RICS Level 2 Survey in Great Strickland

Our RICS Level 2 Home Survey covers a close inspection of the property's visible and accessible parts. We look at the walls, roof, floors, windows, doors, and installations such as plumbing, electrical systems, and heating. The report sets out the property's construction and any obvious defects or areas that need attention. In Great Strickland, our surveyors give extra scrutiny to the stone construction and slate roofing often found on older village homes, watching for weathering, damp penetration, and structural movement that can affect these traditional buildings.

Issues are set out in a straightforward traffic light system, red for serious defects needing urgent attention, amber for items that need inspection or repair, and green for satisfactory condition. Every section of the property is given a rating, so you get an immediate picture of overall condition. We also set out what repairs or further investigations may be needed before completion and estimate the costs of dealing with significant issues. That gives you something practical to work with when negotiating, either by asking the seller for repairs or planning a budget for works after you move in. Our reports are written to be useful, clear, and easy to act on.

Much of Great Strickland's housing stock dates from before 1919, and the village church of St Barnabas dates from 1872. Homes of this age often rely on traditional materials and construction methods, so they need informed assessment. Our surveyors know how to assess lime-based mortars, stone walls, and traditional roof coverings, and we look for issues tied to period properties, including rising damp, timber decay, and the condition of original features. We also point out maintenance concerns that could turn into larger problems if left alone. That includes checking load-bearing walls, looking at chimney breasts for signs of structural stress, and considering whether modern additions appear to have the right building regulations approval.

Buyers looking at newer homes in the village are covered too, as we inspect modern extensions and renovations where these have been carried out. Planning applications are currently in progress for developments at Oak Farm and Town Head Farm, so new housing may come onto the market in coming years. From a brand-new property to a centuries-old farmhouse, we apply the same careful standards so you have the information you need.

• Walls and structural elements
• Roof covering and Chimneys
• Windows and Doors
• Floors and Staircases
• Damp and moisture detection
• Electrical installations
• Plumbing and drainage
• Heating systems
• External finishes

Traditional stone construction and green slate roofs are common in Great Strickland, reflecting local materials and the village's architectural heritage. They are durable and full of character, but they also need regular upkeep and a careful eye. Our surveyors often pick up deteriorating slate tiles, damaged flashings around chimneys, and worn stone pointing that can allow penetrating damp. The sandstone construction seen across the village can weather and erode over time, especially in exposed locations. We have also inspected many properties where the original lime mortar pointing has deteriorated and let in water, leading to internal damp problems.

Because much of the local housing stock is older, electrical and plumbing systems often need updating to meet current standards. We inspect visible wiring, consumer units, and plumbing installations, and we flag anything that should be checked by a qualified electrician or plumber. Older homes also frequently have poor insulation, especially in roof spaces, which can affect energy efficiency and push up heating costs. Our report draws these issues together so you can plan upgrades sensibly. It is not unusual for us to find outdated consumer units or inadequate earthing, both of which raise safety concerns.

In some parts of the area, the local geology includes compacted clay, which can affect foundations and contribute to movement over time. Great Strickland is not in a high-risk flood zone, but the River Leith is close enough that we pay attention to signs of damp or water ingress that may point to drainage issues. Our surveyors are trained to notice subtler signs that untrained buyers may miss, which helps you judge the strength of the investment. We look at external ground levels, check for evidence of past flooding, and assess drainage systems and soakaways.

Recent planning activity in the village includes applications for new developments at Oak Farm and Town Head Farm. Even where a property has been built in recent years, we still carry out a full inspection and look for defects that can appear in newer construction, such as inadequate insulation, poorly installed windows, and problems with building regulation compliance. Whatever the age of the property, we want you to have a complete view of its condition.

• Damp and condensation issues
• Roof tile damage or slipped slates
• Structural movement or cracking
• Outdated electrical installations
• Plumbing corrosion or leaks
• Timber defects and woodworm
• Inadequate insulation
• Drainage and gutter problems