RICS Level 2 Survey in Aust, South Gloucestershire

A RICS Level 2 Survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of the property's accessible areas, examining the walls, ceilings, floors, doors, and windows, as well as the roof space, exterior, and grounds. Our inspectors assess the main structural elements including foundations, walls, floors, and the roof structure, looking for signs of subsidence, dampness, rot, or structural movement that could affect the property's integrity. We examine the property methodically, checking load-bearing walls, joists, and rafters where safe access is possible.

The survey also covers key building services such as plumbing, electrical installations (where accessible), and heating systems, though it does not include invasive testing. We examine the property's exterior elements including walls, windows, doors, chimneys, gutters, and drainage, identifying any defects, weathering, or maintenance issues that require attention. Our surveyors will lift accessible inspection covers where safe to do so and use moisture meters to detect dampness that might not be visible to the untrained eye.

For properties in Aust and the surrounding South Gloucestershire area, our surveyors pay particular attention to common issues found in the region, including aging roof structures on period cottages, potential damp problems in solid-walled Victorian and Edwardian properties, and any signs of movement or subsidence that can occur in certain ground conditions. The Severn estuary proximity can influence humidity levels and salt air exposure, particularly for properties closer to the water. The resulting report uses a clear traffic light rating system: Red for urgent issues requiring immediate attention, Amber for defects that need repair but are not urgent, and Green for satisfactory condition.

• Structural walls, floors, and ceilings
• Roof structure and covering
• Windows and doors
• Chimneys and flues
• Plumbing and water systems
• Electrical installations (visual inspection)
• Damp proofing and ventilation
• External joinery and finishes
• Garages and outbuildings
• Boundaries and drainage

A RICS Level 2 Survey can reveal issues you might otherwise miss, from hidden dampness to structural concerns. In some cases, survey findings have saved buyers thousands of pounds in unexpected repair costs or given them leverage to negotiate a lower purchase price. For properties in Aust, where older cottages and period homes are part of the local character, a detailed survey is particularly valuable. We've seen firsthand how a survey can uncover significant issues that weren't visible during viewings - roof problems hidden beneath tiles, structural movement that only becomes apparent on close inspection, or damp issues behind wallpaper.

The cost of a survey is minimal compared to the potential savings. If you're purchasing a property for £300,000 and the survey reveals £10,000 worth of necessary repairs, you can either negotiate the price down or factor those costs into your decision. Many buyers have successfully renegotiated purchase prices based on survey findings, more than offsetting the survey cost many times over. In competitive markets, having a survey completed quickly can also strengthen your position as a serious buyer.

Beyond the financial considerations, a survey provides and helps you understand the true condition of your potential new home. There's nothing worse than moving in only to discover major problems that could have been identified before you committed to the purchase. Our surveyors are independent and impartial - we're not trying to sell you repairs, we're giving you an honest assessment so you can make an informed decision.

Properties in the Aust area and wider South Gloucestershire region represent a diverse mix of housing stock, from historic cottages to modern developments. Our surveyors frequently encounter several recurring issues that buyers should be aware of before purchasing in this area. Understanding these common problems helps you know what to look for during viewings and what to expect from your survey report.

Dampness remains one of the most common problems identified in properties throughout the region, particularly in older buildings constructed before modern damp-proof courses were standard. This can manifest as penetrating damp through aging brickwork, rising damp at low levels, or condensation issues in properties with inadequate ventilation. Our surveyors use their expertise to identify the type and cause of any dampness and assess whether it requires remedial work. In properties near the Severn estuary, salt air can accelerate weathering of external brickwork and mortar, potentially contributing to damp penetration.

Roof conditions are another frequent finding, with aging roof coverings, damaged tiles, and deteriorating flashings commonly identified, especially on period properties. Given the age of much of the housing stock in the Aust area, we often find roofs that have exceeded their expected lifespan or have suffered from deferred maintenance. Additionally, our inspectors check for signs of structural movement, which can manifest as cracks in walls, doors that don't close properly, or windows that stick. While some movement is common in older properties and may be benign, it's essential to understand the cause and whether any remedial work is required.

Outdated electrical systems are frequently identified in properties that haven't been updated for several decades. Older properties may still have original fuse boards, outdated wiring that doesn't meet current regulations, or insufficient socket points for modern needs. We can't test every electrical connection, but we'll flag visible concerns and recommend a qualified electrician for a more thorough inspection if needed. Similarly, aging plumbing and pipework, including galvanized steel pipes that can corrode internally, are common in properties built before the 1970s.

• Rising and penetrating damp
• Roof deterioration and tile damage
• Structural cracks and movement
• Outdated electrical systems
• Aging plumbing and pipework
• Timber decay and rot
• Condensation and ventilation issues
• Missing or damaged mortar pointing

Buyers in Aust and the surrounding South Gloucestershire area choose our survey service because we combine RICS professional standards with genuine local knowledge. Our surveyors don't just work in this area - they live here and understand the specific challenges that come with properties in this part of the West Country. From the older terraced houses in village centres to modern housing developments near the M5, we know what to look for and what questions to ask.

We pride ourselves on delivering reports that are both comprehensive and easy to understand. Your RICS Level 2 Survey report will use clear language, avoiding unnecessary technical jargon while still providing all the detail you need. The traffic light rating system makes it simple to see which issues are urgent and which can be addressed over time. Each defect is described with an explanation of what it is, why it matters, and what recommended action (if any) should be taken.

Our customer service sets us apart from many other survey providers. We're here to support you throughout the process, from booking your survey through to understanding the final report. If you have questions after receiving your report, our team is just a phone call away. We want you to feel confident in your purchase decision, and that means making sure you fully understand what you're buying.