RICS Level 3 Building Survey in Skillington

Our RICS Level 3 survey, also called a building survey, is the most detailed inspection we offer for property buyers in Skillington. During the visit, our inspector looks over the whole property, checking walls, floors, ceilings, roof space and all visible structural elements. We look for damp, rot, subsidence and other structural concerns that an untrained eye might miss. Each inspection usually takes 2-4 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the property, so our surveyor has time to leave nothing unexamined.

Stone construction is common across Skillington, so we pay close attention to the condition of the stonework, the pointing and any signs of movement or wear that can trouble older buildings. Many homes here have solid walls rather than cavity walls, which means insulation and damp resistance need a different kind of assessment. We also look closely at render and paintwork, since these can hide problems in the stone beneath.

We assess extensions and alterations, look at the property’s overall structural condition, and flag anything that may need specialist investigation. For homes that have been changed over the years, we also check whether the work appears to have had the right building regulation approvals. Your report then sets out what we found, why the issues may have arisen, and the next steps we would suggest.

• Complete structural inspection
• Detailed defect analysis
• Stonework assessment for period properties
• Roof and chimney evaluation
• Damp and rot investigation
• Extensions and alterations assessment
• Recommendations and priorities
• Energy efficiency considerations

Skillington’s property landscape reflects its South Kesteven location in Lincolnshire, with a mix of building styles and ages. Some homes date back to around 1790, based on available records and local knowledge. Stone-built houses are a familiar sight in the area, which is in keeping with the traditional materials used across this part of Lincolnshire. Many of these period properties have solid walls rather than modern cavity wall construction, which affects heat retention and damp resistance.

The majority of recent sales in Skillington have been semi-detached properties, with detached homes following behind, giving buyers a varied choice. That mix means people viewing homes in the village may come across different construction styles and conditions. Detached properties, averaging around £350,000, often offer more space, but they can also bring more to inspect, including larger roof spaces, broader foundations and multiple external walls exposed to the weather.

Prices in Skillington have fallen significantly from their 2022 peak of £512,500, so a full RICS Level 3 survey makes even more sense for buyers watching their budget. Knowing the true condition of a property helps you judge whether the purchase is sound in the current market. It also helps you account for repair or maintenance costs when working out the real cost of buying, so you are less likely to face unwelcome surprises after completion.

Our research did not identify any specific flood risk areas, subsidence concerns or mining issues in Skillington itself, but our surveyors still look carefully for signs of ground movement or water damage during inspections. Lincolnshire’s geology varies, so each property is judged on its own characteristics, with our inspector watching for clues that may point to hidden problems. Some of those signs can be subtle.

Before our inspector arrives at your Skillington property, there are a few things you can do to help the survey run smoothly. Where possible, give access to all areas, including the roof space, outbuildings and any locked rooms. Our surveyor needs to see every accessible part of the property to give you a full assessment. If anything is locked or blocked, let us know beforehand so we can talk through the options.

Keep the utilities on, gas, electricity and water, so our surveyor can test the relevant systems where it is safe to do so. That gives us a more complete picture of the property’s services and helps highlight any obvious issues with plumbing, electrics or heating. If the property is vacant, please arrange for someone to provide access and switch on the utilities before we arrive.

If you have any background on the property, such as previous renovation work, planning permissions or known issues, please share it with our team before the inspection. That information helps our inspector focus on the areas most likely to need attention and gives useful context for the assessment. Past renovations or alterations may have needed building control approval, and our surveyor can check whether the right paperwork exists.

Our surveyor will need clear access to all external walls, so please cut back any overgrown vegetation and make sure gates or fencing can be opened. If the property is occupied, asking the occupants to clear cupboards, storage areas and loft spaces gives us a better chance of completing a full inspection. The more our surveyor can reach, the more useful your report will be.