from structural movement?
A Level 3 Survey undertaken by experienced Building Surveyors provides a detailed Building Survey of 1930s properties and helps identify structural defects, dampness, roof issues and other risks.
Can cavity wall problems occur in 1930s houses?
Yes issues should as cavity wall failure need to be considered in the Building Survey, early wall ties were ungalvanised and subject to corrossion and this can cause a failure between the inner and outer leaf of the cavity wall producing a distinctive horizontal cracking pattern along the line of the wall tie positions.
Do Building Surveyors inspect roofs and chimneys?
Yes.
Can timber decay occur in 1930s houses?
Yes, especially to floor stuctures if the time joists are built into the walls rather then bearing on joist hangers.
Are extensions common in 1930s properties?
Yes, very common, both rear single storey extensions and loft conversions.
How long does a Level 3 Survey take?
Normally 3 hours on site and we require 5 working days to draft and finalise the report.
Why choose experienced Building Surveyors?
A Level 3 Survey undertaken by experienced Building Surveyors provides a detailed Building Survey of 1930s properties and helps identify structural defects, dampness, roof issues and other risks. RES Property Surveyors can assist in your need for a Level 3 Survey also known as a Building Survey across London, the South East, Essex Kent and the wider UK.
Recent Comments