RICS Level 2 Survey in Strensall with Towthorpe

A RICS Level 2 Survey gives us a clear visual check of all accessible parts of the property, including the roof space, where it is safe and accessible, along with the walls, floors, windows, doors and fixed fittings. Our surveyor looks at the general condition and picks up defects ranging from cosmetic niggles to more serious structural problems that could affect the value or safety of the home. We use a traffic light rating system, red for urgent repairs needing immediate attention, amber for defects that should be tackled soon, and green for items in satisfactory condition. It is an easy way to see what matters most before you buy.

In Strensall with Towthorpe, our surveyors keep an eye out for the issues we see time and again in the local housing stock. There is a broad mix of ages here, from historic cottages near St Mary's Church in the Conservation Area to newer homes on the Persimmon Homes and David Wilson developments. That means we regularly come across ageing roof structures and outdated electrics in older places, as well as construction-related concerns in newer ones. The report makes it much easier to see what you are buying and what may need spending on it.

We also include a market valuation and an insurance reinstatement figure, both of which are useful for mortgage purposes. Where we find significant defects, we set out likely repair costs so you can work them into your budget. For homes in areas with environmental risks, such as the flood zones near the River Foss or land with clay-rich soils that can shrink and swell, we add the relevant observations so you are not caught out later. The reinstatement figure matters for insurance too, as it shows the cost of rebuilding the property from scratch if it were completely destroyed.

Our inspection looks closely at eight key areas of the property. We examine the roof structure and covering, including tiles, slates, flashings and any visible timbers. Wall construction is checked for movement, cracking or deterioration. We carry out a damp and timber assessment to look for rising damp, penetrating damp and woodworm activity. Windows, doors and joinery are assessed for condition and operation. Visible plumbing and electrical installations are reviewed. Boundary walls, fences and outbuildings are considered for stability and condition. We also take account of flood risk and drainage, which is especially relevant in Strensall because of its proximity to the River Foss. At the end, we provide a market valuation based on our assessment.

• Roof structure and covering
• Wall construction and condition
• Damp and timber assessment
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical visible parts
• Boundary walls and outbuildings
• Flood risk and drainage
• Market valuation

Strensall with Towthorpe’s housing stock reflects the shift from a historic village to a popular commuter base for York. Detached properties account for 49.3% of the stock, semi-detached homes make up 30%, terraced properties stand at 12.3%, and flats account for 8.4%. That spread means buyers need to think about different issues depending on the property type. Detached houses often have bigger roof areas and more external walls to maintain, while flats can bring shared maintenance responsibilities and problems in the common parts. The high share of detached homes also means many properties have sizeable gardens, which can be a selling point but need looking after.

In the older parts of Strensall, especially around The Village and Church Lane, homes often date from pre-1919 and may be built in traditional brick with slate or tile roofs. These older properties can suffer from rising damp, timber decay, worn roof coverings and dated electrical and plumbing systems. Listed buildings in the area bring their own preservation requirements, which can affect renovation plans and budgets. We have inspected plenty of homes in these streets and often find signs of earlier subsidence or movement, usually tied to the clay soil conditions and trees close to the property.

The newer developments in Strensall, including The Pastures by Persimmon Homes and The Green by David Wilson Homes, offer modern construction and contemporary fittings. Even so, newbuilds are not free from defects, and we have seen everything from minor snagging problems to more serious construction issues in newer schemes. Cavity wall construction and concrete tile roofs are generally dependable, but our inspection still checks that they have been put in properly and looks for defects that a buyer might miss. Common issues include poorly sealed windows, ventilation that is not up to scratch and condensation, as well as finishing defects the developer should put right before completion.

Strensall with Towthorpe’s geology creates its own set of challenges for properties of every age. The superficial deposits of alluvium and glacial till over Sherwood Sandstone can lead to shrink-swell movement, particularly after dry weather followed by wet periods. That movement can show up as cracking in walls, especially where foundations are shallow. Our surveyors are trained to spot the signs and will advise if a more detailed structural engineer's report is needed. We also look for evidence of past flooding from the River Foss, which runs close to the village centre, and review the drainage arrangements at the property.