RICS Level 2 Survey in Gaddesby

The RICS Level 2 Survey is designed for properties that are of conventional construction and appear to be in reasonable condition. Our surveyor will inspect the property visually, examining all accessible areas including the roof space (where safe access is possible), walls, floors, windows, doors, and the services such as plumbing and electrics. The survey provides an objective assessment of the property's overall condition using a simple traffic light rating system that makes it easy to understand which issues need urgent attention.

We examine the main structural elements of the property, including the foundations, walls, floors, and roof structure. Our report includes specific comments on any defects found, their cause, and what action should be taken. We also check for signs of damp, timber decay, structural movement, and issues with the building's fabric that could affect the property's value or require expensive repairs. Each defect is clearly described with photographs so you can see exactly what our surveyor found.

Given that Gaddesby has a significant number of properties over 50 years old, particularly within the Conservation Area around St Luke's Church, our Level 2 Survey is particularly valuable. Many of these older properties were built with traditional construction methods that differ significantly from modern standards, and our surveyors know exactly what to look for when assessing these historic buildings. We understand how older properties behave and can identify issues that might be missed by less experienced surveyors.

The report also includes an optional market valuation if you request it, which can be useful for mortgage purposes or to ensure you are paying a fair price for the property. However, the primary focus remains on the condition of the property and identifying any defects that might affect your decision to purchase or the price you should pay.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof structure and covering
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Damp and moisture assessment
• Timber condition (floors, doors, roof)
• Plumbing and electrical visual inspection
• Exterior finishes and drainage
• Energy efficiency considerations

The geology beneath Gaddesby consists of Mercia Mudstone Group, which contains mudstones, siltstones, and some sandstones. This type of geology can present a moderate to high shrink-swell potential, particularly where clay content is significant. This means foundations can be affected during periods of drought and heavy rainfall, potentially leading to subsidence or heave issues. Our RICS Level 2 Survey includes a visual assessment of the property's foundations and structure, looking for signs of movement, cracking, or other issues that may indicate problems with the underlying ground conditions.

While not a specialist geotechnical survey, our experienced surveyors know what warning signs to look for and will recommend further investigation if necessary. We have surveyed numerous properties in the LE7 area and understand how the local geology can affect different property types. If we spot cracks in walls, uneven floors, or doors that stick, we will flag these issues and advise whether you need a structural engineer's assessment.

The village of Gaddesby sits in a rural location that has seen steady demand from buyers looking to escape city life while maintaining commute access to Leicester, Melton Mowbray, and Loughborough. This desirability means property prices remain robust, making it even more important to ensure you are not overpaying for a property with hidden defects. Our survey gives you the facts you need to negotiate with confidence.

Our Gaddesby surveyors are familiar with the common defects found in properties throughout the Leicestershire countryside. Many village properties were built using traditional methods that, while sound, require specific knowledge to assess properly. The predominant building materials in Gaddesby include warm red or orange local brick for walls, with slate or clay tiles for roofing, and some properties incorporate stone elements. We understand how these materials age and what problems typically arise as they do.

One of the most frequent issues our surveyors find in older Gaddesby properties is damp, particularly rising damp in solid-wall constructions that lack modern damp-proof courses. This is especially common in the older cottages and farmhouses that line the village lanes around St Luke's Church and the Conservation Area. We also regularly identify timber defects including woodworm and rot, particularly in floor joists and roof timbers where ventilation has been poor. These issues can be expensive to rectify if not identified early.

Roof conditions are another key area of focus for our Gaddesby surveys. Older roofs may have slipped tiles, defective flashing, or decaying timber in the rafters and purlins. Given the age of many properties in Gaddesby, our surveyors pay particular attention to leadwork around chimneys and valleys, which can deteriorate over time. We also check for signs of previous water ingress that may have caused hidden damage to rafters, insulation, and plasterwork.

The risk of surface water flooding should also be considered, particularly for properties in low-lying areas of the village near the watercourses that flow through the valley. While Gaddesby generally has a low risk of flooding from rivers, certain roads and lower-lying properties can be affected by surface water flooding after heavy rainfall. This can lead to damp issues in basements or ground floors, which our surveyors will assess during the inspection.

Properties in Gaddesby may also have outdated electrical systems and plumbing that do not meet current regulations. Wiring in properties built before the 1980s often does not meet modern standards and may require partial or complete rewiring. Similarly, old lead pipes or galvanized steel plumbing can affect water quality and pressure. Our survey includes a visual inspection of these services, and we will recommend a qualified electrician or plumber for further investigation if needed.