RICS Level 2 Survey in Whittington

Our RICS Level 2 survey gives a clear picture of a property's condition, covering the main building elements and highlighting defects that may affect value or safety. We inspect the roof structure, walls, floors, windows, doors, and dampness levels, looking at both the interior and exterior. In Whittington, where many homes stand on Mercia Mudstone geology with clay content, we pay close attention to signs of subsidence, heave, and ground movement that may point to foundation trouble. Where appropriate, we use moisture meters and thermal imaging equipment to build up a fuller view of the property's condition.

Damp is a key part of the inspection. We assess levels with professional-grade moisture meters and thermal imaging where appropriate, checking for rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation, all of which are especially common in older properties. We also look closely at roof coverings, flashings, and parapet walls, noting slipped tiles, deteriorated felt, and any evidence of previous leaks. Electrical and plumbing systems are reviewed on a visual basis too, so we can flag obvious safety concerns or outdated installations that need further investigation by specialist contractors. That includes consumer units, visible wiring condition, and pipework materials, with anything below current electrical regulations or showing age-related deterioration clearly noted.

Within Whittington's conservation area, which covers much of the historic core around Main Street and the surrounding lanes, period properties and listed buildings call for a different eye. Our surveyors note alterations to the original structure, assess the condition of traditional features, and identify possible listed building compliance issues that could affect your future plans. Many homes here are built in traditional red brick with slate or clay tile roofs, and we know the kinds of defects that are easy to miss in older buildings. We also pick up signs of past inappropriate alterations and advise where further investigation may be sensible.

As part of the Level 2 survey, we include both a market valuation and an insurance rebuild cost assessment, so you can judge the property's true worth from more than one angle. That matters in Whittington's current market, where prices have shown modest movement in recent months. An accurate rebuild cost helps you arrange adequate buildings insurance, and the market valuation helps you decide whether the asking price properly reflects current market conditions.

• Roof structure and covering condition
• Damp and moisture assessment
• Wall and foundation condition
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Electrical and plumbing visible defects
• Structural movement or subsidence signs
• Market valuation and rebuild cost assessment

From the Whittington properties we survey, a few issues come up time and again, and damp is high on the list. It is particularly common in older homes, which make up a large share of the village's housing stock. Rising damp affects many Victorian and Edwardian properties where the original damp-proof course has failed, or was never installed in the first place. Penetrating damp often shows around windows, roofs, and external walls where pointing has deteriorated or render has cracked. In solid-wall properties, often found in older buildings in the conservation area, condensation can also be a problem, especially where ventilation is poor.

Roof defects are another regular finding. Older homes often show worn slate or clay tiles, damaged flashings, and deteriorated felt, all of which can allow water ingress. In properties over 50 years old, which make up an estimated 60-70% of Whittington's housing, timber decay such as wet rot and woodworm can affect roof structures, floor joists, and window frames, particularly where ventilation has been poor or maintenance has slipped. Where necessary, we lift accessible floorboards and enter the roofspace whenever safe access is available, so we can judge the extent of any timber defects properly. We also often see older Whittington properties that have had ad-hoc repairs over the years, and those can create fresh problems even where they appear to have solved the original one.

Pre-1980s properties in Whittington often need attention to their electrical and plumbing systems. We regularly come across original installations that fall well below current standards, including outdated consumer units, inadequate earthing, and old plumbing materials such as lead or galvanised steel pipes. In conservation area properties, we also stay alert for potential asbestos-containing materials in older insulation, textured coatings, and roofing sheets. Homes built before 2000 may contain asbestos in several forms, so we record any suspected materials and recommend a specialist asbestos survey where appropriate.

Because Whittington sits on Mercia Mudstone geology, signs of movement or subsidence are something we often identify, especially in properties close to trees or in homes where drainage has changed over time. Clay soils shrink in dry periods and swell when wet, and that repeated movement can cause foundation issues that show up as cracking in walls, especially around window and door openings. We measure the cracks we find, assess their significance against established guidelines, and recommend a structural engineer where movement appears active or severe.

• Rising and penetrating damp
• Roof tile damage and leaks
• Timber decay and woodworm
• Outdated electrical systems
• Subsidence on clay soils
• Outdated plumbing
• Asbestos-containing materials

A thorough survey depends on knowing the local housing stock, and our team has a detailed grasp of Whittington's property mix. Detached homes account for approximately 50.8% of housing, semi-detached properties 28.5%, terraced houses 11.2%, and flats or apartments 9.5%. That spread reflects Whittington's shift from a small rural village into a sought-after commuter location, with homes ranging from historic cottages to post-war expansion and modern new-build estates.

Traditional red brick is a common sight in Whittington, shaped by the local architectural style and the availability of local clay deposits. Older homes, especially the historic cottages in the conservation area around Main Street, may also include timber framing or render. Roofs are usually finished in slate or clay tiles, and some older properties still have original slate that may now be near the end of its serviceable life. Our surveyors know these construction methods well and understand what to watch for in properties built using traditional techniques.

The age profile of Whittington's housing is also telling. A significant share dates from the post-war period, 1945-1980, with around 30-40% built during that phase of rapid expansion. As a result, many homes are now close to or well beyond 50 years old, which brings familiar age-related issues such as worn roof coverings, outdated services, and an ongoing need for maintenance. Knowing when a property was built helps us anticipate likely defects and shape the inspection accordingly.

In Whittington's conservation area, the historic core around Main Street and the surrounding lanes includes listed buildings such as St Giles' Church, along with a number of historic farmhouses and cottages. These homes often use construction methods and materials that need specialist knowledge to assess properly. Our surveyors have experience with heritage properties and can identify issues linked to historic buildings, including the state of traditional features, signs of previous unsympathetic alterations, and possible listed building compliance matters that may affect your plans for the property.