RICS Level 2 Survey in Amesbury

Our RICS Level 2 survey provides a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property. Our inspectors examine the walls, roof, floors, windows, doors, and foundations, looking for signs of damp, structural movement, rot, and other defects that might not be visible during a casual viewing. In Amesbury, where properties range from historic homes near the town centre to newer builds in developments like Archer's Gate, our surveyors understand the different issues that can affect various property types and ages.

The survey includes an assessment of the property's condition rated in three categories: Condition Rating 1 (no repairs needed), Condition Rating 2 (repairs needed but not urgent), and Condition Rating 3 (urgent repairs or serious defects). You'll receive a clear, comprehensive report that explains any issues found, their likely cause, and recommended actions. For properties in flood-risk areas along the River Avon, our inspectors pay particular attention to signs of previous water damage, damp penetration, and the condition of drainage systems.

Many properties in Amesbury were built before 1970, meaning our surveyors frequently encounter issues common to older construction. These can include outdated electrical wiring that does not meet current regulations, original roof coverings nearing the end of their lifespan, and the presence of traditional solid walls without modern cavity insulation. Our detailed inspection identifies these concerns and provides practical recommendations, whether for immediate attention or future maintenance planning.

We also check the property's services, including the electrical system, heating, and water supply, though we note that these are visual inspections rather than full tests. The report includes advice on matters that require further specialist investigation, such as timber decay, asbestos, or structural calculations. For buyers purchasing properties in Amesbury's conservation areas, we provide guidance on any implications for future renovations or alterations.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Condition ratings for each element
• Identification of defects and recommended repairs
• Advice on specialist investigations needed
• Market value and insurance rebuild costs
• Energy efficiency observations

Amesbury continues to grow with new developments like Kings Gate on Sarsen Street, offering a mix of 2, 3, and 4-bedroom homes including apartments and houses. This development, built in partnership with Abri Homes, Bloor Homes, and Bovis, has added significant new housing to the area. Even though new builds come with builder warranties, a RICS Level 2 survey remains valuable. Our inspection can identify snagging issues, cosmetic defects, and problems with fittings that the developer should rectify before completion. Many buyers have discovered significant defects in new properties that builders had overlooked.

The Archer's Gate development to the south of Boscombe Road has expanded Amesbury significantly, with over 550 dwellings completed and further phases under construction. This development includes a local centre with shops, a public house, community building, and a junior school. When purchasing off-plan or during construction, our survey can be timed appropriately to inspect the property before completion or shortly after. We provide clear documentation of any issues found, which can be used to request corrections from the developer or their warranty provider.

New build properties still benefit from a Level 2 survey because builder warranties like NHBC cover structural defects but may not address cosmetic issues or minor faults. Our survey identifies problems with windows, doors, plasterwork, and mechanical systems that the developer is responsible for fixing. We check that installations meet building regulations and flag any work that appears substandard. This documentation proves invaluable when negotiating with developers during the defect correction period.

Amesbury has several conservation areas, particularly around the historic town centre and along Salisbury Street. Properties in these areas often date back to the Victorian or Edwardian periods and feature traditional construction methods. Our surveyors understand the character of these older properties and assess them with appropriate knowledge of their historical significance. We identify any alterations that may require listed building consent and advise on the maintenance requirements for period features.

Older properties in Amesbury commonly feature solid wall construction without cavity insulation, which can be more susceptible to damp if not properly maintained. Our inspectors check for signs of penetrating damp, condensation, and rising damp, particularly in properties with solid brick or stone walls. We also assess the condition of original features like sash windows, period fireplaces, and traditional roof coverings, which may require specialist repair or restoration.

Electrical systems in properties built before the 1970s often do not meet current safety standards. Our visual inspection identifies consumer units, wiring, and socket outlets that appear outdated or potentially dangerous. We recommend a full electrical inspection by a registered electrician for any property with old wiring. Similarly, we check the condition of gas pipes and appliances, advising on the need for Gas Safe registered engineer inspections where appropriate.