RICS Level 2 Survey in Candovers

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a thorough inspection of all accessible parts of the property. We examine the walls, floors, ceilings, roof, doors, windows, and all permanent fixtures and fittings. Our surveyors will identify any defects, explain their potential impact, and recommend appropriate next steps. For properties in the Candover villages, this is particularly valuable given the high number of older period properties that may have hidden issues not visible during a casual viewing. The prevalence of traditional solid wall construction in these villages means that damp penetration and structural movement are more common concerns than in modern properties.

The survey includes a market valuation based on current conditions in the local area. With the Candover Valley experiencing price fluctuations, with Brown Candover showing a 26% increase in the past year but a 24% decline from its 2023 peak, having an accurate professionally assessed value helps you negotiate effectively. Our report also highlights any urgent defects that require immediate attention, giving you leverage in price negotiations or providing justification for requesting repairs before completion. We use our extensive knowledge of the local market to provide valuations that reflect the true current value of properties in this specific area.

We assess the property's condition on a simple traffic light system: Red for serious issues requiring urgent attention, Amber for defects that need repair but are not immediately serious, and Green for satisfactory condition. This clear visual format makes it easy to understand the overall state of the property and prioritize any remedial work needed after purchase. Our surveyors provide practical recommendations for each identified issue, whether it involves simple maintenance tasks or requires specialist contractor involvement.

• Comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Condition rating system (Red/Amber/Green)
• Market valuation based on local data
• Advice on defects and remedial recommendations
• Highlights urgent issues requiring attention

Properties in the Candover Valley villages often display characteristics common to older Hampshire homes. The geology of the area, with chalk bedrock overlain by clay deposits, can create shrink-swell risks that affect foundations, particularly during periods of extreme weather. Our surveyors are trained to identify signs of movement or subsidence that might indicate underlying ground conditions affecting the property. We look for diagonal cracks in walls, doors that stick or don't close properly, and gaps around window frames that might suggest structural movement has occurred. In areas with significant clay deposits, trees close to the property can exacerbate foundation problems by extracting moisture from the soil.

Given the prevalence of period properties in the area, damp is frequently identified during surveys. Rising damp, penetrating damp from damaged roof coverings or faulty guttering, and condensation all commonly affect older homes with solid wall construction. We thoroughly examine walls, floors, and roofs for evidence of moisture ingress and advise on appropriate remediation. The traditional lime mortar used in many Candover properties is more permeable than modern cement mortar, which can actually be beneficial for breathability, but render failures and blocked air bricks can still cause problems. Our surveyors understand these traditional building fabrics and can distinguish between genuine damp issues and superficial staining that doesn't require expensive remediation.

Roof conditions are another major area of focus. Many properties in the Candover villages have original pitched roofs covered with clay tiles or slate. Over time, these can develop issues including slipped tiles, deteriorating felt underlay, decayed rafters, and problems with leadwork around chimneys and valleys. Our inspection covers these critical elements thoroughly, including any flat roof sections over extensions that are particularly prone to leaking. We also inspect chimney stacks, which are a common source of problems in period properties, checking for damaged flaunching, cracked pots, and deteriorating pointing.

Electrical and plumbing systems in older properties frequently require updating to meet current standards. We identify outdated consumer units, inadequate earthing, old plumbing materials, and other safety concerns that should be addressed. While we don't test services, we visually assess their condition and note any apparent defects or concerns that warrant further investigation by qualified specialists. Many properties in the Candover Valley still have original Victorian or Edwardian electrical wiring that has been added to over the years, creating potentially dangerous configurations that a qualified electrician should fully inspect and update.