RICS Level 2 Survey in OX29

Our RICS Level 2 Survey gives a visual inspection of all accessible parts of the property. Our inspectors look at the walls, ceilings, floors, doors and windows, plus the roof space where it is safe and accessible, the outside of the building, and any outbuildings or garages. We also check damp-proof courses, insulation and ventilation, keeping an eye out for water penetration, structural movement or deterioration that could affect the property's value or safety.

Older homes in OX29, especially in places such as Stanton Harcourt and Eynsham where Victorian and Edwardian properties are common, call for a careful eye. Our surveyors look closely at the usual period-property problems, from damp in solid-wall constructions to the state of thatched or slate roofs, and they assess historic alterations or additions that may not meet current building regulations. Because we know traditional Oxfordshire construction methods, we understand what to look for in buildings made with local materials.

Services get a proper check too, including electrical systems, plumbing and heating. Any work that appears non-compliant with current regulations, or simply worn out, is flagged. In this part of Oxfordshire, Cotswold stone is common, so we also look at the stonework itself, any repointing needs, and signs of weathering or damage that could let in water.

Each element is given a clear condition rating, from the roof and walls through to the windows and doors. That makes it easier to separate cosmetic matters from maintenance jobs, and from more serious structural concerns that need urgent attention. Our report then sets out the recommendations in order, so you can see what needs dealing with first.

• Wall condition and structural integrity
• Roof, loft space, and chimney assessment
• Damp and timber condition inspection
• Electrical and plumbing overview
• Windows, doors, and joinery condition

The OX29 postcode covers a mix of villages and rural communities, each with its own character and housing stock. In Eynsham, one of the larger villages in the area, there is a blend of older homes, converted Cotswold stone buildings and newer developments from the past two decades. Stanton Harcourt is better known for its historic properties, including listed buildings that need special care during any survey. Our surveyors know the individual traits of each village in the area.

Church Hanborough and the surrounding area include everything from Victorian cottages to sizeable modern family homes. Traditional Oxfordshire stone is common in many older properties here, so we pay close attention to lime mortar pointing and the condition of stonework that may have weathered over the years. Original features are often part of the picture, and they need careful assessment.

Our surveyors are alert to those local differences and adjust the inspection accordingly. Across the OX29 region there are conservation areas, and properties within them need extra consideration, especially where works may have required listed building consent or could affect the character of the building. We know the alterations that show up time and again in this area, and we know what to look for when checking whether they were done properly.

The age range in OX29 is wide, from medieval timber-framed houses to homes built in 2023. Because of that, the survey approach has to match the construction method and the materials used. Our inspectors have worked across the full range of building types in this part of Oxfordshire, from traditional solid-walled cottages to modern timber-frame constructions.

• Cotswold stone construction in older properties
• Victorian and Edwardian period features
• Properties in conservation areas
• Modern developments from various build periods