RICS Level 2 Survey in Bloxworth

Our inspectors conduct a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property, including the roof space where safe access is available, the exterior walls, windows and doors, plumbing and electrical installations, and the general condition of the interior. The survey follows RICS standards and provides a detailed report that highlights any defects, explains their implications, and categorises issues by their severity using a clear traffic light system. This means you can quickly identify which problems require urgent attention and which are less critical.

For Bloxworth properties, our surveyors pay particular attention to the common issues found in the area's older housing stock. Many properties in this village date back to the 17th century or earlier, with historic buildings like Bloxworth House showcasing traditional construction methods using local materials such as Heathstone, Purbeck Burr limestone, flint, and render. These period properties often present unique challenges including aging damp-proof courses, traditional timber-framed windows, and older roofing materials that require expert assessment. Our surveyors know how to identify these traditional building elements and assess their condition without causing any damage.

The Level 2 survey also includes a market valuation and rebuild cost assessment, which proves invaluable for insurance purposes and helps you understand the true worth of the property in the current market. With Bloxworth house prices having fallen by 12.6% over the past 12 months, this valuation aspect gives you crucial negotiating power and ensures you are not overpaying for a property in a changing market. Our report will flag any urgent defects that require immediate attention and provide a realistic assessment of the property's current value. The rebuild cost figure is particularly important for period properties where traditional materials and specialist craftsmanship may be required for repairs.

We also include an optional energy efficiency assessment as part of our Level 2 survey service. This helps you understand the property's current energy performance and identify areas where improvements could be made. For older Bloxworth properties with solid walls and traditional construction, this assessment can reveal significant opportunities to reduce energy bills and improve comfort levels. Many historic properties in the village lack modern insulation, and our survey will highlight these issues so you can plan improvements after purchase.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Defect identification and severity rating
• Market valuation and rebuild cost
• Advice on repairs and maintenance
• Energy efficiency assessment (optional)

Properties in Bloxworth face several area-specific challenges that our surveyors are trained to identify. The village's geology includes clay soils, which are prone to shrink-swell movement during dry and wet seasons respectively. This ground movement can lead to subsidence or structural movement in properties, particularly those with trees nearby whose roots draw moisture from the soil. Our surveyors carefully examine walls, floors, and foundations for signs of cracking or movement that may indicate subsidence issues. Properties near the woodland edges of Wareham Forest are particularly susceptible to root-related moisture movement.

The traditional building materials used in Bloxworth's older properties also require specialist knowledge. Historic buildings feature local Purbeck stone, flint, and cob construction, often with render finishes that can hide underlying structural issues. Render on properties like those found around St. Andrew's Church can deteriorate over time, allowing penetrating damp to enter the structure. Our surveyors know how to identify these hidden problems and assess the condition of traditional building elements without causing any damage. Many older properties in the village also have solid walls without cavity insulation, which can contribute to condensation issues.

Roof defects are among the most frequently identified issues in older Bloxworth properties. Many original clay tile roofs have been replaced with heavier concrete tiles over the years, which can cause roof spread and structural stress. Chimneys on period properties often suffer from crumbling brickwork and unstable stacks, particularly where original materials have deteriorated. Our detailed inspection covers these critical areas and provides you with accurate information about the roof's current condition and expected remaining lifespan. We also check for adequate ventilation in roof spaces, which is crucial for preventing timber decay and condensation in older properties.

Another common issue we find in Bloxworth properties is outdated electrical and plumbing infrastructure. Many older homes still have original wiring from the 1960s or earlier, which may not meet current safety standards. Similarly, lead pipes or old galvanized steel plumbing can still be found in properties that have not been updated. Our survey includes a visual inspection of these services and will flag any obvious concerns that warrant further investigation by a qualified electrician or plumber before you complete your purchase.

• Damp and moisture problems
• Roof defects and tile damage
• Structural cracks and movement
• Aging infrastructure and wiring
• Timber decay and pest damage
• Drainage and plumbing issues

Understanding the construction methods used in Bloxworth properties is essential for conducting an accurate survey. The village has a rich architectural history, with buildings constructed from materials sourced locally from the Purbeck hills and surrounding areas. St. Andrew's Church showcases the traditional building techniques used in the area, featuring Heathstone, Purbeck Burr limestone, flint, Doulting Stone, and Corsham Down Bath Stone. The north wall of the nave and a chapel have been rendered, with brickwork underneath, demonstrating the various construction approaches used historically.

Many residential properties in Bloxworth feature cob walls, particularly the C18 walls found surrounding the walled garden at Bloxworth House. Cob construction consists of earth, straw, and lime mortar, creating thick solid walls that have excellent thermal mass but can be vulnerable to moisture damage if not properly maintained. Our surveyors are experienced in assessing the condition of cob walls and identifying signs of erosion, cracking, or damp penetration that may not be immediately visible to untrained eyes.

The transition from traditional to modern construction methods occurred gradually in Bloxworth, meaning you may find properties with mixed construction types. A property might have original flint and stone walls with a modern extension built using cavity wall construction. Our surveyors are trained to identify these transitions and assess each element appropriately. This is particularly important when assessing properties that have been extended or modified over the years, as these junctions can be prone to movement and water penetration.

Bloxworth House holds particular significance in local building history as noted historical records suggest it was the first brick building in Dorset. This innovation marked a significant transition from traditional stone and flint construction methods. When surveying brick-built properties in the area, our inspectors pay attention to the quality of the brickwork, any signs of salt efflorescence indicating rising damp, and the condition of the mortar between bricks. Understanding this local history helps our team provide more accurate assessments of property condition.