RICS Level 2 Survey in Aston Rowant

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a detailed inspection of all accessible parts of the property, giving you a clear picture of its overall condition. The survey includes a thorough examination of the roof structure, walls, floors, doors, and windows, as well as the property's plumbing, electrical, and heating systems. We check for signs of damp, rot, timber defects, structural movement, and any other issues that might not be immediately visible to the untrained eye. Each survey comes with a clear traffic light rating system that highlights defects by severity, making it easy to prioritise any necessary repairs. Our surveyors document their findings with photographs and provide practical recommendations that you can use when negotiating with the seller.

In a village like Aston Rowant, where a significant proportion of properties date from the pre-1919 era, our surveyors pay particular attention to age-related issues common in older construction. Many properties here are built with traditional brick and flint, a characteristic feature of the Chilterns area, and our surveyors know exactly what to look for when assessing these historic building methods. We also examine the condition of any outbuildings, garages, and the surrounding grounds, giving you a complete picture of the property you are considering purchasing. Our experience with local properties means we understand how traditional construction performs in the local climate and can identify issues that might be missed by less experienced surveyors.

The survey conclusion provides a clear assessment of the property's overall condition and includes practical recommendations for any repairs or further investigations that may be required. If we identify any serious defects, we will recommend that you consult with a specialist contractor or structural engineer before proceeding with the purchase. This independent, professional advice protects you from costly surprises after you have moved in and gives you valuable leverage when negotiating the purchase price. Many buyers in Aston Rowant have used our survey reports to negotiate significant reductions in purchase price based on the repair costs we have identified.

• Roof structure and covering
• Wall construction and condition
• Damp and timber inspection
• Structural movement assessment
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• Heating and ventilation
• Outbuildings and boundaries

Aston Rowant's geology presents specific challenges that our surveyors are well-equipped to identify. The village sits on chalk bedrock with overlying clay-with-flints, and this clay content can cause significant problems for property foundations. During periods of dry weather, clay soils shrink and can cause subsidence, while during wet periods they expand, leading to heave. This shrink-swell movement is particularly problematic where mature trees are present near properties, as tree roots draw moisture from the soil and exacerbate the problem. Our surveyors will assess the proximity of trees to buildings and look for signs of movement or cracking that may indicate foundation issues. In our experience surveying properties near the Chilterns, we have found that properties with large trees within falling distance of the building, or with trees planted close to the original footprint, require particularly careful assessment.

The village's older properties also commonly exhibit issues related to damp. Many homes here have solid walls rather than modern cavity walls, which makes them more susceptible to rising damp and penetrating damp. Poor ventilation, a common trait in older properties, can lead to condensation problems, particularly in bathrooms and kitchens. Our surveyors use their expertise to identify the type and cause of any dampness and recommend appropriate remediation measures. We also check for timber defects, including woodworm infestations and both wet and dry rot, which can affect floor joists, roof timbers, and window frames in older properties. The common furniture beetle (woodworm) is frequently found in older properties with timber elements, and our surveyors know exactly how to assess the extent of any infestation and whether treatment is required.

The condition of roofs is another key focus area for our surveys in Aston Rowant. Many properties in the village feature traditional slate or clay tile roofs, which, while durable, can deteriorate over time. We inspect for missing or damaged tiles, deterioration of lead flashing, and any signs of timber decay in the roof structure. Guttering and drainage systems are also examined, as blocked or damaged gutters can lead to water penetration and subsequent damage to walls and foundations. Given the village's location in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, many properties also have attractive but potentially problematic features such as thatched roofs or complex rooflines that require specialist knowledge to assess properly. Some properties along the village centre may also have thatched roofs, which require specific expertise to evaluate properly.

Surface water flooding is a concern in certain parts of Aston Rowant, particularly in low-lying areas or near natural drainage paths. While the village generally has low risk from river flooding, the topography of the Chiltern Hills means that heavy rainfall can result in water running down slopes and accumulating in vulnerable areas. Our surveyors will note any evidence of previous flooding or water staining that might indicate a history of surface water issues. We also check the effectiveness of drainage systems around the property and the gradient of the surrounding ground. Understanding these local environmental factors is essential for making an informed purchase decision in this area.

• Subsidence from clay shrink-swell
• Rising and penetrating damp
• Timber rot and woodworm
• Roof deterioration and flashing
• Outdated electrical systems
• Surface water flooding risk