RICS Level 2 Survey in Billesdon

For a Billesdon property, our RICS Level 2 Home Survey gives a visual check of all accessible areas. We look at the roof, walls, chimney, doors, windows and other visible parts, and we record defects, possible issues, or anything needing prompt attention. We also look at the building’s structure, checking for subsidence, movement, or structural weakness that could threaten long-term stability.

Billesdon has plenty of older homes, some centuries old and built using traditional methods, so our surveyors give special attention to the quirks of historic construction. Damp is one of the main things we look for, especially in homes with solid walls or lime-based mortar pointing. Roofs are checked for broken or missing tiles, leaks, and the state of flashings and valleys. We also review plumbing and electrical installations, noting whether anything falls short of current safety standards.

Each element is shown with a clear RICS traffic light rating, so it is straightforward to see what needs urgent work and what is in sound condition. We set out practical repair guidance, estimated costs for serious defects, and advice on any further investigations that may be needed. That makes it easier to negotiate with sellers, or to budget sensibly for work after completion.

Garages, outbuildings and boundary walls are all part of the inspection, because their condition can affect both safety and value. We also examine drainage systems for blockages, leaks or poor installation that could cause trouble later. Nothing is skimmed over, every accessible element gets proper attention so you know where things stand.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, foundations, and damp assessment
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• Chimney and flue condition
• Garages and outbuildings
• Boundary walls and fences

Geology matters here, and Billesdon’s ground brings its own set of considerations. The village sits on Triassic Mercia Mudstone and Lower Jurassic Lias Group, both of which include clay-rich soils that can shrink and swell. That creates a risk of subsidence, particularly for older houses with shallow foundations or where large trees are nearby. We look carefully for movement, cracking or subsidence that could point to ground instability, checking walls for diagonal or stair-step cracking, floors for unevenness, and the property’s relationship with trees and drainage systems.

Flood risk is another issue we assess in Billesdon. The Billesdon Brook runs through the village, and Church Street is known as a flooding hotspot. We look for signs of previous water damage, inspect drainage arrangements, and consider how close the property sits to watercourses. Surface water flooding has affected certain parts of the village, especially in heavy rainfall. Sewer and drainage flooding is also a concern in the Harborough district, with particular clustering in Billesdon.

Within the Billesdon Conservation Area, which covers the village centre around Brook Lane and Church Street, there are extra things to think about. The area includes a number of listed buildings, among them the Grade II* Church of St John the Baptist and The Manor House, with its distinctive ironstone construction. For a listed property, or a home inside the conservation area, our surveyors flag any maintenance duties or heritage considerations that may come with ownership.

Watercourses in and around the village deserve a close look too. The Billesdon Brook and its tributaries can increase flood risk during heavy rain, so our surveyors assess drainage patterns, flood markers and any evidence of earlier flooding. Those local hydrological factors matter when you are making a property decision in this Leicestershire village.

Recent years have brought substantial new development to Billesdon, with several schemes completed or in progress. Land at Gaulby Road (LE7 9AF) was granted outline planning permission on appeal in February 2025 for up to 48 dwellings, made up of 30 custom housebuild plots and 18 affordable First Homes. It is a major addition to the village’s housing stock, and even though newbuild homes often start off with fewer maintenance concerns, they still benefit from a professional survey to pick up construction defects or quality issues.

On Uppingham Road, another development gained approval for 35 homes in 2022, and a recent attempt to increase that number was refused in March 2025. Homes in these newer schemes may need a different inspection focus from older properties, with our surveyors paying close attention to building regulation compliance, insulation standards and the quality of materials used. New does not mean flawless, and a Level 2 survey can still uncover defects that only a trained eye will notice.

The Billesdon Neighbourhood Plan Review 2022-2031 also sets aside further sites for development, including the former lorry park on Gaulby Road and the former Highway Depot. Both are earmarked for mixed-use development, housing included. If a buyer is considering property close to these sites, it is sensible to think about future construction activity and how it may affect day-to-day enjoyment of the home, and our surveys can identify concerns linked to being near development zones.

Surveying across Billesdon has shown us a few recurring problems that buyers should keep in mind. Dampness is one of the most common, especially in older homes with solid walls, poor ventilation, or historic plumbing that may be leaking. Traditional features in many Billesdon properties, including lime mortar pointing and traditional damp-proof courses, can fail over time and let moisture in, which then leads to rot and decay. We use moisture meters and thermal imaging equipment to find hidden damp issues that would not be obvious at first glance.

Many properties in the area also suffer from roof deterioration, particularly those with older Swithland slate or thatched roofs. Missing tiles, damaged flashings and worn mortar pointing can all let water in and damage internal timbers and plasterwork. The thatched cottages in Billesdon, with their traditional cruck-trussed frames, need careful attention because the thatch can deteriorate and may conceal timber rot. Where roof spaces are accessible, we inspect them thoroughly for evidence of old leaks, timber decay and poor insulation that could be contributing to condensation.

Outdated electrics and plumbing turn up regularly in our Billesdon reports. Many homes still have original mid-20th century wiring that no longer meets current electrical safety standards. Lead or galvanised steel water pipes, which are common in older properties, can affect water quality and bring corrosion risks. We call out these issues and suggest further investigation by qualified electricians and plumbers. Because the local housing stock is so old, plenty of properties need electrical and plumbing updates to meet modern standards.

Clay-rich ground in Billesdon means structural movement and subsidence are always on our radar. Homes with shallow foundations, especially older buildings, may show cracking in walls, uneven floors, or doors and windows that do not shut as they should. Our surveyors are trained to spot subtle signs of structural problems and will recommend a structural engineer if the concern is significant. Large trees near a property can make shrink-swell behaviour worse in clay soils, which raises the risk of movement in the foundations.

Our chartered surveyors bring local knowledge of Billesdon and the wider Harborough district. We know the mix of housing here, from historic ironstone buildings to the modern developments appearing on the edge of the village. That experience helps us spot what matters when inspecting properties in this Leicestershire village, so common defects are less likely to be missed.

Clear, practical and easy to follow, our reports are something we take pride in. They include detailed photographs of defects, straightforward explanations of the issues, and actionable recommendations for sorting out problems. Every buyer should understand the condition of a home before committing to the purchase, and that is exactly what our reports are built to do.

Booking a survey with us is simple. Use our online booking system to choose the property type and your preferred appointment time. We offer flexible scheduling, even for tighter purchase timelines, with inspections usually available within a few days of booking. After the survey, the detailed report is sent within 3-5 working days by email, so you can move forward with the facts in hand.