RICS Level 2 Survey in Askerswell

Askerswell is a charming village nestled in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, featuring a distinctive architectural character defined by local limestone construction, Hamstone dressings, and traditional thatch, slate, and clay tile roofs. With many properties dating from the 19th century and some historic buildings including the Grade II* Parish Church of St Michael and All Angels, the village presents unique considerations for buyers that a generic property inspection simply cannot address. The character of Askerswell is defined by its traditional buildings, many of which feature local limestone walls with brick quoins and gauged brick arch heads over windows and doors.

The local geology presents specific challenges that our surveyors understand intimately. Properties in Askerswell sit over Bromsgrove soils (well-drained reddish coarse loamy soils over soft sandstone) and Icknield soils (shallow calcareous soils over chalk). While generally well-drained, these soil types can influence foundation conditions, particularly in older properties where traditional construction methods were employed. Our chartered surveyors are familiar with how these ground conditions interact with local building materials and can identify signs of movement or settlement that might concern a buyer.

Flood risk is another consideration for properties in Askerswell, situated on the small River Asker. Properties with frontage to the river may carry additional flood risk, and our surveyors will assess drainage, retaining structures, and any signs of water damage or damp penetration. This local knowledge proves invaluable when evaluating whether a property represents good value or hidden costs. We check downstream drainage, look for evidence of previous flooding, and assess the effectiveness of any existing flood mitigation measures.

The village's housing stock includes a mix of detached cottages, farmhouses, and period properties, many of which have been modernised over the years. Our surveyors see properties that may have had historic electrical rewiring, outdated heating systems, or historic damp proof courses that are no longer effective. Understanding which improvements are cosmetic and which represent significant investment is where our local experience makes a real difference to buyers.

• Thorough inspection of all accessible areas
• Identification of defects and maintenance issues
• Market valuation and rebuild cost estimation
• Advice on urgent repairs and remedial work

Properties in Askerswell, while full of character, present several common issues that our RICS Level 2 surveys frequently identify. The predominant use of local limestone and traditional construction methods means that damp penetration is a regular concern, particularly in older buildings where original damp proof courses may be absent or ineffective. Our surveyors carefully inspect walls, floors, and basements for signs of rising or penetrating damp. Solid wall construction, common in period properties, lacks the cavity wall insulation that modern buyers might expect, and this can affect thermal efficiency and moisture management.

Roof conditions demand particular attention in Askerswell, where thatch, slate, and clay tile remain common roofing materials. Thatch roofs, while highly characterful, require ongoing maintenance and may present insurance challenges. Our surveyors assess the remaining lifespan of thatched roofs, condition of slate tiles, and any signs of slipped tiles or structural weakness in roof timbers. We check for evidence of previous repairs, the condition of ridge tiles, and any signs of water penetration that might indicate a failing roof covering.

Timber defects are another significant consideration, given the age of much of the housing stock. Rot in window frames, door lintels, and floor joists can represent substantial repair costs. Our inspection covers all accessible timber elements, identifying any areas of concern that might require specialist treatment or structural reinforcement. We pay particular attention to lintels over windows and doors, as these are common failure points in older properties.

Electrical systems in Askerswell properties often date from various periods of modernisation, and we frequently identify consumer units and wiring that would not meet current regulations. While we don't perform electrical testing, we note visible concerns and recommend a qualified electrician for further investigation. Similarly, heating systems vary widely from older solid fuel AGA cookers to modern heat pumps, and we assess the condition and efficiency of visible systems.

• Damp and mould in stone walls
• Thatch/slate roof condition
• Timber rot and beetle infestation
• Structural movement or settlement
• Outdated electrical systems
• Drainage and flood risk