RICS Level 2 Survey in Blaby

The RICS Level 2 Home Survey, formerly known as the Homebuyer Report, is specifically designed for properties in conventional construction. Our inspectors examine the main structural elements and key components of your Blaby property, including the roof, walls, floors, doors, windows, and plumbing and electrical systems. We assess the condition of each element and flag any defects that are either severe enough to require immediate attention or may need future repairs. The inspection is visual and non-invasive, meaning we examine what is readily accessible without moving furniture or removing fitted panels.

During the inspection, our surveyor will visually assess all accessible areas of the property. This includes checking for signs of dampness, rot, subsidence, or structural movement that could indicate underlying problems. For properties in Blaby, particularly those in the conservation area around All Saints Church or older properties in the village centre, we pay special attention to the condition of historic brickwork, traditional roofing materials, and any alterations that may have been made over the years. We also check the effectiveness of existing damp proof courses and the condition of any timber elements that could be affected by woodworm or rot.

The resulting report uses a clear traffic light system to indicate the condition of each element: red for serious issues requiring urgent attention, amber for defects that should be attended to, and green for satisfactory condition. This makes it easy for you to prioritise repairs and negotiate with the seller if necessary. The report also includes a market valuation and an insurance reinstatement figure, giving you a complete picture of the property's worth. The reinstatement figure is particularly important for ensuring your buildings insurance provides adequate cover.

Our survey covers all major building elements including structural walls and foundations, roof structure and covering, damp proof course and dampness assessment, windows, doors, and joinery, plumbing and electrical systems, floors, stairs, and ceilings, chimneys and flues, and any garages or outbuildings. Each element receives a specific condition rating so you know exactly where attention is needed.

The Blaby housing market has shown resilient growth, with 127 residential property sales in the Blaby and Whetstone area over the last twelve months. With semi-detached properties averaging £270,000 and terraced homes at £230,000, making such a substantial investment without a professional survey would be risky. Our Level 2 survey helps you understand exactly what you are buying before you commit financially, protecting you from unexpected repair costs that could run into thousands of pounds.

The LE8 4 postcode area, covering Blaby village, has experienced house price growth of 7.5% over the past year, with properties showing a 3.5% increase after inflation. This strong market performance makes it even more important to ensure that the property you are purchasing is in good condition and free from hidden defects that could affect its value or require expensive repairs. In a market where prices have risen significantly, the last thing you want is to discover structural issues or significant defects after completion.

Many properties in Blaby were built during the post-war period through to the 1980s, meaning they may be approaching or have already passed the 50-year mark where issues such as damp, roof deterioration, and outdated electrical systems become more common. Our surveyors are experienced in identifying the typical defects found in properties of this age, including problems with concrete tile roofs, original windows requiring replacement, and aging heating systems. We also understand that 70% of properties in Blaby have three or more bedrooms, meaning larger family homes that may have seen more wear and tear over the years.

Blaby District faces specific environmental considerations that our surveyors are trained to identify. The district has areas at risk from groundwater flooding, particularly around certain villages and low-lying areas, with the River Sence at Blaby and Glen Parva designated as a flood warning area. Our inspectors will note any signs of past flooding or water damage and provide guidance on whether further specialist investigation is recommended. Properties near the River Sence or in identified flood risk zones receive additional attention during the inspection, and we will advise if a separate flood risk assessment would be worthwhile.

Our surveyors have extensive experience identifying defects that are particularly common in Blaby's housing stock. Given that many properties in the area were built between the 1940s and 1980s, we frequently encounter issues with original roofing materials such as concrete tiles that may be reaching the end of their lifespan. These roofs often show signs of deterioration including cracked or slipped tiles, degraded mortar on ridge tiles, and corroded flashing around chimneys.

Dampness is another common issue we identify, particularly in properties with solid walls rather than cavity wall construction. Signs of penetrating damp or rising damp can be visible on internal walls, especially in ground floor rooms or where external ground levels have risen over time. We check the condition of any existing damp proof course and note whether it appears to be functioning effectively.

Electrical systems in properties of this age often require attention, with original consumer units, wiring, and socket outlets that may not meet current standards. While we do not test electrical installations, we do visually inspect the consumer unit and note any obvious concerns that should be checked by a qualified electrician. Similarly, plumbing systems with original galvanised steel pipes may be showing signs of corrosion and reduced water pressure.

In newer developments such as those at Bowling Green Close, we often identify snagging issues that builders should rectify before the defects become more serious. These can include incomplete fittings, poorly sealed windows, minor cracks in plasterwork, and issues with developer-installed kitchens or bathrooms. Even new builds can have defects that need addressing.

Once the inspection is complete, you will receive a comprehensive report that serves as a detailed record of the property's condition at the time of survey. The report is divided into sections covering each major element of the property, from the roof down to the foundations. Each section includes a clear assessment of condition, with red, amber, and green ratings to indicate severity. This traffic light system makes it straightforward to understand which issues need urgent attention and which can be dealt with over time.

The report also includes a section on legal considerations that your conveyancing solicitor should investigate, such as any planning permissions or building regulation approvals for alterations, rights of way, or boundary disputes. This helps ensure that there are no legal issues that could affect your ownership of the property. For properties in Blaby's conservation area, we specifically note any heritage considerations and recommend whether you should consult with Blaby District Council regarding planning restrictions or listed building requirements.

The market valuation section provides an independent assessment of the property's value based on current market conditions in Blaby, where average prices have reached £295,000. This valuation is based on comparable sales data and reflects the current state of the local market. The reinstatement cost figure is used by insurance companies to calculate buildings insurance premiums and is essential for ensuring you have adequate cover. We always recommend checking this figure matches your intended insurance cover.