RICS Level 2 Survey in Great Casterton

Our RICS Level 2 Survey gives a thorough visual inspection of a property's condition, without invasive investigation. We check all accessible parts of the building, including roofs, walls, floors, windows and doors, to judge overall condition and flag defects that need attention. In Great Casterton, where many homes date from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, we pay close attention to the issues that regularly affect older buildings. Period property needs a different eye from modern construction, and we adjust our inspection approach to suit.

Structure is a key part of the survey. We look for signs of subsidence, settlement, and movement, and in Rutland, where clay deposits form part of the local geology, our surveyors are alert to shrink-swell behaviour that can affect foundations over time. We inspect cracks in walls, the alignment of doors and windows, and the state of retaining structures and boundaries. That matters especially for properties along Main Street, where several Grade II listed buildings call for careful assessment of structural integrity.

Each Level 2 report uses clear traffic light ratings for every element we inspect, so you can see the property's condition at a glance. Red points to serious defects needing immediate attention, amber marks issues that merit further investigation, and green shows areas that are in satisfactory condition. It is a practical system that helps you sort repairs in order of priority and negotiate with sellers on a firmer footing. We also include our professional opinion on value, along with specific advice on urgent repairs and maintenance.

We work through the main building elements in a systematic way. The roof structure and covering are checked for damage and wear, including tiles, slates, flashing and gutters. We assess wall construction for cracking, bulging and water penetration, and we inspect floor timbers for rot and insect attack. Windows and doors are tested for condition and operation. For damp, we use moisture meters to pick up areas of concern, and we visually inspect accessible electrical and plumbing installations. Boundary walls, outbuildings and the surrounding grounds are part of the inspection too.

• Roof structure and covering
• Wall construction and condition
• Floor timbers and surfaces
• Windows and doors
• Damp and moisture assessment
• Electrical and plumbing visible elements
• Boundary walls and outbuildings

From the properties we have surveyed throughout Great Casterton, a few issues come up again and again. Damp is one of the most common, largely because the village has such a high proportion of older homes. Many period buildings do not have modern damp proof courses, or their original lime mortar pointing has worn away over time, letting moisture into the wall structure. We regularly see rising damp in ground floor walls, along with penetrating damp where external pointing or rendering has failed.

Roofs are another regular source of defects. On older properties, the original roof structure may still be in place and, although historically important, it can suffer from tile slippage, damaged flashing and worn ridge tiles. We inspect every accessible part of the roof, looking for missing or broken tiles, blocked gutters and signs that water has entered the loft space in the past. Homes along Main Street and close to the Church of St Peter and St Paul often have traditional slate or clay tile roofs, which need careful assessment.

Clay soils in the area mean structural movement and cracking are not unusual. Our surveyors study cracks in walls, considering width, pattern and position so we can judge whether they point to a serious structural problem or something more cosmetic. We also look for clues of foundation movement, such as doors that stick or don't close properly, windows that are hard to open, and uneven floors. Properties in High Crescent and places with more recent clay substrata deserve particular attention here.

We also find timber decay and pest damage on a regular basis. Rot can affect floor joists, roof timbers and window frames, especially where there is poor ventilation or a history of dampness. In older homes, woodworm activity sometimes appears, and our surveyors know the tell-tale signs to watch for. We check for evidence of both past and current infestation that may call for specialist treatment. Quite a few properties in Great Casterton still retain original timber-framed elements, so careful evaluation matters.

Older homes throughout the village often come with outdated electrical and plumbing systems. Original wiring may fall short of current safety standards, and lead pipework is still found in some properties that have not been modernised. We carry out a visual inspection of accessible electrical fittings and note any obvious concerns that should be checked by a qualified electrician. We do the same with visible plumbing, recording signs of corrosion, leaks and outdated materials.

In recent years, Great Casterton has had a notable amount of new development, led most visibly by the Stancliffe Homes scheme at College Close. The development comprises 41 new homes, with a mix of 3-bedroom bungalows and 2, 3, 4, and 5-bedroom houses, all built using locally sourced natural stone so they sit more comfortably with the village character. Even so, these are still new builds, and a Level 2 survey remains useful for identifying defects in workmanship or materials that the builder should put right before completion.

Stancliffe Homes has aimed these properties at strong energy efficiency, with solar PV panels, air source heat pumps, underfloor heating and increased insulation all part of the specification. Good specifications do not remove the need for checks. Our surveyors still look closely at whether installations have been completed properly and are working as intended. We confirm compliance with current building regulations and pick up snagging issues that are easy to miss without a trained eye.

Old Plough Court is another development that stands out locally, offering exclusive homes described as having expert craftsmanship and natural materials. Burbeary House is one of the properties within this stone-built scheme. New build does not always mean defect-free, and our Level 2 surveys can still reveal issues such as poorly fitted windows, uneven finishes or drainage problems that may sit outside the builder's warranty. For buyers of these properties, the survey also creates a useful record of condition at the time of purchase.

Then there is the proposed Ermine Fields development between Stamford and Great Casterton. If approved, it would bring up to 250 new homes to the area. Although it would technically sit under Stamford rather than Great Casterton, it shows the continued growth around the village and why a thorough survey remains important on any new property purchase. We keep up with local planning applications and new development activity so our advice reflects what is happening on the ground.

Peaceful village setting on one side, quick access to the historic market town of Stamford on the other, that is part of Great Casterton's appeal. The housing stock ranges from small terraced houses to substantial detached homes, and prices vary accordingly. At College Close, Stancliffe Homes has added modern properties with high energy efficiency ratings. Along Main Street, there are several historic buildings dating back several centuries, among them the Grade I listed Church of St Peter and St Paul and numerous Grade II listed buildings.

Buyers in this part of Rutland have a few geological factors to keep in mind. Clay soils can drive shrink-swell movement in foundations, particularly during drought or periods of excessive rainfall. We inspect for the usual signs, cracking to walls, doors that stick or don't close properly, and uneven floors. Properties close to the River Gwash may also bring flood-related concerns, so we note any evidence of water ingress or dampness at ground floor level. With watercourses nearby, drainage assessment is an important part of our inspection process.

Natural stone construction is common in Great Casterton, and that calls for a different assessment from the one we would apply to a modern brick-built house. Our inspectors know how to judge stone walls for structural integrity, assess lime mortar pointing and spot stone deterioration or erosion. That knowledge is especially useful in a village with numerous listed buildings, where traditional methods need to be properly understood. The Old Rectory, with its coursed rubble construction and ashlar dressings, is a good example of the sort of property where this specialist understanding matters.

Families are often drawn here by the local amenities, including Great Casterton Church of England Primary School. Casterton College takes secondary school pupils from across eastern Rutland and is well regarded academically. Stamford nearby adds extra shops, restaurants and leisure facilities, while the A1 gives direct road links to Peterborough, Leicester and further afield. All of that supports demand, and in a location where prices can command a premium, a thorough survey becomes even more worthwhile.