Homes we inspect in Willesden
Willesden Green, Harlesden and the streets around Willesden High Road have Victorian and Edwardian terraces, many divided into flats, while Dollis Hill, Neasden and the north of the area are largely interwar houses. Mapesbury, towards Kilburn, has larger late Victorian houses in a conservation area.
Cracking on clay is the question we are asked about most here, often by buyers whose surveyor has noticed movement.
Common structural issues in Willesden
- Seasonal movement on clay near street and garden trees.
- Cracking at bay windows in Victorian and interwar houses.
- Junctions between rear extensions and the original house.
- Walls and chimney breasts removed in converted flats.
- Older movement that needs monitoring to see whether it has stopped.
Ground conditions
Willesden is on London Clay, which is highly shrinkable. In dry summers trees draw moisture from the clay and it shrinks, so houses with shallow foundations near trees can move with the seasons.
We check the British Geological Survey records for every address we inspect, because ground conditions can change from one street to the next.
Services in Willesden
- Structural inspections: Specific (SSI) from £420*, General (GSI) from £540* and Comprehensive (CGSI) from £880*.
- Mortgage structural reports when your lender's valuer asks for an engineer.
- Insurance structural reports and subsidence investigations.
- Wall and chimney breast removal calculations for Building Control.
- Extension and loft conversion design.
- Freeholder consent reports for leasehold flats.
* Prices are a guide only and VAT may be added. Contact us for an accurate price.
Arranging an inspection in Willesden
Send us the postcode, whether it is a house or a flat, how many bedrooms it has and a few photos of what you have noticed, or your valuer's letter. We will recommend the right service and give you a price in writing before you book. Our engineers travel to Willesden from our office on Turnham Green Terrace in Chiswick, with weekday and weekend visits available. See our prices or request a quote.
Local guides
Nearby areas we cover
See all areas we cover across London.
Common questions
Do you have an office in Willesden?
No. Our office is at Gable House, 18–24 Turnham Green Terrace, Chiswick, W4 1QP, and our engineers travel to Willesden for inspections and site visits.
Should I remove the tree near my house?
Not without advice. Removing a large tree on clay can make the ground swell as it takes up water again, which can cause movement of its own. An engineer can advise on the risk, and tree preservation orders or conservation area rules may apply.
