RICS Level 2 Survey Chickerell

Our RICS Level 2 Survey suits properties that are in reasonable condition, usually homes built after 1900 that do not need extensive structural engineering. We inspect all accessible parts of the property, including the roof space where it is safe to enter, external walls, windows and doors, kitchens and bathrooms, and the overall structural integrity of the building. In Chickerell, the housing stock ranges from newer homes on developments such as Chesil Reach to older terraced properties, and our surveyors know the issues that tend to crop up locally. The report uses a straightforward condition rating system, Condition Rating 1 means no repairs are needed, Condition Rating 2 shows repairs are needed but are not urgent, and Condition Rating 3 points to serious repairs needing urgent attention.

We look at the key structural parts of the building, foundations, walls, floors and the roof structure. Our inspection also covers windows and doors, visible plumbing and electrical systems, kitchen and bathroom fittings, plus any evidence of damp, rot or infestation. Every element is given a clear rating, so you can see exactly where matters stand. It is a visual survey, so we do not open up walls or move fitted furniture, but we can still spot signs that further investigation by a structural engineer may be needed.

Coastal conditions matter in Chickerell, and we reflect that in our inspection. Being close to the Jurassic Coast can expose homes to salt-laden air, which speeds up corrosion in metal components and can wear down some building materials faster than you would expect inland. Our surveyors check external joinery, guttering and downpipes for signs of salt corrosion, and we assess render and brickwork for early weathering.

The report also has a dedicated section for urgent repairs and matters that need attention before completion. That gives you a clear view of what needs fixing whether or not you go ahead with the purchase, and it helps you weigh those costs in your decision.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof structure and covering
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Damp and moisture assessment
• Electrical and plumbing visible work
• Walls, ceilings, and floors

Chickerell has had a good deal of recent development, including Chesil Reach by CG Fry, which has brought modern family housing into the area. Homes there include three and four-bedroom detached properties, with prices starting at about £384,950 for a three-bedroom house and rising beyond £507,950 for four-bedroom detached homes with double garages. Many of these new-build properties sit within the DT3 4 postcode area and use modern construction methods, including brick outer walls with cavity insulation and pitched roofs.

Bincombe Park by Lovell is another development serving the Chickerell area, with homes ranging from two to four-bedroom properties. Prices include three-bedroom semi-detached houses at around £347,950 to £354,950, three-bedroom detached homes from £384,950, and four-bedroom detached houses from £507,950. Four-bedroom semi-detached properties start at roughly £418,950. The development is also marketed directly for the Chickerell area, drawing families who want a new-build home with modern energy efficiency standards.

Even with NHBC warranty cover in place, a RICS Level 2 Survey is still well worth having on a new-build property. Our survey can pick up snagging items, assess the standard of construction, and check that the home has been built to specification. That matters with modern builds, where defects are not always obvious at first glance. We check that windows and doors open and close properly, extraction fans are working, plumbing has been connected correctly, and the general quality of the build is where it should be. Buyers are often surprised by what our surveyors find in new-build homes, from small finishing faults to more serious defects that should be put right under the warranty.

The NHBC warranty will usually cover structural defects for ten years, but it does not extend to wear and tear, cosmetic defects, or issues caused by poor maintenance. Our Level 2 Survey adds another layer of reassurance, helping us document any problems in your new-build investment so the developer or warranty provider can deal with them.

Your RICS Level 2 Survey report is written to be clear and practical. Each part of the property is given a Condition Rating from 1 to 3, supported by details of any defects we find. Condition Rating 1 means the element is in good condition and no repairs are required. Condition Rating 2 shows that repairs are needed, though not urgently or immediately. Condition Rating 3 marks serious issues needing urgent attention.

At the front of the report, we include a Summary Section that brings together the main findings so the overall condition of the property is easy to grasp quickly. That can be particularly helpful when the results are being discussed with your solicitor or mortgage lender, or while negotiating with the seller. We also set out practical recommendations for repairs or for any further investigations that may be sensible.

In Chickerell, our surveyors look closely at issues that are often seen in local homes. That includes roof condition given the weather exposure, signs of damp in older properties, and the general standard of maintenance across the building. We also inspect windows, doors and joinery, which can suffer from the elements in this coastal part of Dorset. Because the coast is so close, salt corrosion can affect metal components, and external render may weather faster than it would in inland locations.

If we think a specialist needs to take a closer look, the report will make that clear. That might mean a structural engineer where we see signs of movement, or an electrician if we have concerns about the electrical installation. The aim is simple, to give you the information you need before deciding how to proceed with the purchase.