RICS Level 2 Survey in Fovant

Our RICS Level 2 survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible areas of your Fovant property. We examine the walls, roof, floors, doors, windows, and fixed joinery, assessing their current condition and identifying any defects that require attention. The survey includes an evaluation of the property's overall condition, highlighting areas where repairs are needed urgently versus those that can be deferred. For Fovant properties, this is particularly valuable given the number of older buildings and listed cottages in the village, where hidden defects can be costly to rectify.

The inspection covers all major building elements including the roof structure, chimney stacks, rainwater goods, walls, foundations, floors, and windows and doors. We also assess any outbuildings such as garages, sheds, or annexes that form part of the property. Our surveyors pay particular attention to the construction materials common in Fovant, including Chilmark stone walling, traditional slate and tile roofing, and the timber-framed structures found in older properties. We check for signs of damp, rot, timber defects, and structural movement that are particularly relevant to properties in this part of Wiltshire.

In addition to the physical inspection, our Level 2 survey includes a clear RICS traffic light rating system that instantly shows you which areas of the property are in good condition (green), which have minor issues requiring routine maintenance (amber), and which have serious defects needing urgent attention (red). This visual summary makes it easy to understand the overall condition of the property and prioritise any remediation work. The report also includes market valuation and rebuild cost assessment, which is particularly useful for insurance purposes and mortgage requirements.

Our surveyor will also advise on the property's Energy Efficiency Certificate (EPC) rating where relevant, giving you an indication of potential energy costs for the property. This is increasingly important for buyers in the current market, as properties with poor energy efficiency may require additional investment to meet modern standards and future regulations.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, foundations and substructure
• Damp and timber condition assessment
• Electrical and heating systems (visual only)
• Windows, doors and joinery
• Outbuildings and boundaries
• Flood risk assessment for riverside properties

Based on our experience surveying properties across Fovant and the surrounding Wiltshire countryside, several issues frequently arise during inspections. Damp is one of the most common problems, particularly in older properties built with solid walls that lack modern damp-proof courses. Rising damp can affect ground floor walls, while penetrating damp often occurs in properties with aging roof coverings or damaged pointing to the stonework. Our surveyors use their expertise to identify the type and cause of any damp issues, distinguishing between minor condensation problems and more serious penetrating damp that requires remediation.

Roof conditions are another significant area of concern in Fovant properties. Many homes in the village feature traditional slate or tile roofs that, while often durable, can suffer from slipped or broken tiles, deteriorated leadwork around chimneys, and failing mortar to ridges and verges. In properties with thatched roofs, which remain popular in this area of outstanding natural beauty, specialist inspection is essential to assess the condition of the thatch and any underlying timber structure. Our Level 2 survey includes a thorough assessment of the roof space where accessible, identifying any defects that could lead to water ingress or structural concerns.

Timber defects are frequently identified in Fovant properties, particularly in older homes with traditional timber-framed construction. Woodworm activity, wet rot in window frames and door frames, and dry rot in structural timbers can all be present in properties that appear sound at first glance. Our surveyors inspect all visible timber elements, checking for signs of decay, insect activity, and structural integrity. Where we identify concerns, we provide clear recommendations for further investigation or remedial work.

Properties near the River Nadder may present flooding considerations that warrant attention during the survey process. While major flooding events are infrequent, the valley location means that surface water drainage can become overwhelmed during periods of heavy rainfall. Our survey includes assessment of the property's position relative to flood risk, the condition of drainage systems, and any evidence of previous water ingress. We provide practical advice on mitigation measures where appropriate.