RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey in North Rauceby

We inspect every accessible part of the property as part of our RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey, from walls and roof to floors, windows, doors and extensions. Our surveyors look for defects, decay or damage that could affect value or safety, then set out a clear condition rating for each element, from "good" to "urgent repair needed." Where it is safe, we physically access the roof, check lofts for insulation and timbers, and examine foundations at ground level for movement or settlement.

North Rauceby has a lot of homes that are likely to be over 50 years old, so we focus on the sort of issues that crop up in older village property. That means checking for rising damp in solid wall construction, looking over roof coverings and flashings, and watching for subsidence linked to the local clay geology. We also examine visible plumbing and electrical installations, and we note any work that falls short of current safety standards. Original features get close attention too, because many houses here still keep their traditional character.

Once the inspection is done, we set out the significant findings in a report that is straightforward to read and easy to act on. You get clear advice on urgent repairs, plus recommendations for any specialist inspections that may be needed. The traffic light rating system makes the report simple to scan, so the items needing attention stand out straight away. As standard, we also include market valuation and insurance rebuild cost estimates, so the financial picture is clearer from the outset.

• Wall condition and structural movement
• Roof, tiles, flashing and gutters
• Damp and moisture penetration
• Windows, doors and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical visible fixtures
• Foundations and ground-level evidence
• Insulation and loft condition
• Boundary walls and outbuildings

Rural Lincolnshire building methods are written all over North Rauceby, and many homes were put up with local materials характер. Solid brick walls are common, often finished with render, and some properties still show limestone quoins or decorative touches typical of the area. Knowing how these buildings were put together helps us spot defects that are specific to this kind of construction. A solid wall has no cavity like a modern house, so once render is damaged or pointing starts to fail, damp can work its way in more easily over time.

Detached and semi-detached homes make up much of the housing stock in North Rauceby, with plenty dating from the pre-1919 and interwar periods. These properties were usually built with shallower foundations than modern standards call for, which can be an issue given the local geology. Our surveyors know the age-related problems to look for, from original timber windows that may need repair to dated electrical systems that can create safety concerns. We also check any extensions or modern additions to see that they were built properly and meet the relevant regulations.

Across the village, pitched roofs with tile or slate coverings are the norm, and many still have traditional leadwork around chimneys and valleys. The original roof structure often includes rafters, purlins and ceiling joists, and those parts can show their age in different ways. We inspect them carefully for timber decay, historic water ingress or structural movement that might point to a wider issue. The property’s age often tells us how much repair or renovation the roof may need over the next few years, which is useful when planning a maintenance budget.

The village’s rural feel means many homes are traditional Lincolnshire properties built in solid wall construction, often using local brick and, in some cases, limestone details. They have plenty of character, but older buildings often develop faults that only a trained eye will pick up. Our surveyors know the defects that tend to affect this type of construction in the local area. We also understand how age and exposure affect materials here, especially in properties that have stood for decades.

Damp is one of the issues we come across most often in village homes like these in North Rauceby. Rising damp happens when moisture from the ground moves up through porous brickwork, especially where there is no proper damp-proof course. Penetrating damp can come from damaged render, failed pointing or tired roof flashings. In properties with low to medium surface water flood risk, we also look for staining or damp patches at lower levels that could point to earlier flooding or ongoing moisture problems. Where suitable, our surveyors use moisture meters and thermal imaging to pick up damp that the eye alone might miss.

Roof condition is another area where local experience pays off. A lot of the older houses in the village still have original roof coverings that are showing their age, with slipped tiles, failing felt underlay or corroded leadwork around chimneys and valleys. Where it is safe, our surveyors access the roof directly, or they use long-reach equipment to inspect tiles and flashings from the ground. We also look in the loft, checking insulation, ventilation and any signs of old or active leaks that could point to roof defects.

North Rauceby’s rural economy means many residents travel to larger towns such as Sleaford or Grantham for work. That has shaped the type of homes here, as well as the standards to which they were originally built. A lot of properties have been extended or modernised by different owners over the years, and our surveyors assess the quality and compliance of those changes. We check that extensions were built with suitable foundations, that electrical work meets current regulations, and that windows and doors meet modern energy efficiency standards where relevant.

• Rising and penetrating damp
• Roof tile damage and felt failure
• Subsidence from clay shrinkage
• Outdated electrical wiring
• Timber rot and woodworm
• Missing or damaged insulation
• Structural movement and cracking
• Boundary and outbuilding condition