RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey Bunny

Our RICS Level 2 survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of the property's accessible areas. We check the condition of walls, roofs, floors, doors, and windows, looking for signs of damp, structural movement, or timber decay. For Bunny's older properties, this is particularly valuable, as many homes built in the 18th and 19th centuries may have original features that require specialist assessment. Our inspectors examine every accessible element systematically, documenting their condition with photographs and clear descriptions.

The survey includes a thorough evaluation of key building elements such as the roof structure, foundations, and external joinery. Our inspectors examine the condition of gutters, downpipes, and drainage systems, which is essential given the age of many properties in Bunny's conservation area. We also assess the condition of any garages, outbuildings, or annexes included in the property sale. For properties at The Paddocks development with annexes above garages, we pay particular attention to these additional structures.

We identify any urgent defects that require immediate attention, as well as issues that may affect the property's value or require future maintenance. The report provides clear traffic light ratings for each area: red for urgent issues requiring immediate repair, amber for defects that need attention, and green for satisfactory condition. This straightforward system helps you understand exactly what you're purchasing and what investment may be needed. Our reports also include market valuation and insurance reinstatement figures if you opt for the valuation element.

Common issues our surveyors find in Bunny properties include dampness in solid wall constructions, aging roof coverings, and electrical systems that do not meet current regulations. We also check for signs of subsidence or movement, which is particularly important given the underlying Jurassic clays in the broader Nottingham area that can cause shrink-swell problems in clay-rich soils. Many older properties in Bunny were built with solid walls without cavity construction, making them more susceptible to damp issues than modern properties.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Condition rating system (traffic lights)
• Assessment of urgent and major defects
• Market value and reinstatement cost (optional)
• Advice on repairs and maintenance
• Check of drainage and gutters
• Assessment of outbuildings and annexes

Bunny's housing stock presents unique challenges that make professional surveys particularly valuable. The village contains a significant proportion of older properties, with many homes dating back to the 18th century. Traditional building methods used locally included solid brick walls without cavity construction, which can be more susceptible to damp issues than modern properties. Our surveyors understand these construction methods and can identify problems that might be missed by less experienced assessors. The distinctive orange/red brickwork seen throughout Bunny was locally sourced, with some properties featuring ashlar stone details.

The underlying geology in the Bunny area includes Jurassic clays, which are known to cause shrink-swell movement in soils. This can lead to subsidence or structural movement, particularly in older properties with shallow foundations. Our inspectors look for tell-tale signs such as cracking in brickwork, uneven floors, and doors or windows that stick. Identifying these issues early can save you significant repair costs further down the line. The broader Nottingham area also has historical coal mining activity, with Carboniferous Coal Measures underlying the region.

Many properties in Bunny feature traditional materials including the distinctive orange/red brickwork associated with the area, sometimes with ashlar stone details. Thatch and clay pantiles were historically used for roofing, and some older properties may still retain these materials. Our surveyors assess the condition of these traditional features and advise on any maintenance requirements. Properties near St Mary's Church, which dates from the 14th century, may have stone construction elements including Triassic sandstone and Lincolnshire Limestone.

The village has seen new development in recent years, including luxury homes at The Paddocks and the approved development of 110 homes at the former Bunny Brickworks site. purchasing a new build or a historic cottage, our RICS Level 2 survey provides the information you need to make an informed decision. The Paddocks development features four and five-bedroom detached homes with prices around £1.2 million, while the Bunny Brickworks site off Loughborough Road is awaiting detailed planning approval.

• Older properties with traditional construction
• Potential shrink-swell movement in clay soils
• Conservation area restrictions
• Traditional roofing materials
• Listed building considerations
• New build snagging issues

Bunny's architectural heritage is heavily influenced by Sir Thomas Parkyns (1662-1741), who designed and constructed numerous buildings in the village during the early 1700s. His designs include The Old Vicarage, Ivy Cottage, the Rancliffe Arms public house, the Post Office, and the former Schoolhouse on Loughborough Road. Bunny Hall, rebuilt by Parkyns in 1720, is a notable example of his work in red brick with classical elements. When surveying properties designed by Parkyns or built in his style, our inspectors pay particular attention to the traditional construction techniques used, which may differ significantly from modern building methods.

The majority of Bunny's housing (46%) consists of detached properties, with 31% semi-detached and 13% terraced. According to the 2008 Housing Needs Survey, the largest group of residents (43%) live in 3-bedroom houses, followed by 4-bedroom houses (25%) and 5-bedroom houses (13%). This predominance of larger family homes means that our inspections often cover extensive roof spaces, multiple floors, and various outbuildings. The age of these properties means that many will have original features that require careful assessment.

Common defects we find in Bunny properties include dampness in solid wall constructions, which affects many homes built before cavity walls became standard. Rising damp is particularly prevalent in older properties without modern damp-proof courses. We also frequently identify aging roof coverings, with slipped or cracked tiles and deteriorated ridge mortar being common issues. Electrical systems that do not meet current regulations are another frequent finding, as many older homes still have original wiring that may pose safety risks.

Structural movement is a key concern in Bunny due to the underlying Jurassic clays. These clay-rich soils expand and contract with moisture changes, causing potential subsidence or heave. Properties with shallow foundations, common in older buildings, are particularly vulnerable. Our surveyors look for signs such as cracking in brickwork (especially stepped cracking), uneven floors, and doors or windows that stick or don't close properly. We also check for any signs of previous movement that may have been repaired.

• Damp in solid wall constructions
• Aging roof coverings and tiles
• Structural movement in clay soils
• Outdated electrical systems
• Timber decay and pest damage
• Poor drainage and guttering