RICS Level 2 Survey in Blaston

Blaston's distinctive character comes from its traditional construction methods, with most buildings made from local stone and topped with thatch, slate, or Collyweston stone roofs. These materials give the village its charming appearance but also require specific expertise to assess properly. Our chartered surveyors understand the unique challenges posed by these older construction methods and can identify issues that a standard inspection might miss. We have surveyed properties along Main Street, near St Giles' Church, and in the stream valley area, giving us direct experience with the various construction types found throughout this Harborough village.

The village's location near the Medbourne Brook tributary means that some properties may be affected by surface water or river flooding, particularly those in the stream valley area. Additionally, the underlying clay geology common throughout Leicestershire can cause shrink-swell movement in foundations, leading to structural stress in older properties. Our inspectors specifically examine these risk factors during every survey we conduct in the Blaston area, checking for signs of past flooding, water damage, or foundation movement that might not be apparent to the untrained eye.

Many properties in Blaston fall within the designated Conservation Area, which means they may be subject to specific planning restrictions and requirements. Understanding any historic building considerations, potential preservation requirements, or previous alterations is essential before purchasing. Our Level 2 survey reports include observations on conservation implications and recommendations for any further specialist investigations that may be appropriate. We note any visible alterations that may require Listed Building Consent and advise on the potential costs of bringing older features up to standard.

The age of properties in Blaston means that many will have electrical and plumbing systems that date from the mid-20th century or earlier. Wiring installed before the 1970s frequently does not meet current regulations, and older plumbing systems may use materials that are now considered obsolete. Our surveyors visually inspect these building services and flag any obvious safety concerns, helping you understand what investment may be needed to bring these systems up to modern standards.

• Stone wall construction assessment
• Thatch and slate roof condition
• Damp and timber defect checks
• Electrical and plumbing inspection
• Structural movement analysis
• Flood risk evaluation

Based on our experience surveying properties throughout the Harborough district, we frequently identify several recurring issues in older Blaston homes. Damp problems are among the most common findings, particularly in properties with solid wall construction that lacks modern damp-proof courses. The stone walls traditional to this area, while durable, can allow moisture to penetrate if pointing deteriorates or if ground levels have risen over time around the property foundations. We regularly find rising damp in properties along Main Street and in the older cottages that line the approach roads to the village centre.

Roof conditions also require careful assessment in Blaston. Properties with thatched roofs, while visually attractive, demand specialist knowledge to evaluate properly, as does the Collyweston stone slate unique to this part of Leicestershire. Our surveyors are familiar with these traditional roofing materials and can identify signs of deterioration, slipped tiles, or inadequate repairs that might otherwise go unnoticed. We have seen numerous properties where previous repairs to thatched roofs have used modern materials that detract from the traditional appearance and may not provide the same level of protection as the original thatch.

The underlying clay soil in this region can cause foundation movement, particularly in properties that have experienced changes in moisture levels over dry or wet periods. Our surveyors examine walls, ceilings, and door frames for signs of cracking or movement that might indicate subsidence or structural stress. Properties in the lower parts of the village near the watercourses may also show signs of past flooding or water damage, which we document thoroughly in our reports. In our experience, properties near the stream valley leading to the Medbourne Brook are particularly worth checking for any history of flooding or water ingress.

Electrical systems in properties built before the 1970s frequently require updating to meet current regulations, and we flag any obvious safety concerns in our reports. We commonly find outdated consumer units, inadequate earthing, and cabling that does not meet current standards in properties of this age. Similarly, plumbing systems using lead or galvanised steel pipes are frequently encountered, and we recommend these are replaced during any renovation work. These findings can have significant implications for your renovation budget, which is why we highlight them clearly in our reports.

Understanding the construction methods used in Blaston properties is essential for identifying potential defects. The majority of buildings in this village are constructed from local ironstone or limestone, with walls typically 300-450mm thick in older properties. This solid wall construction differs significantly from modern cavity wall builds and presents unique challenges for insulation and damp resistance. Our surveyors are trained to assess these traditional walls and identify any deterioration in the pointing or structural integrity that could affect the long-term durability of the property.

The roofing materials found in Blaston reflect the village's rural character and local history. Collyweston stone slate, which is unique to this part of Leicestershire and Northamptonshire, has been used on many properties and requires specific knowledge to assess properly. This thin limestone slate was traditionally split from Jurassic limestone deposits and provides a distinctive appearance that contributes to the Conservation Area's character. Thatched roofs, while less common, can still be found on some of the oldest cottages, and these require specialist inspection to assess the condition of the thatch and the underlying roof structure.

Many properties in Blaston have been extended or altered over the years, with Victorian and Edwardian additions common to the original 18th-century buildings. These extensions often use different construction methods from the original building, which can create junction issues where the two construction types meet. Our surveyors pay particular attention to these areas, looking for signs of movement, water penetration, or deterioration that might occur at these junctions. We also note any additions that may not have been granted planning permission or that may require Listed Building Consent if the property is listed.