RICS Level 2 Survey in Burrough Green

Our RICS Level 2 Survey, formerly the HomeBuyer Report, is a visual check of the property’s accessible parts. We look at the roof structure, walls, windows, doors, floors and ceilings, along with damp-proofing, insulation and drainage. Any defect affecting value is picked out and set against a red, amber or green rating, so the seriousness is easy to read at a glance.

Burrough Green has plenty of homes that go back before modern building regulations, so we give extra attention to the sort of fabric older buildings rely on. That means looking for damp in traditional brickwork, checking thatched roofs on properties such as White Hart Farmhouse, and assessing timber-framed structures for woodworm or rot. We also look over extensions and alterations that have been added over the years, and whether they sit within relevant standards.

Our Level 2 service also comes with a market valuation and an insurance rebuild cost, both of which matter when you are sorting out a mortgage and buildings insurance. For homes in Burrough Green's Conservation Area, we give clear guidance on anything that could affect listing status or narrow future renovation choices. The report is set out in a practical way, so you can see what you are buying and what repairs might be needed.

We also assess energy efficiency, and point out where improvements could bring down running costs. That matters in Burrough Green, where much of the housing stock is older and many homes fall well short of current insulation standards. Knowing the likely energy bills makes budgeting for a new place far easier.

• Roof and loft structure
• Walls, chimneys, and damp proofing
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Floors and ceilings
• Bathrooms and kitchens
• Drainage and plumbing
• Electrics and gas services
• Outbuildings and boundaries

Burrough Green’s buildings show a wide mix of construction methods, shaped by the area’s long history. Traditional properties often use local red brick, as at The Hall which dates back to around 1575, together with timber frame construction, close-studded panels and serpentine tension braces. The parish church of St Augustine uses field stones and rubble, while some buildings in the wider area include "clunch", a local chalk-based stone used internally and known to weather badly.

Many of the village’s historic homes have thatched roofs, and those need specialist judgement. White Hart Farmhouse, a Grade II listed late 16th-century property, is a good example of that style. Thatch calls for particular maintenance knowledge and insurance considerations, so a standard survey may not cover it properly without the right background. Our surveyors understand these traditional methods and know where the common faults tend to hide.

The newer homes nearby, including the Oak Tree Rise eco-homes by Pure Eco Homes, use modern methods such as offsite timber framing through Hemspan manufactured superstructures. These climate-positive, net-zero properties call for a different line of enquiry, one that looks closely at modern systems, renewable technology and items such as MVHR units and solar PV panels. We adjust our inspection approach to suit the build in front of us.

It matters to understand how old and new construction can interact in Burrough Green. Some older buildings have had unsuitable repairs with modern materials, and that can do lasting harm. Cement render on traditional brickwork is a common example, as it can trap moisture and create structural problems. We identify those risks and point towards the right sort of remedy.

The local ground conditions bring a few Burrough Green-specific issues, and our Level 2 surveys are designed to pick them up. Clay and chalk subsoil can move as it shrinks and swells, which may lead to subsidence or heave, especially in dry periods or where large trees stand close to foundations. We check walls and foundations for movement, including cracking patterns that may point to a structural concern needing further investigation.

The village has seen surface water flooding, especially on Bradley Road, where pluvial runoff has been reported before. We therefore look at flood risk and drainage characteristics, so you can judge any water management problems for yourself. We also keep an eye out for signs of earlier flooding or water damage that could affect the property’s durability and your insurance arrangements.

Because so much of the housing stock is old, we pay close attention to dated electrical systems and plumbing that may not meet current regulations. Many Victorian and Edwardian homes in the area still have original wiring, and that usually needs upgrading for modern use. Older insulation is another common issue, with comfort and energy efficiency both taking a hit. Our report sets out those concerns and highlights the priorities.

For homes with thatched roofs, we assess the thatch itself and note any specialist maintenance needs. These properties also carry particular insurance considerations and ongoing upkeep requirements, which our report explains. Traditional timber frames are examined too, with beetle activity and fungal decay checked carefully because either can weaken the structure. Properties along the village High Street often show these features.

Burrough Green’s conservation status means we also consider how defects may affect listing or Conservation Area requirements. Some repair methods simply will not suit a listed property, so our report includes guidance on sympathetic maintenance. The aim is to show not only what is wrong, but how it can be put right without losing the building’s historic character.