RICS Level 2 Survey in Moreton, Dorset

Built for conventional homes from the last 150 years, our Level 2 Home Survey gives a detailed picture of the property's condition. We carry out a careful visual inspection of every accessible part, from the roof structure through to the foundations, including the main walls, floors, ceilings, doors and windows across the property. Our surveyors assess the building fabric and flag defects that affect value or need attention.

In Moreton, our surveyors keep a close eye on problems often seen in the area's older homes. That means checking traditional stone and brick walls for damp, looking hard at roof condition on ageing buildings, and watching for subsidence or heave linked to the local clay soils. We also inspect timber for rot and woodworm, review plumbing and electrical installations, and comment on the property's overall thermal efficiency.

Our report uses the RICS traffic light system, red for urgent repairs, amber for matters needing attention, and green for satisfactory condition. Alongside each section, we set out our professional view on the cause of any defect and the remedial action that may be suitable. We also point out any legal or regulatory issues that could affect the property.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, damp assessment
• Foundation and subsidence check
• Timber condition (rot, woodworm)
• Electrical and plumbing overview
• Thermal efficiency evaluation

Several issues come up repeatedly in Moreton, Dorset, and our surveyors see them time and again. Much of the housing stock is older, so damp is a regular finding, both rising damp where proper damp-proof courses are missing and penetrating damp caused by weathered external walls. Traditional stone and brick buildings constructed with lime mortar can be especially vulnerable to moisture ingress once mortar breaks down or renders fail. Where appropriate, we use moisture meters and thermal imaging to judge how far damp problems extend.

Roofs are another frequent source of trouble here. Plenty of older homes still have original roof coverings that are now at the end of their serviceable life, so we inspect tiles, slates, flashings and roof timbers for deterioration, leaks and structural movement. In Moreton, sagging rooflines and defective flashings around chimneys are things our surveyors regularly pick up. We also inspect loft spaces, where accessible, to assess timber condition and insulation.

Parts of Dorset are affected by clay soils, so we check carefully for evidence of subsidence or heave. Homes with shallow foundations, or with large trees close by, can show cracking linked to movement. Our surveyors assess walls closely, especially around openings and extensions, to spot signs of structural movement that may need further investigation. We also note flood risk considerations for low-lying properties because of the proximity to the River Frome.

• Rising and penetrating damp
• Roof deterioration and leaks
• Subsidence or heave movement
• Timber rot and woodworm
• Outdated electrical systems
• Poor thermal insulation