RICS Level 2 Survey in Child's Ercall

A RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey provides a visual inspection of the property's accessible areas, including the roof, walls, floors, windows, doors, and installations such as plumbing and electrical systems. The surveyor will identify defects, explain their implications, and provide advice on repairs and maintenance. The report uses a traffic light rating system to indicate the condition of different elements, making it easy to prioritise any necessary work. In properties specific to Child's Ercall, our surveyors also pay particular attention to signs of foundation movement related to the local clay-rich soils and any issues arising from the age of the traditional construction methods found throughout the village.

RICS Level 2 Survey prices in Child's Ercall typically range from £400 to £900 or more, depending on the property's size, value, and complexity. Larger detached properties with more extensive roof areas and multiple floors will generally cost more to survey than smaller semi-detached homes. We provide competitive pricing with no hidden fees, and we are happy to provide a quote based on the specific details of your property. The cost of a survey is a small investment compared to the potential cost of discovering serious defects after you have completed your purchase.

While new build properties are covered by a National House Building Council (NHBC) warranty, a RICS Level 2 Survey can still identify defects that may have arisen during construction or issues with the build quality. Even in newer properties, our survey can provide valuable documentation of the property's condition at the time of purchase. Given that most properties in Child's Ercall are older, it is more likely you will be purchasing a period property, but if you are considering a newer build in the nearby area, we can still provide a thorough assessment to ensure you are fully informed about the property's condition.

Our surveyors will look for signs of subsidence, such as cracking, uneven floors, and doors that do not close properly. Given the clay-rich glacial till soils in the Child's Ercall area, our inspectors pay particular attention to foundation conditions and any evidence of ground movement. We will note any concerns in the report and, if subsidence is suspected, we will recommend further investigation by a structural engineer. The shrink-swell behaviour of clay soils during periods of drought or heavy rain is a known issue in this part of Shropshire, and our surveyors are experienced in identifying the tell-tale signs that may indicate a problem.

A RICS Level 2 survey is a visual inspection suitable for conventional properties in reasonable condition, providing a clear assessment of defects and their severity using a traffic light rating system. A RICS Level 3 Building Survey offers a more comprehensive analysis, including opening up areas where necessary and providing detailed advice on repairs and maintenance. For older, listed, or particularly complex properties in Child's Ercall, a Level 3 survey may be more appropriate given the unique construction methods and historical significance of many buildings in the village. We can advise you on which level of survey is most suitable for your particular property.

The inspection typically takes between 1 and 3 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the property. Smaller properties may be completed in under an hour, while larger detached homes or those with annexes or outbuildings will require more time. If the property has extensive grounds, outbuildings, or unusual features, this will also extend the inspection time. You will usually receive your written report within 3-5 working days of the inspection, and we can often accommodate urgent requests if you are working to a tight timeline.

While a RICS Level 2 survey can be carried out on a listed building, the unique construction and historical significance of these properties often warrant a more detailed RICS Level 3 Building Survey. Listed buildings may have construction methods and materials that require specialist knowledge to assess properly, and the report will need to consider the implications of any work on the building's historic character. Child's Ercall has several listed buildings, including the Grade I listed Church of St Michael and All Angels, and if your intended purchase is a listed property, we would recommend discussing the options with our team to ensure you receive the most appropriate survey for your needs.

If our survey identifies significant defects, we will explain the issue clearly in the report and recommend appropriate next steps. This may include obtaining quotes for repairs, negotiating with the seller to reduce the purchase price or contribute towards repair costs, or seeking further investigation by a specialist such as a structural engineer. The decision on how to proceed is entirely yours. Our reports are designed to give you the information you need to make an informed decision, whether that means renegotiating the price, requesting repairs before completion, or deciding that the property is not right for you.

The geology of Child's Ercall consists of glacial till (Diamicton) overlying Salopian bedrock of mudstone, siltstone, and sandstone. The glacial till can contain significant clay content, which poses a moderate shrink-swell risk during periods of extreme wet or dry weather. This ground movement can affect foundations, particularly in older properties that were built with less robust foundation systems. Our surveyors are trained to identify signs of foundation movement, including cracking patterns, door and window operation, and floor levels, and we will flag any concerns in our report.

Child's Ercall has a very low risk of flooding from rivers and the sea, which is positive news for property buyers. However, some areas of the village are susceptible to surface water flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. This can affect low-lying properties, those with basements or cellars, and properties near natural drainage paths. Our surveyors assess the property's drainage, the slope of the surrounding land, and any evidence of previous flooding when evaluating the overall flood risk to the property.