RICS Level 2 Survey in Strickland Roger

Strickland Roger is still very rural, so plenty of the homes here are built in the traditional Cumbrian way, with local stone walls, slate roofs and solid walls rather than modern cavity construction. They have real character, but they also come with issues that need a qualified surveyor’s eye. Our RICS Level 2 Survey looks at the property from foundation to roof and uses a clear red-amber-green rating system, so urgent defects, items needing attention and anything in reasonable order are all easy to spot. Older Cumbrian buildings need a different approach from newer cavity wall homes, and our surveyors know that distinction well.

There are 16 Grade II listed buildings within the civil parish, so a fair number of properties in Strickland Roger fall under conservation rules and may need maintenance that reflects their historic status. Our surveyors are used to that, and we note issues tied to listed building compliance, from original features and unauthorised alterations to sympathetic repair advice that sits comfortably with conservation requirements. With older housing stock here, plus the River Kent and the surrounding fells close by, damp penetration, roof defects and surface water problems can all crop up, and a Level 2 Survey is designed to pick them out. We work on properties near watercourses and in places that take a lot of rainfall, which is very much part of the Cumbrian picture.

Great Strickland, just along the road, has seen sharp movement in prices, with values 89% up on the previous year but 26% down from the 2022 peak of £778,000. In a market like that, a proper survey matters, because it gives you the real condition of the home rather than just an asking price and a polished sales description. The Cumbrian market has its own rhythm, shaped by tourism, farming and the pull of the Lake District. We know those pressures and how they can affect survey findings and the way you approach negotiation. Traditional farmhouse, converted barn or modern family house, we give you the detail you need to protect your investment.

The age and build of properties in this area often bring their own headaches. Solid stone walls, for all their appeal, can suffer from damp if the original damp-proof course has failed or was never fitted. Slate roofs, which are common across the area and suit the setting so well, need regular upkeep if water ingress is to be avoided. Our surveyors look closely for these familiar defects and set out practical next steps, whether that means traditional repairs for listed buildings or a more modern fix where the property is newer.

Surveying homes across Cumbria has given us a very clear sense of what to look for in Strickland Roger. The traditional building methods used here are durable, but they can develop particular faults over time that need a professional eye. Damp is one of the most common problems we see, whether that shows up as penetrating damp from Cumbria’s wet weather, rising damp where a damp-proof course is ineffective or missing, or condensation in homes with poor ventilation. With the River Kent and the surrounding fells nearby, moisture-related issues can be especially common, particularly in solid stone walls that do not have modern cavity construction.

Slate roofs are common in the area, and although slate is a long-lasting material, age and weather can still lead to slipped tiles, failed flashing and mortar that has started to break down. Our surveyors check roof conditions carefully wherever they can be accessed, and they note any sign of leaking or structural concern. The traditional mortar found in Cumbrian properties can weaken over time too, leaving gaps where water can get in. We also look at roof timbers for rot or insect damage, and in older homes we pay close attention to any visible sagging or distortion that might point to something more serious.

Timber defects are another regular finding, with wet rot, dry rot and woodworm affecting properties that have been damp or poorly ventilated. Left alone, they can be expensive to put right. Our surveyors inspect all visible timber elements, including floor joists, ceiling timbers and roof rafters, for signs of deterioration. We also look for evidence of insect infestation, past or present, that may need treatment. Given the rural setting and the age of many homes here, timber defects are a familiar concern, and our Level 2 Survey is set up to identify and highlight them.

Older Cumbrian properties often have electrical and plumbing systems that need updating to meet current safety standards. We inspect visible electrical installations and note any obvious shortcomings that should be checked by qualified electricians and plumbers. That means looking at consumer units, earthing arrangements and the general condition of visible wiring. On the plumbing side, we check for corrosion, leaks and outdated materials that may need attention. If we spot electrical or plumbing concerns, our report says so clearly and recommends further investigation where it is needed. Many homes here date from periods when building regulations and standards were very different from today’s requirements, so these findings are common in older properties.

We also look for signs of subsidence or structural movement, which can be an issue in places with clay soils or a history of mining. Cumbria’s geology is generally stable, but our surveyors are trained to spot movement through cracks in walls, sticking doors or uneven floors. Flood risk is another thing we consider, particularly for properties near the River Kent or in lower-lying spots where surface water can collect. That broader approach gives you a full picture of the property before you go any further with the purchase.