RICS Level 2 Survey in Ashley

The RICS Level 2 survey provides a thorough inspection of the property's visible and accessible elements, giving you a clear picture of its overall condition. Our chartered surveyors examine the walls, roof, floors, doors, and windows, as well as the building's services including plumbing, heating, and electrical installations. The survey includes an assessment of any alterations or extensions that may have been carried out, ensuring you are aware of any potential building regulation compliance issues that could affect your ownership or future resale value.

In Ashley, where we see a mix of property types including older character homes and more recent constructions, our surveyors pay particular attention to common issues affecting properties in the area. The survey uses a straightforward traffic-light system: red for serious issues requiring urgent attention, amber for defects that need negotiating with the seller, and green for satisfactory conditions. This clear format helps you understand exactly what you are purchasing and provides you with leverage when discussing the sale price or requesting repairs.

Our surveyors are trained to identify issues specific to properties in the Market Drayton region, including signs of movement in properties built on clay subsoils, which are common throughout Shropshire. We check for evidence of subsidence, cracking to external walls, and issues with damp proof courses that can be particularly problematic in older properties. The detailed assessment also covers the condition of roofing materials, including tiles and flat roof coverings, which can deteriorate more quickly in areas exposed to the elements.

• Roof condition and covering
• Walls, chimneys, and damp proof course
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Floors, stairs, and ceilings
• Plumbing and water systems
• Heating and electrical installations
• Garages and outbuildings
• Signs of subsidence or structural movement

The current market conditions in Ashley make a RICS Level 2 survey more important than ever for protecting your investment. With prices having corrected significantly from their 2022 peak, buyers now have greater negotiating power, but this comes with the need for due diligence. A thorough survey ensures you are not purchasing a property with hidden structural issues or significant defects that could further erode the property's value.

Properties in the Ashley area span multiple decades of construction, from period cottages to modern family homes. Each construction era brings its own typical defect profile. Older properties may have original timber frames, aging roof coverings, and outdated electrical systems that require careful assessment. More recent constructions, while generally requiring less maintenance, may have issues related to speed of build or the use of modern construction materials that our surveyors know to look for.

Our local experience in Ashley and the surrounding Market Drayton area means we understand the specific challenges facing properties here. We have identified issues ranging from movement in properties built on shrinkable clay soils to deterioration of traditional brickwork in older homes. This local knowledge, combined with our RICS training, ensures your survey provides the most relevant and useful information for your specific property.

Your RICS Level 2 survey report is designed to be clear and actionable, giving you exactly the information you need to proceed with your property purchase in Ashley. The report begins with a summary of the property's overall condition, followed by detailed sections covering each major building element. Each section includes a clear rating, a description of the findings, and our recommendation for any necessary action. We include photographs throughout the report to help you visualise the issues identified.

The report also includes a section on legal considerations, highlighting any matters that you may need to raise with your conveyancing solicitor. This can include issues with boundaries, permissions for alterations, or any local authority notices that affect the property. Our goal is to ensure you have a complete understanding of your potential purchase before you commit, reducing the risk of unexpected costs or complications after you move in.

For properties in Ashley, we pay particular attention to the condition of damp proof courses, as many older properties in the area may not have been treated or may have damaged existing systems. We also assess the condition of timber elements, including floor joists and roof trusses, checking for signs of rot or insect damage that could compromise the structural integrity of the property.

Ashley, located in the TF9 postcode area near Market Drayton, offers a diverse range of property types that each present unique considerations for our surveyors. The village and surrounding area feature a mix of traditional terraced cottages, period farmhouses, interwar semi-detached houses, and more recent residential developments. Understanding the construction methods and materials used in these different property types is essential for identifying potential issues.

Properties built before 1919 in the Ashley area often feature solid brick walls without cavity insulation, which can be more susceptible to damp penetration if the external rendering or pointing has deteriorated. These older properties may also have original timber windows and doors that, while characterful, may require ongoing maintenance or renovation. Our surveyors assess the condition of these elements and advise on any work needed to bring them up to standard.

Many properties in the Ashley area were constructed during the mid-twentieth century using traditional brick and block methods with timber roof structures. These properties, while generally sound, can show signs of wear to roofing materials, deterioration of pointing, and issues with original windows that may not meet current energy efficiency standards. Our RICS Level 2 survey identifies these issues and provides practical recommendations for addressing them.