RICS Level 2 Survey in Ashby with Scremby

The RICS Level 2 survey provides a thorough inspection of the main accessible elements of your potential new home in Ashby with Scremby. Our chartered surveyors examine the walls, ceilings, floors, doors, and windows, as well as the roof, chimneys, gutters, and fascias. We inspect built-in fixtures and fittings, including kitchen units and bathroom installations. The survey includes an assessment of the property's grounds, checking boundaries, driveways, and any outbuildings. Unlike a basic mortgage valuation, which only confirms the property is worth the loan amount, a Level 2 survey actively looks for defects and provides professional advice on their implications. This is particularly valuable in Ashby with Scremby, where many properties are older and may have hidden issues that only an experienced eye would spot.

Properties in the Lincolnshire Wolds area often feature traditional construction methods that differ from modern building practices. Our surveyors are familiar with local building materials, including the pale orange brick commonly used in historic properties like the Grade II listed Church of St Helen, rebuilt in 1841. We check for common issues in older properties such as failing damp-proof courses, outdated electrical systems, and the structural implications of historical modifications. The survey also assesses the property's energy efficiency, highlighting areas where improvements could reduce your ongoing running costs. In a rural area like Ashby with Scremby, where heating older properties can be expensive, this energy assessment can be particularly valuable.

The RICS Level 2 survey uses a straightforward three-category rating system to communicate findings. Properties rated in "green" are in acceptable condition for their age and type, with no urgent issues requiring attention. "Amber" ratings indicate defects that require repair or replacement but are not considered serious or urgent. "Red" ratings highlight serious issues that require urgent attention before the property can be occupied safely. This clear system helps you prioritise any negotiations with the seller and budget appropriately for any remedial work needed. Our surveyors provide clear, practical recommendations for each issue identified, whether that means obtaining specialist quotes for significant repairs or simply addressing minor maintenance items before moving in.

When we inspect a property in the Ashby with Scremby area, we pay particular attention to the local geology and how it might affect buildings. The broader Lincolnshire Wolds region includes areas of Kimmeridge Clay, which can create shrink-swell risks for properties built on clay soils. Our surveyors check for any signs of ground movement or subsidence that might be related to clay-related ground conditions, particularly in properties with visible cracking or doors and windows that stick. We also examine how the valley location affects drainage, as water naturally flows toward the River Lymn and Steeping River, which means properties at lower elevations may face different challenges than those on higher ground.

• External wall inspection
• Roof and chimney assessment
• Window and door condition check
• Floor and ceiling inspection
• Damp and timber decay assessment
• Electrical and plumbing overview
• Energy performance rating
• Boundary and grounds evaluation

The historic nature of many properties in the Ashby with Scremby area means that our surveyors frequently identify issues related to age and traditional construction methods. Damp problems are among the most common findings, particularly rising damp caused by failed or non-existent damp-proof courses in older properties. Penetrating damp can occur where roof tiles have become damaged or mortar between bricks has deteriorated over time. Given the local geology, which includes Kimmeridge Clay in some areas of the broader Lincolnshire Wolds region, we also check carefully for any signs of subsidence or ground movement that could affect the property's structural integrity. The chalk geology of the Lincolnshire Wolds generally provides good stable ground, but properties sitting on clay pockets can experience movement during wet and dry cycles.

Roof defects are another frequent finding in this area. Missing or broken tiles, deteriorated flashing, and aging leadwork can all lead to water ingress and subsequent damage to internal ceilings and walls. Many properties in Ashby with Scremby have older roofs that may be approaching the end of their expected lifespan, and our surveyors will advise on the likely remaining life of the covering and any urgent repairs needed. Chimneys are also inspected thoroughly, as these are often sources of problems in period properties, with issues ranging from deteriorated brickwork to unsafe flashing details. Given the age of many properties in the village, with some buildings dating back to the 18th or 19th century, chimney stacks are particularly vulnerable to weather damage in this exposed rural location.

Electrical and plumbing systems in older properties often require careful assessment. Many homes in the area will have electrical installations that do not meet current regulations, and our surveyors will flag any obvious safety concerns while recommending that a qualified electrician conducts a full electrical inspection. Similarly, older plumbing systems may use materials that are no longer considered best practice, such as lead pipes or galvanised steel, and we advise on the condition of visible pipework and fixtures. Our goal is to ensure you have a complete picture of the property's condition before committing to your purchase in this charming Lincolnshire village. We also check for adequate ventilation, which is especially important in older properties where modern energy efficiency improvements may have reduced airflow and created condensation issues.

• Rising damp and penetrating damp
• Roof tile damage and leaks
• Structural cracks and movement
• Outdated electrical installations
• Poor drainage and guttering
• Window and door deterioration