RICS Level 2 Survey in Calvert Green

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a thorough inspection of the property's visible and accessible areas, assessing the overall condition and identifying any defects that may affect the value or safety of the property. We examine the walls, roof, floors, windows, doors, and damp proof courses, as well as the condition of services such as plumbing and electrical installations. The survey includes a detailed assessment of the property's construction, highlighting both urgent issues that require immediate attention and minor defects that may need future maintenance. Our inspectors spend between 2 and 4 hours at the property, depending on its size and complexity, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

We tailor each survey to the specific property type and construction method. In Calvert Green, where the majority of properties are modern builds using conventional cavity wall construction with brick outer leaves, our surveyors know exactly what to look for. We assess the condition of brickwork, checking for signs of movement or settlement, and evaluate the integrity of timber roof structures and concrete tiled roofs that are common in the area. Many properties in the village feature a mix of red and buff bricks, with some newer homes incorporating render or timber cladding elements that require specific inspection techniques.

The RICS Level 2 Survey includes a clear traffic light rating system that instantly shows you which areas of the property are in good condition (green), which have issues requiring attention (amber), and which have serious defects requiring urgent repair (red). This visual system makes it easy to prioritise remediation work and negotiate with sellers if significant issues are identified. We also provide independent professional advice on repairs and maintenance, helping you understand the true cost of owning the property. Our report includes practical recommendations alongside estimated costs, so you can budget accordingly.

Our surveyors are particularly vigilant about issues specific to the Calvert Green area. Given that the village sits on Oxford Clay Formation, we pay close attention to foundation conditions and signs of subsidence or heave. We check for cracking patterns that might indicate clay movement, assess drainage systems carefully, and evaluate how properties were designed to mitigate shrink-swell risks. This local expertise means we can spot potential problems that a generalist surveyor might overlook.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof structure and covering
• Damp proof course and dampness
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical services
• Garages and outbuildings
• Grounds and drainage

Calvert Green presents a unique property landscape that our surveyors understand intimately. As a relatively new settlement developed primarily from the late 20th century onwards, the majority of properties in the village are modern constructions built to contemporary building regulations. The village forms part of the Calvert and Grandborough parish, which had a population of approximately 1,600 in 2021, with an estimated 600-700 households. This modern character means that major structural issues found in older properties are less common, but new-build specific concerns such as snagging issues and construction quality warrant careful examination.

The local geology presents specific considerations for property owners. The Oxford Clay Formation that underlies the Calvert Green area is known for its shrink-swell potential, meaning clay soils expand when wet and contract during dry periods. This can pose a moderate to high risk of subsidence or heave for properties with shallow foundations, particularly during periods of extreme weather. Our surveyors are trained to identify signs of movement or stress that may indicate foundation issues related to clay soil activity. We look for characteristic cracking patterns, door and window sticking, and uneven floors that might suggest underlying movement.

The village has seen significant new development in recent years, with the Calvert 22 development by Barratt Homes and the Calvert Green development by David Wilson Homes both offering new 3, 4, and 5 bedroom homes in the HP18 9FE postcode area. These new-build properties require specialist attention to identify any construction defects or incomplete works that may not be immediately apparent to untrained buyers. Common snagging issues we find in these developments include poorly sealed windows, inadequate drainage falls, mortar gaps in brickwork, and cosmetic defects that builders should rectify before completion. We recommend a thorough snagging inspection alongside the RICS Level 2 Survey for new-build purchases.

While Calvert Green itself has low flood risk from rivers and the sea, localised surface water flooding can occur in certain areas, particularly near drainage systems and in natural depressions. Our survey includes an assessment of the property's vulnerability to flooding and drainage issues, ensuring you have a complete picture of environmental risks. We check guttering, downpipes, and drainage channels to ensure they are properly configured and free from blockages that could cause water to pool near the foundation.

The local economy and transport links significantly influence the Calvert Green housing market. The village benefits from proximity to major employment centres in Milton Keynes, Aylesbury, and Bicester, with good road links via the A41 and A421. The HS2 railway project has also impacted the local area, creating employment opportunities during construction. These factors make Calvert Green an attractive location for commuters, and our surveyors understand how these location benefits might affect property values and potential future growth.