RICS Level 2 Survey in Kimcote and Walton

Our RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey gives you a detailed check of the property you plan to buy, with close attention paid to the main accessible parts of the building. We inspect the roof structure, walls, floors, windows, doors, plus plumbing and electrical systems where they are visible. We are looking for defects that could affect value or safety, including damp, structural movement, roof deterioration and outdated electrical installations, all of which can turn up in older properties across Kimcote and Walton.

Many homes here are older, from barn conversions dating from around 1890 to other period houses, so our surveyors spend time assessing traditional materials properly. We also stay alert to clay-based soils, which can lead to subsidence in some parts of Leicestershire, and we check older roofing materials for signs that they are nearing the end of their serviceable life. Alongside the inspection, the survey includes a market valuation and an insurance rebuild cost estimate, which is especially useful for properties in this price range.

Inside and out, we work through the property in a methodical way, checking each room and inspecting accessible roof spaces and sub-floor voids where it is safe to do so. Our surveyors photograph defects as they go and set out the findings in plain, straightforward language. Where something needs urgent attention, we separate that clearly so you can focus on it when discussing repairs or price changes with the seller.

The RICS Level 2 format suits properties that are in reasonable condition, which is why it works well for most homes in Kimcote and Walton. In the report, we use the RICS traffic light system so you can quickly see what matters most, red for urgent defects needing immediate attention, amber for issues likely to need attention later, and green for elements in satisfactory condition. It is an easy format to follow and it helps you judge both the property itself and the next steps, from seller negotiations to planned renovation work.

• Structural integrity assessment
• Damp and moisture detection
• Roof condition and insulation
• Electrical safety observations
• Thermal efficiency commentary
• Market valuation
• Rebuild cost calculation

Kimcote and Walton has its own property mix, and our surveyors are used to it. The village lies in the Harborough district of Leicestershire and is made up largely of detached and semi-detached family homes. Because it is a rural setting, houses often come with larger plots, gardens and outbuildings that need their own consideration. As part of the standard survey scope, we inspect boundary walls, fences and detached structures as well.

Older housing stock, from period cottages to traditional barn conversions, means damp penetration is a recurring issue in this area. Many of these buildings pre-date the widespread use of modern damp-proof courses, and their solid walls can be more vulnerable to moisture ingress, especially in exposed positions. Our surveyors look for the obvious evidence of damp, but we also watch for subtler warning signs that could point to concealed moisture within wall cavities or beneath floorboards.

Roofing is one of the areas we study closely. Many older properties still have original roofing materials, and years of Leicestershire weather can leave their mark. We assess tiles or slates, inspect flashing around chimneys and dormer windows, and review insulation levels in the roof space. Thatched roofs and more complex rooflines call for extra care, and our reports make clear where maintenance may be needed in the near future.

Some parts of Leicestershire have clay soils that expand and contract as moisture levels change, and that can contribute to subsidence or ground movement beneath a property. We did not identify specific data for Kimcote and Walton during our research, but our surveyors still stay watchful for movement, crack patterns in walls, and doors or windows that do not operate properly. If we think further investigation is sensible, we say so clearly.

Traditional brick construction is common in Kimcote and Walton, and some period homes also include local stone, particularly where extensions or renovations have been carried out. Our surveyors know these building methods well and can spot where newer additions have been attached to older structures. That matters when judging overall condition and likely renovation costs. Whether we are inspecting a Victorian cottage in the village centre or a converted barn on the outskirts, we bring the same local understanding to the assessment.