RICS Level 2 Survey in Wetwang

Our RICS Level 2 surveys give a detailed assessment of properties up to 2,500 square feet, looking over every accessible part of the building. We inspect the roof structure, walls, windows, doors, floors and ceilings, together with key systems such as plumbing, electrical wiring and heating. In the Wetwang area, where older brick-built farmhouses sit alongside post-war homes, our surveyors keep an eye out for the defects that tend to matter most. Yorkshire weather, with its rainfall and seasonal temperature swings, can speed up wear on some property types, so we record anything we find with clear photographs and written notes. Each inspection also includes a full view of the property's overall condition, with our surveyors noting any movement, deterioration or deferred maintenance that could affect the value of the building.

Inside Wetwang's Conservation Area, which covers the historic core around Main Street and Church Lane, we give extra attention to the condition of historic fabric. Many homes here are built in traditional brick with chalk or flint elements, and our surveyors understand how those materials behave as the years pass. We check solid-walled properties for damp, inspect older roof coverings for slipped tiles or degraded pointing, and assess original windows and doors that may need restoration rather than full replacement. Most properties in Wetwang are brick-built, often in a light red or orange-brown local brick, and our team knows how to spot issues tied to those traditional materials. Some older buildings may also use chalk or flint construction, sometimes rendered, which needs specialist knowledge to assess properly.

Each report uses a clear condition rating system, with issues graded by severity, from "poor" defects needing urgent attention to "fair" items that may only need monitoring in future. We also flag legal matters for your conveyancing solicitor to check, including rights of way, boundaries and planning permissions that affect the property. That way, we can give you a clearer basis for a purchase decision. Where possible, we include cost estimates for repairs too, so the financial impact of any defects is easier to judge. For negotiations with sellers, or for planning a renovation budget after completion, that detail is often invaluable.

• Roof structure and covering
• Wall construction and condition
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Damp and timber assessment
• Electrical and plumbing systems
• Heating and hot water systems
• Drainage and outside areas
• Conservation and listed building considerations

Surveying properties across the Yorkshire Wolds has shown us a handful of recurring problems that buyers should keep in mind. Damp is a regular one, especially in older homes with solid walls where modern damp-proof courses may be missing or not doing their job. The local mix of rainfall and humidity can make moisture penetration in brickwork and render worse. We often see rising damp in ground-floor walls and penetrating damp in roof areas where pointing has worn away over time. Homes with poor ventilation can also develop condensation, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms where moisture levels are highest. Where it helps, our surveyors use moisture meters and thermal imaging to work out how far the damp has spread and what is causing it.

Roof condition is another regular concern in Wetwang. Many properties have traditional pantile or slate roofs that are long-lasting, but they still need ongoing upkeep. We often identify slipped tiles, degraded mortar pointing and timber decay in roof structures, especially in homes over 50 years old. Age and exposure to the weather mean roof repairs appear in many of our survey reports. Roofs here are usually tiled, often with pantiles or slate, and the pitch generally sheds water well, although exposure to westerly winds can speed up wear on certain sides. We look closely at flashings, valleys and roof windows, as these are common places for water to get in.

In pre-1980s properties, electrical and plumbing systems often need updating. Wetwang homes still frequently have original fuse boards, cloth-covered wiring and galvanised plumbing pipes, all of which can pose safety concerns. We note the condition of those systems and recommend professional upgrades where required. Many post-war homes in the area were built with cavity walls, while earlier properties may have solid walls, which handle insulation and moisture very differently. As part of our assessment, we check any existing insulation and point out where improvements could help energy efficiency.

The Yorkshire Wolds geology brings its own points to consider for property owners. Chalk bedrock usually has low shrink-swell potential, but areas with significant clay content in the superficial deposits may present moderate risks, especially where foundations are shallow. Our surveyors examine the ground around properties for movement, cracking or drainage issues that might hint at foundation problems. The Gypsey Race winterbourne stream adds another layer of consideration in some locations, and we note any evidence of past flooding or drainage concerns when inspecting homes near watercourses.

• Rising and penetrating damp
• Roof tile defects and timber decay
• Outdated electrical wiring
• Original plumbing systems
• Foundation movement in clay areas
• Window and door deterioration
• Drainage issues
• Missing or inadequate insulation