RICS Level 2 Survey in Assington

Our RICS Level 2 survey is a visual inspection of all accessible parts of the property. We look at the walls, roof, floors, doors and windows, then flag any defects that could affect value or safety. Each report uses a condition rating system that marks items needing urgent attention, those likely to need repair later, and those that are in acceptable order. We usually send the detailed report within 3-5 working days of the inspection.

Assington's housing stock includes many period properties built before modern building regulations, so our inspectors pay close attention to the sorts of issues that often turn up in older Suffolk homes. That means checking for structural movement in timber-framed properties, assessing historic brickwork, and reviewing alterations or extensions that may have been added over the years. If you ask for it, the report can also include a market value assessment as an optional extra.

We start at the roof and work down to the foundations, inspecting each main element in turn. Roof coverings, chimneys, flashings and gutters are checked for damage or deterioration. Outside, we look for cracks, bulging and signs of damp penetration in the walls. Inside, we examine walls, ceilings and floors for movement, damp staining or other defects, and we also assess joinery, windows and doors, testing how they operate where possible.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Condition ratings for defects identified
• Market valuation (optional add-on)
• Energy efficiency advisory section
• Advice on legal issues discovered

Assington has a striking number of historic buildings, with one Grade I and 31 Grade II listed properties. As a result, many homes here use traditional construction methods that need a careful, experienced eye. Properties such as Assington House, an 18th-century timber-framed and plastered house faced with Suffolk gault brick, bring inspection issues that are very different from those in modern housing.

In Babergh, older properties often show the kinds of defects our chartered surveyors expect to find. Suffolk's geology and soil conditions can lead to subsidence or movement where foundations are shallow, especially in homes built before modern building standards. We look for cracking in walls, uneven floors and doors or windows that do not close properly, since all of those can point to a deeper structural problem.

Thatch and clay tile roofs on many historic cottages in and around Assington call for specialist attention. Our surveyors check roof coverings, flashings and chimney stacks for deterioration, water ingress or timber decay. Because so many homes in the village are old, we also look for timber defects, including wet rot, dry rot and woodworm infestation, any of which can undermine structural integrity if they are left untreated.

Solid walls are common in Assington, rather than cavity walls, so many properties do not have modern damp-proof courses. That leaves them more exposed to rising damp and penetrating damp, particularly in Suffolk's wet winters. We use moisture meters to identify areas of excess dampness, then give sensible advice on remediation and routine maintenance.

Assington has seen recent development activity too, including a scheme of six three-bedroom bungalows east of Meadow Way, granted planning permission by Babergh District Council in April 2025. Built by HE Mayfield Enterprises Ltd, the development brings modern construction to the village and offers contemporary homes that sit very differently alongside the historic properties that dominate the area.

New build homes usually have fewer defects than older properties, but a RICS Level 2 survey still gives useful reassurance. Our surveyors can pick up snagging issues, workmanship defects, and problems with fixtures and fittings that an untrained eye might miss. Even brand-new properties can have faults linked to building defects, incomplete work or design problems.

On a new build in Assington, the Level 2 survey checks that installations are working properly, confirms whether building regulations have been met, and identifies any areas where the developer needs to come back and put things right. That is especially useful, because new build warranties do not always cover every possible issue. Our surveyors can spot problems with sealants, fittings and finish quality that might only become obvious months after you move in.

The new bungalows at Meadow Way are a different construction type from Assington's historic homes. They are built to modern building regulations, with cavity wall construction and modern insulation. Even so, they still benefit from a careful inspection, so we can see that everything has been finished to an acceptable standard before your purchase completes.