RICS Level 3 Building Survey in Clawson, Hose and Harby

The RICS Level 3 Survey, also called a Building Survey, suits properties that need a close structural look. In the Clawson, Hose and Harby parish, it is especially useful because there are so many older homes. The area has 32 listed buildings, among them five Grade II* structures such as the Church of St Mary the Virgin in Harby and the Church of St Michael and All Angels in Hose. Many houses here date from the 18th and 19th centuries, and The Old Vicarage on Church Lane in Clawson goes back to 1734. These historic buildings often use traditional construction methods that are very different from modern homes, so they call for the sort of detailed analysis only a Level 3 survey can give.

During a Level 3 survey, we inspect every accessible part of the property. Roof structure and covering, chimneys, walls, floors, ceilings, doors, windows and the foundations all come under review. We assess the condition of the main and secondary elements, pick out defects, and set out professional advice on the scale and urgency of any repairs. For properties in the two Conservation Areas within the parish, one in Hose and one in Long Clawson, our surveyors also take account of the extra planning limits and materials requirements that shape maintenance and renovation work.

Below ground, the local geology adds another reason to have a thorough survey. The villages sit in the Vale of Belvoir, where the Mercia Mudstone Group and Lias Group formations create clay-rich soils. Those clay deposits are prone to shrink-swell behaviour, which means the ground expands and contracts as moisture levels change, sometimes leading to subsidence or heave that affects foundations. Our surveyors know the warning signs of that sort of movement and can advise on whether a further structural investigation is needed. With drier summers and irregular rainfall patterns expected as climate change continues, the risk of clay shrink-swell damage is likely to rise in this area.

• Complete structural assessment
• Detailed defect analysis
• Foundation and subsidence evaluation
• Conservation area expertise
• Flood risk assessment
• Historical construction knowledge

The local environment brings its own challenges, and our Level 3 surveys deal with them in detail. Surface water flooding has been a real concern in Long Clawson, where the existing water network struggles during heavy rainfall events. The village centre has also suffered sewage flooding during those spells, and developers bringing forward new builds in the area have faced concerns about surface water discharge into existing ditches. Properties in low-lying areas, or those with a history of drainage problems, get particular attention during our surveys.

Harby’s proximity to the River Trent creates fluvial flood risk, and the Grantham Canal, which runs through the parish from Long Clawson to Harby, has a history of overtopping. Groundwater flooding records are limited here, but the mix of clay soils, past surface water issues and river proximity means our surveyors pay close attention to drainage, external levels, and any sign of water penetration or damp. Those environmental factors matter when we help you judge a purchase in this parish.

The underlying geology adds another layer to our structural assessment. Clay-rich soils beneath properties in this area can lead to foundation movement as the ground swells in wet periods and shrinks in dry spells. With drier summers and irregular rainfall patterns expected as climate change continues, the risk of clay shrink-swell damage is likely to increase. Our surveyors are trained to spot the signs of that movement, including cracking patterns in walls, sticking doors and windows, and uneven floors. Where we find possible concerns, we recommend the right next step, which may include further investigation by a structural engineer.

Recent price trends in the local market also underline why careful due diligence matters. Long Clawson prices are currently 18% down on the previous year and 35% down from the 2020 peak of £518,500. Harby has seen a 23% decrease from the previous year, while Hose has recorded a significant 55% drop from its 2023 peak. Those shifts make it even more important to know exactly what you are buying, so remedial work costs can be built into the decision.

Clawson, Hose and Harby has a strong architectural heritage, with 32 listed buildings, including five at Grade II* status. Properties such as Lion House in Church Walk, Hose, the Old Hall Farmhouse and the Harby Church of England Primary School are all protected structures that need specialist knowledge when their condition is assessed. The two Conservation Areas covering parts of Hose and Long Clawson bring additional planning controls to any alterations or renovations.

When we survey listed buildings or homes within Conservation Areas, our surveyors understand the specific requirements for suitable repair methods and materials. Traditional building techniques and authentic materials are often needed for work to these properties, and our reports highlight any issues that may need Listed Building Consent or Conservation Area approval from Melton Borough Council. That knowledge is especially useful in this parish, where the village character depends heavily on historic architecture.

The Hose Conservation Area includes the historic core centred on St. Michael and All Angels Church and three nearby listed buildings. The village was once shaped by dispersed agricultural dwellings, and many of those traditional buildings still stand today. A period cottage in the Hose Conservation Area or a modern home on the outskirts of Long Clawson both benefit from our Level 3 survey, which gives the detail needed to make an informed decision about a property investment.