RICS Level 2 Survey in Cherhill

Cherhill presents a unique set of considerations for property buyers. The village is located on the Marlborough Downs, where the geology includes Cretaceous Chalk overlaying Gault Clay. This clay layer poses a shrink-swell risk, meaning foundations can move during periods of drought followed by heavy rainfall. Our inspectors are trained to identify signs of subsidence, structural movement, and foundation issues that might not be visible to untrained eyes. With prices averaging £548,000, identifying these problems before completion could save you tens of thousands of pounds in remediation costs.

The village also has a designated Conservation Area and numerous listed buildings, including Cherhill House, the Church of St James, and various historic cottages and farmhouses. Properties in these categories often require more detailed assessment, and while a Level 2 Survey may be suitable for many homes in the area, some listed properties may benefit from a RICS Level 3 Building Survey. Our surveyors will advise you on the most appropriate survey type based on the specific property you are purchasing.

Surface water flooding is another consideration in Cherhill, with medium to high risk in certain areas, particularly along roads and in depressions where water accumulates. Our inspectors check for signs of damp, water ingress, and drainage issues that could indicate previous flooding or ongoing problems. Given the rural nature of the village and its drainage characteristics, this is particularly important for properties in lower-lying positions.

The A4 road provides good transport links to nearby towns including Calne, Marlborough, Devizes, and Swindon, making Cherhill popular with commuters. This accessibility, combined with the village's rural character, means properties here attract buyers seeking a balance between countryside living and practical transport connections. Understanding how these factors influence property condition and value is part of what makes our local knowledge valuable.

• Foundation and subsidence assessment
• Damp and timber condition check
• Roof and chimney inspection
• Electrical and plumbing visible areas
• Drainage and drainage
• Thermal efficiency observations

Properties in Cherhill span several construction periods, each with their own characteristic defects. The oldest properties, dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, were typically built with solid stone walls using local Bath Stone or Cotswold Stone, laid in lime mortar with shallow rubble stone foundations. These solid walls lack cavity insulation and often have no damp-proof course, making them susceptible to rising damp and penetrating damp, particularly where renders have failed or pointing has deteriorated. Our surveyors inspect these historic properties with particular care, understanding that traditional construction requires different assessment criteria to modern buildings.

Mid-20th century properties (built between 1919 and 1980) commonly feature cavity wall construction with brick or rendered finishes, concrete tiled roofs, and either suspended timber or concrete ground floors. These properties often have original electrical wiring and plumbing that may be nearing the end of its useful life. We frequently find outdated consumer units, inadequate earthing, and galvanised steel pipes that have corroded internally over decades of use. Identifying these issues before you commit to a purchase allows you to budget for essential upgrades.

The most common defects we identify in Cherhill properties include woodworm infestation (particularly the common furniture beetle affecting structural timbers), both wet and dry rot in floor joists and roof timbers, and deterioration of original slate or clay tile roofs. Lead flashing around chimneys and roof penetrations often fails after 30-40 years, causing penetrating damp in loft spaces and internal ceilings. Chimney stacks on period properties frequently suffer from deteriorated mortar, leaning stacks, or failed flaunching that allows water ingress.

Given the Gault Clay geology beneath the chalk, properties with shallow foundations are particularly vulnerable to subsidence during prolonged dry periods followed by heavy rainfall. Our surveyors examine walls for crack patterns, check whether door and window frames are level, and look for other signs of structural movement that might indicate foundation problems. While a visual survey cannot see beneath the ground, our experience with local geology helps us identify properties where further specialist investigation may be advisable.

• Damp (rising, penetrating, and condensation)
• Roof defects and deterioration
• Timber defects (woodworm, wet rot, dry rot)
• Structural movement and subsidence
• Outdated electrical and plumbing systems
• Chimney stack deterioration

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a comprehensive inspection of all visible and accessible areas of the property. For Cherhill's older properties, which often feature traditional stone construction with lime mortar, our surveyors pay particular attention to the condition of external walls, pointing, and any signs of movement or cracking. We inspect roofs for worn slate or tile coverings, lead flashing deterioration, and the condition of gutters and downpipes that can cause penetrating damp when defective.

Given the age of many properties in the area, we also check for timber defects including woodworm infestation and both wet and dry rot affecting floor joists, roof timbers, and other structural elements. Our surveyors will assess the condition of chimneys, which are a common feature on period properties but often suffer from deteriorated mortar, leaning stacks, or failed flashing. We also examine visible electrical and plumbing installations, noting any outdated wiring or piping that may require upgrading to meet current safety standards.

Thermal efficiency is another important consideration for Cherhill buyers. Many older properties have solid walls that cannot be cavity insulated without external or internal insulation systems, and original roof spaces often lack adequate insulation. Our surveyors note the approximate thickness of existing insulation, identify areas of heat loss, and include an energy efficiency rating in the report. This helps you understand potential heating costs and any improvements that might be needed to meet modern standards.