RICS Level 2 Survey in Aldbourne

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property. The surveyor examines the condition of the walls, roof, floors, doors, and windows, checking for signs of damage, wear, or potential problems that might affect the property's value or require future investment. We systematically work through each element of the property, documenting our findings with photographs and providing clear condition ratings that help you understand the severity of any issues.

In a village like Aldbourne where many properties date back to the Victorian and Edwardian periods, our inspectors pay particular attention to common issues found in older construction. This includes checking for damp penetration in solid walls, assessing the condition of traditional timber-framed windows, and evaluating older roofing materials that may have reached the end of their serviceable life. We understand that traditional brick and stone construction, common in this part of Wiltshire, behaves differently from modern cavity-wall builds and requires specific expertise to assess accurately.

The survey includes a comprehensive assessment of the property's services, reviewing the condition and age of electrical installations, heating systems, and plumbing. We also identify any urgent matters that require immediate attention and flag issues that may need specialist further investigation. Our report will clearly indicate where we recommend consulting a qualified electrician, gas safe engineer, or damp specialist for more detailed assessments.

The geology of this area in Wiltshire means that many properties are built on chalk and limestone bedrock, which can affect foundation conditions. Our inspectors are experienced in identifying signs of movement or subsidence that may relate to local ground conditions, including any potential shrink-swell behaviour in clay subsoils that can affect older properties.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof, chimneys, and gutters
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Damp and moisture detection
• Electrical and gas services
• Boundary walls and outbuildings

Our surveyors regularly identify several recurring issues when inspecting properties in the Aldbourne area. Given the village's older housing stock, damp is one of the most frequently detected problems, particularly in properties with solid walls that lack modern damp-proof courses. Rising damp and penetrating damp can cause significant damage to internal finishes and may indicate issues with gutters, downpipes, or external ground levels that need addressing to prevent ongoing damp problems.

Roof conditions are another common area of concern. Many older properties in this part of Wiltshire feature traditional slate or clay tile roofs that, while visually appealing, may be reaching the end of their expected lifespan. Our inspectors carefully examine roof pitches, check for missing or damaged tiles, and assess the condition of lead flashing around chimneys and valleys. We also inspect loft spaces where accessible to check the condition of rafters, battens, and any insulation.

Electrical systems in period properties often require updating to meet current safety standards. We note the age and condition of consumer units, wiring, and socket outlets, recommending a qualified electrician to conduct a more detailed Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) where necessary. Similarly, older heating systems, particularly those with solid fuel back boilers or older gas fires, may need replacement or servicing. Our survey will flag any obvious safety concerns with electrical or heating installations.

Given the chalk and limestone geology typical of this area in Wiltshire, we also pay attention to any signs of foundation movement or subsidence. While not common, properties built on older groundworks may show signs of cracking or movement that could relate to historical ground conditions. We document any cracking, particularly to external walls, and assess whether it appears to be active or historic in nature.

Your RICS Level 2 report uses a clear traffic light rating system to indicate the condition of each element. Green indicates no issues requiring immediate attention, amber highlights defects that require attention but are not serious, and red flags urgent matters that need to be addressed before completion or that affect the property's safety. This straightforward system makes it easy to prioritise any work that may be needed after you move in, with the most important issues immediately visible.

The report also includes a section on legal considerations, which may highlight issues requiring further investigation through your solicitor. This could include information about planning permissions, building regulations approvals, or matters that affect the property's title. Our surveyors are experienced in identifying issues relevant to Wiltshire properties, including any constraints related to the village's character or potential conservation considerations that may affect what you can do with the property.

We understand that not everyone is familiar with technical property terminology, which is why we ensure our reports are written in clear, accessible language. Each section includes photographs to illustrate the issues found, making it easy to understand exactly what the surveyor observed during the inspection. You won't need specialist knowledge to understand what needs attention in your new property.

The report includes a section on energy efficiency relevant to the property, which is increasingly important for homeowners. In older Aldbourne properties with solid walls, we may note that the property has limited insulation, which could affect energy performance. This information can be useful when budgeting for future improvements and understanding your likely utility costs.