RICS Level 2 Survey in Bausley with Criggion

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a thorough inspection of the main accessible elements of your potential property. The survey covers the roof structure, including tiles, flashing, and chimneys, as well as the walls, floors, ceilings, and doors throughout the property. We examine the condition of the plumbing and electrical systems, assessing whether they meet current standards and identifying any obvious hazards or areas of concern. Our inspectors also check for signs of damp, rot, timber defects, and structural movement, which are particularly relevant in older properties throughout the Bausley and Criggion area.

In this rural border location, many properties feature traditional construction methods that differ significantly from modern buildings. Solid wall construction, using local stone or brick, is prevalent, and these older walls can be more susceptible to penetrating damp, especially given the local climate. Our surveyors understand these construction types and know exactly what to look for when assessing a property's condition. We also examine any outbuildings, garages, and the general condition of the boundaries, providing you with a complete picture of the property. Properties in this area often include traditional farm buildings converted into residential use, which require particular attention to insulation, damp proofing, and structural integrity.

The RICS Level 2 Survey uses a clear traffic light rating system to highlight issues. Red indicates serious issues that require urgent attention, amber denotes defects that need repairing or monitoring, and green confirms that no issues were found in that particular area. This straightforward system makes it easy for you to prioritise any necessary work and negotiate with the seller if significant problems are identified. Our report also includes a market valuation and an insurance rebuild cost estimate, which are essential for mortgage purposes and ensuring you have adequate buildings insurance cover for your new home.

During the inspection, our surveyor will document any environmental factors that could affect the property, including proximity to watercourses such as the River Severn which flows through nearby Crew Green. Low-lying areas near rivers can be susceptible to surface water flooding, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall, and our survey will flag any evidence of previous flooding or potential flood risk. This environmental assessment is an increasingly important part of the survey process, as climate change has made extreme weather events more common throughout the Welsh borders.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, floors, and ceilings
• Damp and timber assessment
• Electrical and plumbing systems
• Windows and doors
• Outbuildings and boundaries
• Market valuation and rebuild cost

Properties throughout the Bausley with Criggion area, particularly those built before the 1970s, often exhibit a range of common issues that our surveyors are trained to identify. Damp is one of the most frequently encountered problems, particularly rising damp in properties with solid wall construction. The rural location and proximity to waterways, including the River Severn which flows through nearby Crew Green, can contribute to higher moisture levels in the ground, making damp proof course failure a genuine concern for buyers to consider. We use moisture meters and professional judgment to assess the extent of any damp issues and determine whether they are historic or active problems requiring treatment.

Timber defects are another significant issue in older properties throughout this area. Woodworm, wet rot, and dry rot can affect roof timbers, floor joists, and window frames, often remaining hidden until a thorough inspection is carried out. Our surveyors tap and probe accessible timber to assess its condition, identifying any areas of concern that may require immediate treatment or further specialist investigation. Roof conditions also warrant close attention, with slipped tiles, deteriorated flashing, and aging roof coverings being common findings in older properties throughout the Welsh borders. In properties with original slate or clay tile roofs, deterioration is particularly common, and replacement costs can be substantial.

The electrical and plumbing systems in older homes may not meet current regulations and could pose safety risks. Outdated fuse boxes, inadequate earthing, and old plumbing materials such as lead or galvanised steel pipes are frequently encountered by our surveyors. While these issues may not necessarily prevent a purchase, they provide valuable ammunition for negotiation and ensure you are aware of the investment required to bring the property up to modern standards. We recommend that all electrical and plumbing installations are independently tested by qualified electricians and plumbers before completion, as our survey provides a visual assessment only.

Some parts of Powys and the Welsh borders have historical mining activity that could affect ground stability, and our surveyors are trained to look for signs of past mining activity that might indicate a risk of subsidence or ground movement. While specific mining data for Bausley with Criggion is not readily available, we will check for any visible signs of ground instability, cracking, or settlement that could indicate underlying issues. If concerns are identified, we will recommend further investigation by a structural engineer or geotechnical specialist.

Understanding the construction methods used in properties throughout the Bausley with Criggion area is essential for identifying potential issues. The majority of older properties in this rural border region were built using solid wall construction, typically with local stone or brick laid without cavities. These walls, while providing excellent thermal mass, do not contain the damp proof courses that modern cavity walls feature, making them more vulnerable to rising damp, especially if the original external render has deteriorated or been removed.

Many traditional properties in the area feature timber frame construction, either fully exposed or hidden behind stone or brick cladding. These timber-framed buildings can be affected by rot or insect infestation in the structural frame, which may not be visible until invasive damp has taken hold. Our surveyors know to look for signs of timber decay in these properties, including soft or crumbly wood, fungal growth, and insect activity. The presence of large trees near older properties is also a consideration, as tree roots can affect foundations and moisture levels in the ground.

Roof construction in older properties typically uses traditional cut timber rafters with either slate or clay tile coverings. These roofs often have original timbers that may have been exposed to decades of temperature fluctuations and moisture exposure. In contrast, newer properties in the area are more likely to use modern trussed rafter construction with concrete tiles or synthetic slate. Our surveyors understand these different construction types and can accurately assess the condition and expected remaining lifespan of each roof type. Given the rural nature of Bausley with Criggion, many properties also have thatched roofs or traditional dormer windows that require specialist knowledge to assess correctly.