RICS Level 2 Survey in Asgarby and Howell

Our Level 2 survey gives a clear visual check of the property’s accessible parts, picking up defects that may affect value or safety. We inspect walls, roof, floors, doors, windows, and permanently fitted fixtures and fittings. We also look closely at the way the building has been put together, the materials used, and the overall condition, then rate each issue from "not inspected" through to "requires attention" and "requires urgent repair." The report uses a straightforward traffic light system, so it is easy to see what needs prompt action and what can wait.

In Asgarby and Howell, our inspectors give extra attention to the traditional methods used across this part of Lincolnshire. A lot of homes here are built in limestone ashlar, coursed rubble, and red brick, with slate, concrete tiles, or pantiles on the roof. Those older methods have plenty of charm, but they can bring their own problems, movement in older walls, weathered stonework, and tired traditional roofing materials among them. We know what to look for in local limestone and historic brickwork, having surveyed dozens of homes in this parish and the surrounding North Kesteven villages.

The RICS Level 2 report also gives our professional view of the property’s market value, set specifically for the Asgarby and Howell market. We include an Insurance Reinstatement figure for rebuild cost purposes, and we flag any urgent matters that need immediate attention. It is written plainly, without jargon, and the colour-coded ratings make it quick to see which issues need priority. We also set out the points you should raise with your solicitor during conveyancing, so you have the information needed to make a confident purchase decision.

Buying in Asgarby and Howell often means taking on a home with real historical character, and our surveyors understand that. The parish includes buildings dating back to the 14th century, including the Church of St Oswald in Howell, and properties from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries are common. That heritage adds appeal, but it also calls for a knowledgeable eye, because older methods of construction differ sharply from modern standards. We adapt our inspection to the individual property, so a cottage near the Church of St Andrew is not treated the same as a modern family house on the edge of the village.

• External walls and structural elements
• Roof structure and covering
• Floors, stairs, and balconies
• Windows and doors
• Bathrooms and kitchens
• Garage and outbuildings
• Services (gas, electric, water)
• Damp and timber condition

Asgarby and Howell sits in the North Kesteven district of Lincolnshire, made up of the villages of Asgarby and Howell and the surrounding farmland. It is a rural parish with a strong historical identity. The housing ranges from modest semi-detached homes along Heckington Road to large country estates like Howell Hall and West Grange, which have sold for £670,000 and above in recent years. The 2021 Census recorded 492 residents, up from 69 in 2001, a sign of the area’s growing appeal.

The building materials here tell the story of traditional Lincolnshire construction. Asgarby Hall has red brick rendered walls with coursed limestone rubble and a hipped slate roof. Howell Hall uses limestone ashlar and concrete tiled roofs. The Old Rectory has coursed limestone ashlar to the front, yellow brick to the rear, and pantiled roofing. Because the methods vary so much, our surveyors treat each property on its own terms, looking closely at the materials and their condition. Limestone ashlar needs a different assessment from red brick rendered walls, and slate behaves differently from concrete tiles or pantiles.

Parts of Lincolnshire sit on ground that can create problems for property owners. Clay soils are common in the region and can contribute to subsidence, especially in older homes with shallow foundations or trees nearby. We do not have detailed geological data for Asgarby and Howell to hand, but our inspectors are well used to spotting the signs of movement and subsidence that affect properties across the county. We look for cracking in walls, doors that stick or do not close properly, and uneven floors, all of which can point to ground movement affecting the foundations.

The parish has a notable cluster of listed buildings, including the Church of St Andrew in Asgarby (Grade I), the Church of St Oswald in Howell (Grade II*), and a number of manor houses and farmhouses. That heritage means many properties are protected, which can limit the changes you are able to make and may mean specialist advice is needed before any renovation work begins. Our surveyors understand what listed status means in practice, and we can explain how it may affect your plans for the property. We also recognise that homes in historic settings often include non-standard features that need an experienced assessment.

• Rural parish with 492 residents
• Significant heritage and listed buildings
• Traditional construction materials
• Varied property types and sizes
• Potential clay soil subsidence risk