RICS Level 3 Building Survey Colston Bassett

Colston Bassett calls for a careful eye from anyone buying in the village. It sits within a Conservation Area, and there are 23 listed buildings on the National Heritage List for England, including the Grade I listed ruin of St Mary's Church and a good number of Grade II listed structures. That level of historic fabric means many homes here were built in ways that differ sharply from modern houses, so they need proper assessment. Our surveyors know the village’s architectural mix, from Colston Hall with its rusticated ground floor to the farmhouses and cottages that line the old streets.

Traditional orange and red brick is the main story in Colston Bassett, although some properties have painted brickwork or render. Archaeology around Colston Hall points to local quarries supplying soft grey lias stone, while nearby brickworks and lime kilns provided mortar and render materials. Roofs were once thatched before clay pantiles became standard, and a few homes still carry those older coverings, which call for specialist attention. We have inspected plenty of properties with original thatch or historic pantiles and know the upkeep and faults that tend to come with them.

Within the Vale of Belvoir, the local geology includes clay-with-flints deposits, and that historical clay content can bring shrink-swell movement that affects foundations over time. Our inspectors look at every accessible part of the property, from brickwork and pointing through to roofs, chimneys, walls, floors and ceilings. We keep an eye out for movement, damp penetration, timber decay and the wear that so often turns up in buildings of this age. Many Colston Bassett homes date from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, so our surveyors know the sort of issues that need close attention.

The village keeps a rural feel, so larger gardens and outbuildings are common and may also need checking. We inspect detached garages, barns and traditional outbuildings, all of which are typical here. The River Smite is close by as well, which means we pay extra attention to drainage and any signs of water penetration in lower-lying properties or those with older drainage systems. Our local experience helps us read how those geographical factors sit alongside the traditional construction methods used across Colston Bassett.

• Comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Detailed assessment of construction materials and methods
• Identification of defects, decay, and structural movement
• Evaluation of damp proof courses and ventilation
• Assessment of roof condition including tiles, flashing, and gutters
• Checking of joists, beams, and load-bearing elements
• Inspection of outbuildings and boundary structures
• Assessment of drainage and ground conditions

Just west of the village centre, the River Smite runs close to Colston Bassett. Major flood events are not common, but its presence means our surveyors pay close attention to drainage, ground conditions and any sign of water penetration. Homes on lower ground or with older drainage systems get extra scrutiny during the inspection. We look for evidence of past flooding, water staining, soakaways and drainage channels, and we also check boundary walls and gardens for signs of standing water, since the fields around the River Smite can hold water during heavy rain.

Because the village sits in the Vale of Belvoir, the ground below includes clay deposits that expand and contract as moisture levels change. That shrink-swell behaviour can affect foundations over time, especially where shallow or traditional footings are in place. Our surveyors are used to spotting the subtle signs of settlement or movement that can point to these geological conditions. We study brickwork crack patterns, test how doors and windows operate if they bind or stick, and look at floor levels for clues that foundation movement may be present.

For buyers looking at new build homes in the area, developments such as Colston Gardens on Colston Gate NG12, Regansfield, and new homes from David Wilson Homes and Barratt Homes offer modern construction backed by NHBC warranty. Even so, a Level 3 survey can still be worthwhile, because our inspectors often spot snagging issues or construction defects that are easy to miss at first glance. We have surveyed plenty of new-build properties across the region and know the common faults that crop up with modern methods, from roof tile defects to window installation problems.

The A46 dual carriageway is a major draw here, giving good links to the M1 and on to London, which is part of the reason Colston Bassett appeals to business executives looking for a rural base with a practical commute. Demand like that has helped support strong property values, with recent sales in the £800,000 to £1.3 million range. When that kind of money is involved, a Level 3 survey is an important piece of due diligence. Local amenities include The Martins Arms village pub, while Bingham and Melton Mowbray are both nearby for extra services and shops.