RICS Level 2 Survey in Glooston

Our RICS Level 2 survey, also known as the Home Survey Standard, provides a thorough inspection of the property's visible and accessible elements. We examine the walls, floors, ceilings, roof, joinery, and fixtures, giving you a clear picture of the property's current condition. In a village like Glooston, where properties range from historic cottages to more modern developments, our inspectors pay particular attention to construction styles common in Leicestershire. We understand that many homes in this area were built using traditional methods that require specific knowledge to assess accurately.

The survey includes a detailed assessment of the property's structure, identifying any signs of damp, rot, subsidence, or structural movement. We check the condition of windows, doors, and staircases, and evaluate the plumbing and electrical systems where visible. Our inspectors also assess the condition of the roof, including tiles, flashing, and gutters, which is particularly important for older properties in the Harborough area where weather exposure can take its toll on roofing materials over time. We have seen numerous properties in the village with original roofing that while appearing sound, may require attention within the coming years.

We provide a clear traffic light rating system for each element inspected, ranging from red (urgent attention required) to amber (requires attention) and green (satisfactory condition). This makes it easy for you to prioritise repairs and negotiate with sellers based on our findings. The report includes practical recommendations and estimated costs for any remedial work identified during the inspection. For Glooston buyers, this transparency is particularly valuable given the recent market adjustments and the need to ensure any property purchase makes financial sense in the current climate.

Our surveyors are experienced in identifying issues specific to Leicestershire properties, including those common in older village homes. We look for signs of movement that might indicate foundation issues, check for damp problems that can affect properties in this region, and assess the condition of period features that add character but may require ongoing maintenance. This local expertise means we can provide advice that's genuinely useful for your specific property rather than generic observations that could apply anywhere.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof covering and condition
• Damp and moisture detection
• Windows and doors
• Plumbing and electrical visible elements
• Internal joinery and finishes
• Exterior finishes and boundaries

Through our work in Glooston and the surrounding Harborough district, our surveyors have identified several issues that frequently appear in local properties. Many homes in this village were built several decades ago and, while solidly constructed, show signs of age-related wear that need careful assessment. Understanding these common problems helps you know what to expect when receiving your survey report and allows you to plan for any necessary work after purchase.

Roof conditions are among the most frequent concerns we identify, particularly on properties with original roofing materials that have exceeded their expected lifespan. Tiles can become brittle, flashing can deteriorate, and pointing can fail over time, leading to potential water ingress. Given Glooston's exposure to Leicestershire weather patterns, these issues are particularly relevant. Our inspectors examine roof spaces where accessible, checking for signs of past leaks, timber decay, and inadequate ventilation that could cause problems down the line.

Damp and moisture problems affect many properties in this area, particularly those with solid walls rather than modern cavity wall construction. Rising damp can affect ground floor walls, while penetrating damp may occur where pointing has deteriorated or where flashings have failed. Our surveyors use their experience to identify both obvious signs of damp and subtle indicators that might suggest hidden moisture problems requiring further investigation. These findings are clearly flagged in your report with appropriate recommendations.

Windows and doors in older Glooston properties often show wear and may not meet modern standards for energy efficiency. Single-glazed windows, rotten timber frames, and sticking doors are common findings that, while not always urgent, affect both comfort and running costs. We assess the condition of all windows and doors, noting any that require immediate attention and those where improvement would be beneficial. This helps you plan maintenance work and understand potential costs after moving in.

Your RICS Level 2 survey report from Homemove follows the RICS professional standards, ensuring consistency and quality across all our inspections. The report begins with a property summary, including details about the property's age, construction type, and tenure. This contextual information helps you understand the property within the broader Glooston housing market and compare it to similar properties in the area. We include information about the property's position relative to local average prices, helping you assess whether the asking price reflects the property's condition.

The main body of the report provides a room-by-room assessment, highlighting any defects found during the inspection. We use a clear traffic light system to indicate the urgency of any issues identified, making it easy for you to distinguish between minor cosmetic defects and serious problems requiring immediate attention. Each section includes our professional opinion on the overall condition and any necessary remedial work. For Glooston properties, we pay particular attention to elements that commonly show issues in local homes, such as roof conditions, window frames, and damp penetration.

The report concludes with a section on legal considerations, flagging any issues that may require further investigation by your solicitor. This includes any discrepancies in the title deeds, planning permissions for extensions or alterations, and matters that might affect the property's value or enjoyment. Our goal is to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your Glooston property purchase. We also include a summary of the main findings and our recommendations, making it easy to understand the overall condition at a glance.