RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey Thoralby

A RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey gives us a clear visual read on the accessible parts of the property, so we can pick up defects or issues that may affect value or need attention. Our surveyor looks at the main structural elements, walls, floors, ceilings and the roof structure, checking for movement, dampness or deterioration that could point to deeper problems. We also inspect windows and doors, test the heating and hot water systems where possible, and look over the kitchen and bathroom fittings.

Safety is part of that check as well. We look for exposed wiring, unsafe flue installations and missing handrails on stairs, along with rot in timber, poor render and weak external finishes. Drainage around the property perimeter is examined too, and we review both the interior and exterior so the overall condition of the building is clear.

Thoralby properties need a slightly different eye. Much of the village is built from traditional stone, with stone slate roofs, and that sort of construction calls for proper expertise. We inspect pointing, look for damp penetration through stonework, and assess the stone slate coverings. Any alterations or extensions over the years are noted too, and we consider whether they appear to have been carried out to a fair standard.

The report is easy to follow, with red, amber and green indicators. At a glance, you can see which issues need urgent attention, which should be watched, and which areas are in satisfactory condition. Each defect is explained in plain English, with its cause and likely implications, so you know what may need doing after you move in.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof structure and coverings
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Damp and moisture detection
• Electrical and fire safety
• Plumbing and drainage

Local knowledge matters in Thoralby. The village has 25 listed buildings recorded in the National Heritage List for England, including one Grade II* listed property. When we inspect older homes, we understand the construction methods typical of traditional Dales buildings, from the stone rubble walls seen in properties like South View to the historic stone slate roofs on buildings such as Thoralby Old Hall, built in 1641. That experience helps us spot matters a less seasoned surveyor could miss.

Flood risk is part of the picture in Thoralby, especially along Main Street and near the village hall. A flood prevention scheme was put in place in 2013 to deal with surface water issues, using drainage systems and water diversion works. For homes in the village centre or lower-lying spots, our report highlights any possible flood risk and points to further checks such as drainage surveys or flood risk assessments. We also look at existing drainage and whether the falls still take water away from the property properly.

Set in the Yorkshire Dales, the village has plenty of stone foundations and cellars that need careful assessment. Our surveyors watch for movement or damp in these areas and check that drainage around the property has been kept in good order. For newer homes in the area, we look at the standard of construction and any defects that are typical of modern methods, so you get a clear picture whatever the age of the property.

Historic alterations crop up often in Thoralby. Our inspection covers whether additions seem to have had the right building regulation approval and whether the join between old and new work has been detailed properly. That matters especially where a property has been extended beyond its original footprint.

The report is written in plain English, so it is easy to read even if you have never used a property survey before. The main section gives an overview of the property's overall condition, then each area of the building is covered in turn, from roof to foundations. Every section includes a clear condition rating and a description of any defects found, without unnecessary technical language.

We use a traffic light system to highlight issues. Red means serious defects that need urgent attention, amber marks items that should be dealt with but are not immediately critical, and green shows areas in satisfactory condition. It is a quick way to see what needs doing now and what can wait for later monitoring. For instance, active water penetration through a stone slate roof would be red, while minor deterioration of pointing might be amber.

For each significant defect, the report sets out what the problem is, what has caused it and what implications it may have. We also say who should be consulted for repairs, whether that is a general builder, a structural engineer or a specialist in traditional stone construction. Where possible, we indicate whether the issue appears minor or points to something more serious that needs further investigation, such as a drainage survey for properties in known flood risk areas.