RICS Level 2 Survey in Awre

The Forest of Dean area, including Awre, features a diverse housing stock that reflects its rich history and rural character. Many properties in this area were constructed using traditional building methods that differ significantly from modern construction. Period cottages often feature solid stone walls, original timber frames, and traditional roof structures that require expert assessment by a qualified surveyor who understands historic building techniques. Our team has surveyed properties across Awre, from cottages along The Green to modern developments near the river, giving us practical knowledge of local construction methods.

Properties near the River Severn, including those in Awre, face unique challenges related to their riverside location. Flood risk is a consideration for some properties, particularly those on lower ground near the river banks or in areas with historical flooding records. Our surveyors pay particular attention to drainage, damp proof courses, and any signs of previous water damage or flood mitigation measures when inspecting properties in GL14 and GL15 postcodes. We've encountered properties where flood resilience measures have been installed, and we thoroughly assess their current condition and effectiveness.

The wooded surroundings of the Forest of Dean also mean that properties may be affected by tree roots, subsidence risks, or vegetation-related issues that our detailed inspection will identify. Several properties in Awre have large mature trees in their gardens or neighbouring land, and our surveyors understand how to assess the relationship between trees and buildings. We note the species of trees present, their proximity to the property, and any visible signs of root interference with foundations or drainage systems.

Awre has seen development over the years, with a mix of older properties and newer builds. From traditional stone-built cottages dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries to more recent constructions, each property type brings its own set of potential issues. The village maintains its rural charm while being within reach of larger towns like Cinderford and Ross-on-Wye. Properties here represent significant investments for most buyers, and understanding the true condition of a property before purchase can save you from unexpected repair costs running into thousands of pounds.

• Identify structural issues
• Assess damp and timber defects
• Evaluate roof condition
• Check drainage and gutters
• Review window and door condition
• Note any illegal alterations

Your Level 2 survey report provides a comprehensive assessment of the property's condition, presented in a clear, easy-to-understand format. The report includes a detailed condition rating for each element of the property, from the foundations and structure to the windows, doors, and internal finishes. We use a simple traffic light system to highlight areas requiring immediate attention versus those that are in satisfactory condition. This straightforward approach makes it easy for you to prioritise any necessary repairs or further investigations.

The report includes specific advice on repairs and maintenance, prioritising issues by their urgency and suggesting appropriate remedial actions. For Awre properties, our surveyors pay particular attention to issues commonly found in the local area, such as damp in period properties with solid stone walls, roof condition given the local weather patterns in Gloucestershire, and any concerns related to trees or vegetation in proximity to the property. We provide practical recommendations that you can use to guide renovation decisions or negotiate with the seller.

We also include market valuation in our Level 2 survey, giving you an independent assessment of the property's current market value based on our knowledge of the Awre and Forest of Dean property market. This is particularly valuable when negotiating the purchase price, as you can use any issues identified in the survey to justify your offer or request that the seller address specific problems before completion. Our valuation considers local market trends, recent sales in the area including the River Court sale at £482,000, and the overall condition of the property.

The report is typically delivered within 3-5 working days of the property inspection, giving you ample time to review the findings before the deadline for your property purchase decision. Our surveyors are available to discuss any questions you may have about the report once you have had chance to read through it. We want you to feel confident in understanding every aspect of the survey findings before you make your final decision.

Our experience surveying properties throughout Awre and the Forest of Dean has identified several recurring issues that buyers should be aware of. Period properties, which make up a significant portion of the housing stock in this area, commonly suffer from rising damp due to the absence or failure of original damp proof courses. This is particularly prevalent in properties with solid stone walls, which were built before modern damp proofing techniques became standard. We've found that many Victorian and Edwardian cottages in Awre require attention to their damp proof courses, especially where ground levels have been raised over the years.

Roof conditions are another frequent concern in Awre properties. Many older homes feature traditional slate or tile roofs that, while durable, can develop issues with age. Our surveyors inspect for missing or damaged tiles, signs of previous repairs, and the condition of ridge tiles and pointing. Given the local weather patterns in Gloucestershire, proper roof maintenance is essential to prevent water ingress. We often find that older roofs in the area have had patch repairs over the years, and we assess the overall condition and expected remaining lifespan.

Timber decay, including rot in window frames, door frames, and structural timber, is found in many properties throughout the area. This is particularly common in properties with solid walls where condensation can be an issue, and in properties with poor ventilation. Our surveyors carefully inspect all accessible timber for signs of beetle activity, wet rot, and dry rot. In Awre's older properties, we frequently find that original timber windows require attention, and we note this in our reports so buyers can factor renovation costs into their budget.

The rural nature of Awre means that some properties may be affected by trees in close proximity. Tree root subsidence is a known issue in parts of the Forest of Dean, particularly with clay soils that shrink and swell with moisture changes. Our surveyors assess the relationship between trees and buildings where relevant, noting the type and size of trees and their potential impact on foundations. We also note any large trees that could affect the property in the future, even if they are on neighbouring land.