RICS Level 2 Survey Ashwick

Our RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey follows the strict standards set by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, ensuring you receive a consistent, professional assessment regardless of where you're buying. The survey provides a visual inspection of all accessible parts of the property, including the roof structure, walls, floors, doors, and windows. We check for signs of damp, rot, structural movement, and other common defects that might not be visible to the untrained eye. The resulting report includes a clear condition rating system that highlights issues requiring urgent attention, further investigation, or cosmetic repair.

In Ashwick, where many properties date from the Victorian era or earlier, our inspectors pay particular attention to the unique challenges presented by older construction. The village's historic buildings were typically constructed using local Mendip stone, often Doulting stone for quoins and window details, with traditional tiled roofs. These materials, while beautiful and characteristic of the area, require specific knowledge to assess correctly. Our surveyors understand local construction methods and can identify issues typical of older Somerset properties, such as deteriorating mortar in solid-walled buildings or wear to original roofing materials.

The Level 2 survey also includes a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost estimate, giving you a complete picture of the property's worth. If we're unable to access certain areas due to obstructions or safety concerns, we'll clearly state this in the report. The survey is suitable for properties of all types, including detached houses, semi-detached homes, terraced properties, and flats. For Ashwick's mix of period cottages, Victorian terrace houses, and newerbuild homes, this flexibility ensures you get exactly the level of inspection you need.

Our surveyors also assess energy efficiency considerations as part of the Level 2 inspection. Many older properties in Ashwick lack modern cavity insulation, which can significantly impact heating costs and comfort levels. We note any obvious insulation deficiencies and provide guidance on potential improvements, helping you understand the ongoing costs of owning the property. This is particularly relevant for solid-walled Victorian properties where retrofitting insulation requires specialist consideration to avoid causing damp issues.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Condition ratings for defects found
• Market valuation and rebuild cost
• Advice on repairs and maintenance
• Energy efficiency considerations
• Legal considerations summary

Properties in Ashwick span several eras of construction, from ancient buildings dating back over 4,000 years to Victorian-era homes built during the height of the Oakhill Brewery's influence in the 19th century. This mix creates a diverse range of potential defects that our Level 2 survey addresses. Victorian and Edwardian properties, which make up a significant portion of the village's housing stock, commonly exhibit issues with original timber windows that have warped over decades, outdated electrical wiring that may not meet current regulations, and solid walls lacking modern damp-proof courses.

The local geology also plays a role in property condition. Ashwick sits at the eastern end of the Mendip Hills, an area associated with the fringes of the former Mendip coalfield. While specific shrink-swell risk data isn't available for the immediate area, properties on limestone bedrock can experience movement that affects foundations over time. Our surveyors are trained to identify signs of structural movement, including cracking patterns that might indicate subsidence or heave, uneven floors that suggest underlying foundation issues, and doors or windows that no longer close properly.

Roofing represents another significant area of concern for Ashwick properties. Traditional tiled roofs, while characteristic of the area, deteriorate over time, with broken or missing tiles, deteriorating ridge mortar, and sagging roof lines being common findings. Some properties may have had heavier replacement tiles installed over original clay tiles, which can cause structural stress. Our inspection covers all accessible roof areas, including any visible loft space, ensuring you have a complete picture of the property's condition before committing to your purchase.

Damp problems are particularly prevalent in Ashwick's older properties due to the prevalence of solid-walled construction. Many Victorian and earlier homes were built without damp-proof courses, making them susceptible to rising damp, particularly in the ground floor walls. Penetrating damp can also occur where the stone pointing has deteriorated or where flashings have failed. Our surveyors use their expertise to identify all forms of damp and provide appropriate recommendations for remediation.

• Rising damp in solid-walled properties
• Roof tile damage and deterioration
• Outdated electrical installations
• Structural movement and cracking
• Timber decay in windows and doors
• Inadequate insulation