RICS Level 3 Building Survey in Asgarby and Howell

Our RICS Level 3 Survey looks closely at every visible and accessible part of a property. Walls, floors, ceilings, stairs and roofs are all checked, and any defects we find are set out with an explanation of why they matter. We also look at the building’s structural integrity for movement, subsidence or weakness that could affect stability. In Asgarby and Howell, where many homes sit on clay soils prone to shrink-swell movement, that sort of structural check is especially useful. Our surveyors are trained to pick up the faint signs of foundation movement that can slip past a less experienced eye, including crack patterns in brickwork, sticking doors and windows, and uneven floor levels.

The survey also takes in the building’s fabric, so damp penetration, timber decay, roof wear and faults in windows and doors are all noted. Our inspectors look at services too, including plumbing, electrical systems and heating, and they flag any obvious safety concerns or anything that needs specialist input. We set out repair advice, maintenance needs and the likely costs, so you know what lies ahead. Across older properties in North Kesteven, we often come across electrical installations that are well past their best and no longer meet current regulations, especially in homes that have not been updated for twenty years or more.

Older, converted or non-traditionally built homes in Asgarby and Howell call for the Level 3 Survey particularly. The area has listed buildings and period properties, and both need a proper grasp of historic construction. Our surveyors know the difference between acceptable ageing in an older house and defects that need immediate action. We adapt the inspection to the property in front of us, so the report is relevant and practical. Properties such as the converted Grooms Barn in nearby Asgarby need specialist knowledge of traditional methods and listed building requirements.

We also inspect outbuildings, garages and boundary features as part of the Level 3 Survey. In rural parts of Lincolnshire, these extra structures often need work, and their condition can have a real effect on value and the cost of owning the place. Retaining walls, standalone garages and agricultural buildings are all examined, with any structural concerns or maintenance needs flagged where they could affect your investment.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof structure and covering
• Damp and timber condition
• Windows and doors
• Chimneys and flues
• Boundary walls and outbuildings
• Services and utilities
• Energy efficiency considerations

The rural setting of Asgarby and Howell means a lot of the housing stock is made up of older traditional homes built in ways that are quite different from modern practice. Local red brick, timber roof structures and solid walls are common. Those homes have plenty of character, but they also bring issues our inspectors know well. Poor insulation, outdated electrical systems and the lack of damp-proof courses come up often in older rural properties. Many were built before double glazing became standard too, so windows and frames may show rot or general deterioration that needs attention.

Flood risk is another point to check across Lincolnshire, including places near watercourses running through the North Kesteven district. Asgarby and Howell itself may not sit in a high-risk flood zone, but homes near tributaries of the River Slea or in low-lying spots could still be vulnerable to surface water flooding. Our surveyors note any signs of previous flood damage or water ingress and suggest follow-up investigations where needed. Knowing the full flood history matters before you commit. We look for water stains, damaged plasterwork and similar clues that a property may have flooded before, even where the seller says nothing is known.

Nearby listed buildings, such as Grooms Barn in Asgarby, show that heritage constraints may apply to some homes in the area. A Grade II listing brings extra obligations and limits, and those need specialist handling when we assess condition and the likely cost of any work. Our surveyors understand the rules around listed buildings, including when listed building consent is needed for repairs and alterations. We can also comment on whether historic features appear sound and whether earlier work may have been carried out with, or without, the right permissions.

Asgarby and Howell, together with the surrounding villages, have a mixed housing stock, from small terraced cottages to substantial detached farmhouses. In the Howell sales data we have, detached properties appear to dominate, with recent transactions ranging from £500,000 to over £900,000. Many of those homes come with large gardens and outbuildings, which add appeal but also bring ongoing upkeep. Our Level 3 Survey looks at those external spaces and structures too, so you understand the full burden of ownership before you buy.