RICS Level 2 Survey in Wiltshire

Our RICS Level 2 Home Survey looks closely at the accessible parts of the property, picking up defects or issues that could affect value or need attention. We check the main structural elements, walls, floors, roofs and foundations, and look for cracking, movement or deterioration. Doors, windows and joinery are included, along with services such as plumbing, electrical systems and heating. Our surveyors draw on real experience to spot matters that less seasoned inspectors can miss, especially where a property has unusual construction methods.

Older properties across Wiltshire call for extra care, and our surveyors know the usual trouble spots in homes built before modern building regulations. In solid-walled Victorian and Edwardian houses, common in Salisbury, Trowbridge and Devizes, we look closely for dampness. Without cavity walls or modern damp-proof courses, moisture can get in more easily, which can lead to condensation and timber decay. At low level we inspect wall surfaces for rising damp, check skirting boards for rot, and consider whether any damp-proof course is doing its job.

Older roofs get a detailed look too, particularly those finished in slate or tile and exposed to decades of weathering. Plenty of Wiltshire homes still carry original clay tile or slate coverings from the 19th century, and attractive as they are, they often need regular maintenance. We check for slipped or broken tiles, failing ridge mortar, damaged flashings around chimneys and any signs of past water ingress in loft spaces. Rural Wiltshire still has thatched roofs, which sit outside a standard Level 2 survey scope, but we will note their condition and suggest specialist inspection where needed.

A clear rating system sits at the centre of the report, with issues sorted by severity from urgent defects needing immediate action to points for future maintenance. Each section explains what we found, why it matters and what action you may wish to take. We also give practical guidance shaped around Wiltshire's housing stock, so you can see how local geology and construction methods influence the property's condition. For instance, homes in the Chippenham area built on Oxford Clay may move differently from those on limestone foundations near Bath.

• Wall and foundation inspection
• Roof and chimney assessment
• Damp and timber decay detection
• Electrical and plumbing review
• Windows and doors condition check
• Heating system inspection

Wiltshire's housing stock is a lively mix of building types, shaped by the county's geology and long history. In the north-west, many properties are built from Jurassic limestone, and Bath stone appears in a lot of prestigious buildings around Calne and Lyneham. The Box Ground variety of Bath stone has been used in landmark buildings including Malmesbury Abbey and Longleat House. Lower-grade limestones such as ragstone from the Great Oolite and Forest Marble were more often used for cottages and farm buildings, so we come across a wide range of stone types across the county.

Further south and east, flint, chalk and brick become more common, while timber-framed buildings and thatched roofs are typical in rural villages around Aldbourne and across the downland. From the 18th century onwards, brick gained importance in Wiltshire, with small brickworks using Oxford, Kimmeridge, Gault and London Clays found across the county. In chalk areas like the Salisbury Plain region, bricks were used to dress flint or clunch walls, while clay districts tended to favour red clay roof tiles. Every property brings its own set of issues, and our surveyors know these local building traditions well.

Because the county has such varied geology, some parts sit over clay soils that can trigger foundation movement and subsidence. Our surveyors are trained to pick up the warning signs, including cracking patterns, doors and windows that no longer line up, and uneven floor levels. Properties built on Oxford Clay or Kimmeridge Clay are especially prone to shrink-swell movement, which can place structural stress on the building over time. With average property prices at £332,000 and semi-detached homes showing a 4.9% price increase in the last year, finding structural problems before completion could save a serious amount in negotiation or later repairs.

Victorian and Edwardian homes make up a large part of Wiltshire's older stock, and solid-wall construction was standard in that period. Many of these properties still lack modern damp-proof courses and cavity wall insulation, so penetrating damp and rising damp are more likely. We know exactly where to look in these older homes, checking wall surfaces, skirting boards and ground-level areas for moisture ingress. Traditional windows are also assessed, since in conservation areas they may need repair or refurbishment rather than replacement. With over 20,000 Grade II* listed buildings in England, many of them in Wiltshire, the county's architectural heritage is clear to see.

Old electrical and plumbing systems are another frequent concern in Wiltshire's period properties. Plenty of Victorian and Edwardian homes still have original wiring, which may fall short of current safety standards and create a fire risk. Lead pipework was also widely used until relatively recently, and although it is not immediately dangerous, it can affect water quality and may need replacing. We check consumer units, wiring condition, pipework materials and heating systems so that any safety hazards can be handed to the right electrician or plumber.

From city outskirts to rural villages, our team of RICS-qualified surveyors has extensive experience inspecting properties throughout Wiltshire. We understand the local market and the specific challenges that different property types can bring. From a modern semi-detached house in Swindon to a period property in Salisbury or a cottage in the Cotswolds area near Malmesbury, our surveyors bring the knowledge needed to give a sound assessment of condition.

All our surveyors are RICS registered and have completed rigorous training to spot defects common in Wiltshire's housing stock. They stay up to date with the latest building techniques and regulations, including the requirements for properties in conservation areas and listed buildings. When you book a survey with us, you get the benefit of local expertise alongside the reassurance of RICS standards.