RICS Level 2 Survey East Leake

Our RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey provides a comprehensive inspection of all accessible areas of the property. The surveyor examines the main structural elements including walls, roofs, floors, ceilings, doors, and windows. We assess the condition of the building fabric and identify any defects, whether they're minor cosmetic issues or serious structural problems that could require expensive repairs. The survey covers the exterior of the property, including gutters, downpipes, fascias, and soffits, as well as the interior walls, floors, and joinery.

In East Leake, where properties range from historic cottages in the Conservation Area to newly built homes in developments like The Meadows by Bellway Homes, our surveyors are experienced in assessing all property types. We specifically look for issues common to the local area, including the condition of roofs on older properties, damp penetration in solid-walled construction, and any signs of subsidence related to the underlying Mercia Mudstone geology. The report includes clear ratings for each defect found, from "urgent" issues requiring immediate attention to "notices" that merit future monitoring.

The survey also includes a thorough assessment of services such as electrical systems, plumbing, and heating. We check that these installations appear to be in reasonable working order and note any obvious defects or areas that would benefit from further investigation by a specialist. Our surveyor will inspect the loft space where accessible, looking at the condition of the roof structure, insulation, and any signs of damp or timber defects. In properties with cellars or crawl spaces, we examine these areas as far as is safely possible.

East Leake's housing stock presents particular considerations for our surveyors. The village has a diverse mix of property ages, with significant numbers of pre-1919 properties in the historic core, mid-century homes built between 1945-1980, and substantial new-build development from the 1980s onwards. This variety means our surveyors must be familiar with different construction methods, from the solid wall construction typical of older properties to modern cavity wall systems with integrated insulation.

• Walls and foundations
• Roof structure and covering
• Damp proof course
• Windows and doors
• Plumbing and electrical
• Ceilings, floors and stairs
• Garages and outbuildings
• Boundary walls and fences

Our surveyors regularly identify several recurring issues during Level 2 surveys in East Leake. Damp problems are particularly common in the older properties, especially those built before 1945 with solid wall construction. Rising damp or penetrating damp can occur when damp-proof courses have failed or been breached by external works. Properties in the Conservation Area around Main Street and Gotham Road often show signs of age-related deterioration that requires attention. The traditional red brick construction common in East Leake's older homes, while durable, can suffer from mortar decay and structural movement over time.

Roof condition is another frequent finding in our East Leake surveys. Properties over 30-40 years old often show signs of wear including slipped or cracked tiles, damaged flashing, and deteriorating felt underlays. Given the mix of clay tiles on older properties and concrete tiles on mid-century homes, roof repairs can be costly. Our surveyors thoroughly inspect loft spaces where accessible, looking for signs of water ingress, timber rot, and inadequate insulation. Many older properties in East Leake also have outdated electrical systems that may not meet current safety standards, a particular concern for properties built before the 1980s.

The underlying geology of East Leake presents specific considerations for property purchasers. The Mercia Mudstone Group geology in this area has shrink-swell potential, meaning properties can be susceptible to subsidence or heave, particularly during periods of prolonged dry or wet weather. Properties with shallow foundations, common in older buildings, may show signs of movement. Our surveyors are trained to identify indicators of subsidence including cracking patterns, door and window binding, and uneven floors. While East Leake isn't historically affected by mining, the clay soil conditions mean we pay particular attention to foundations and ground conditions.

Flood risk is another environmental factor we assess for East Leake properties. The River Soar runs to the east of the village, and properties in lower-lying areas close to the river may be at risk of fluvial flooding. Surface water flooding can also affect properties near drainage pathways, especially during periods of heavy rainfall. Our reports flag any flood risk indicators and provide practical guidance on what to do next, including recommendations for flood resilience measures where appropriate.