RICS Level 2 Survey Great Gonerby

A RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey suits properties that are in reasonable condition, usually built after 1850 and of conventional construction. Our inspectors check the main parts of the building, including walls, floors, ceilings, roof structure, dampness, timber condition, and services such as plumbing and electrics. We use a simple traffic light rating system for each element, red for urgent issues needing attention, amber for defects to negotiate on or keep under review, and green for satisfactory condition. That makes it easier to see what needs dealing with straight away and what can be watched over time.

We inspect accessible areas only, so we do not move furniture, lift floorboards, or take apart built-in joinery. Even so, we bring professional moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, and ladders to inspect roofs where it is safe to do so. Every survey also includes a market value assessment and a rebuild cost estimate for insurance, which can be especially helpful in Great Gonerby where older housing stock may need more specific cover. Our thermal imaging kit can pick up hidden problems such as missing insulation, cold bridging, and damp that is not obvious to the naked eye.

Your final report is usually around 30-40 pages long and includes clear photographs of any defects we find. We put the most important issues first, so you can quickly see what you may be taking on before you complete your purchase. In Great Gonerby, where period features often sit alongside later alterations, we explain how those different construction elements work together and what sort of maintenance they may need. There is also a summary section at the front, handy when you want the key points straight away.

Our surveyors follow a methodical inspection process and work through every accessible part of the property. We begin at the roof, then move down through the structure, external walls, windows, doors, internal walls, floors, ceilings, and all visible services. Each part is assessed professionally, with defects noted and photographed where needed. Where they are relevant to the main property, we also inspect outbuildings, boundaries, and access points.

• Wall and ceiling condition
• Roof structure and covering
• Damp and timber inspection
• Plumbing and electrical overview
• Windows and doors
• Boundary walls and outbuildings

Across Great Gonerby and the wider South Kesteven area, we regularly see a handful of recurring property issues. The geology around Grantham includes Jurassic limestones, clays, and sandstones, so clay-based soils are common locally. Those soils can shrink and swell during drought or heavy rainfall, which may lead to subsidence or structural movement, especially where mature trees are close to the building. That is why we pay close attention to cracking, sticking doors or windows, and signs of wall movement that could point to foundation trouble. We look for the obvious diagonal cracks, but also for subtler movement hidden beneath wallpaper or plaster.

Older homes in Great Gonerby, especially those built before 1919, come with a few extra points to check. Many were built with solid walls rather than cavity walls, which can mean more condensation and weaker thermal performance. Some still have original timber windows, ironwork, and plumbing that may now need updating to meet current standards. During the survey, we check for rising damp, penetrating damp, and the condition of timber elements such as joists, rafters, and floorboards. We also assess how effective any damp proof course appears to be and note where improvements may be needed.

Flood risk can matter in parts of Great Gonerby because of the River Witham and its tributaries across the wider Grantham area. While detailed flood risk data for Great Gonerby itself is limited, lower-lying ground near watercourses can be more exposed to fluvial flooding. Our surveyors look for signs of past water ingress, consider the effectiveness of the damp proof course, and note the general topography of the site. We also check gutters and drainage systems, which are particularly important where flood risk may be a factor.

Quite a few properties in Great Gonerby still have electrical wiring and plumbing from their original construction period. Systems of that age can raise safety concerns and may fall short of current regulations. Our survey includes a basic review of the electrical and plumbing installations, and we flag obvious issues that need closer inspection by a qualified electrician or plumber. We record the type of consumer unit, whether adequate earthing appears to be present, and the general condition of visible pipework.

• Subsidence from clay soil shrink-swell
• Rising and penetrating damp
• Timber rot and woodworm
• Outdated electrical wiring
• Roof condition and tile damage
• Condensation in solid wall properties