RICS Level 2 Home Survey in Frampton on Severn

The RICS Level 2 Home Survey, formerly known as the HomeBuyer Report, is designed for properties in reasonable condition. Our inspectors examine the accessible parts of the property, looking for signs of defects, wear and tear, and potential future problems. We assess the roof structure, walls, windows, doors, plumbing, electrical systems, and damp levels. The survey includes a market valuation and an insurance reinstatement figure, which is particularly useful if you're buying with a mortgage. Our team uses a visual inspection methodology that follows RICS guidelines strictly, ensuring you receive a report that meets professional standards.

In Frampton on Severn, where many properties are decades or even centuries old, our surveyors pay special attention to the common issues that affect period homes. We check for dampness, which can be a particular problem in properties near the River Severn and River Frome. The low-lying position of the village means groundwater levels can be high, leading to damp penetration through solid walls that were never designed to cope with modern moisture levels. We inspect timber elements for signs of rot or woodworm, and we examine the condition of roofing materials, which on older properties may contain asbestos or have deteriorated significantly over decades of exposure to the British climate.

Our surveyors also assess the property's energy efficiency and provide recommendations for improvements. Many older homes in Frampton on Severn lack modern insulation, which can lead to high heating bills and uncomfortable living conditions. We highlight these issues so you can factor them into your renovation plans or negotiate a better price. Properties built before 1919 often have solid brick walls without cavity insulation, and our surveyors can advise on appropriate retrofit options that won't damage the historic fabric of the building. We also check for presence of lead pipes and outdated electrical systems that are commonly found in older village properties.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof structure and covering
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Damp and moisture detection
• Electrical and plumbing systems
• Thermal insulation and energy efficiency

Frampton on Severn's unique geology and geography create specific challenges for property owners. The underlying clay soils and Mercia Mudstone formations present a shrink-swell risk, meaning properties may experience subsidence as the ground expands and contracts with moisture changes. Our surveyors look for signs of structural movement, including crack patterns in walls, uneven floors, and door and window sticking. These issues are particularly important given the high proportion of older properties in the village, many of which were built with traditional methods that may not have modern foundations. We've seen properties around The Green where historic foundations have struggled with the repeated cycles of wet and dry weather that clay soils experience throughout the year.

The presence of gravel deposits in the area, particularly to the east of the village, is a reminder of the historical gravel extraction industry. While not traditional mining, these old extraction sites and subsequent infilling can occasionally cause ground stability issues. Our surveyors are aware of these local factors and will investigate any signs of ground movement or instability during their inspection. Properties in areas where gravel pits were infilled decades ago may have experienced differential settlement, and our inspectors know to look for the tell-tale signs. We also note the position of the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, which acts as a formal tidal flood defence but requires regular maintenance to remain effective.

For properties in the Conservation Area around The Green, which includes numerous Grade I and Grade II listed buildings, we pay particular attention to the condition of historic fabric. Traditional construction methods such as wattle and daub, timber-framing, and the iconic pink Frampton brick require specialist knowledge to assess correctly. Our local surveyors understand these materials and can identify when repairs need to be carried out by specialists familiar with heritage properties. We know that pink Frampton brick, made from the local river clays, has different properties to modern engineering bricks and requires matching repair materials to maintain the building's character and structural integrity.

The age of housing stock in Frampton on Severn means that many properties will have outdated electrical systems and plumbing that need careful assessment. Properties built before 1970 may have rubber-backed cabling that has deteriorated, and those with original lead or galvanised steel pipes may be at risk of corrosion and reduced water pressure. Our surveyors inspect consumer units, test a sample of sockets, and assess the condition of visible pipework to identify potential hazards that could pose a safety risk or require expensive remediation.