RICS Level 2 Survey in Great Salkeld

Great Salkeld is a village with significant historical character, with many properties dating from the mid-17th to late 18th century. The Conservation Area, designated in 2008 and revised in 2020, encompasses the central village and contains 23 listed buildings, including the Grade II* listed Church of St. Cuthbert and The Old Rectory. This concentration of older properties means that a RICS Level 2 survey is particularly valuable for buyers in the area, as older homes often have hidden issues that only an experienced surveyor can identify. Properties in the Conservation Area, such as those around Hunter Hall and the buildings along the main village street, often require careful assessment due to their age and historical significance.

The predominant building materials in Great Salkeld include red brick, roughcast render, and part-coursed sandstone, with roof coverings ranging from sandstone flag to Westmorland blue slate and concrete tile. These traditional materials require specific knowledge to assess properly. Our surveyors understand how local sandstone weathers over time, how pointing on older properties can fail, and what to look for in properties built with traditional lime mortar rather than modern cement. Properties built with local Penrith sandstone, such as the medieval grave slabs and Town Head farmhouse, showcase the traditional building methods that our surveyors are trained to evaluate.

Many properties in Great Salkeld sit close to the River Eden, which is a Special Area of Conservation. While the village itself sits above the river flood plain, properties in certain locations may still be affected by water table issues or drainage concerns. A Level 2 survey will identify any signs of damp or water damage that might be related to the local geology and proximity to the river system. The red sandstone bedrock that characterises the Eden Valley can also affect how foundations perform over time, particularly in properties that have been extended or altered. Our surveyors are familiar with the local geology and can spot signs of foundation movement or subsidence that might be indicated by cracking or distortion in walls.

The village has seen limited new build development in recent years, with most activity focused on small developments like Fold Gardens by JIW Properties. The majority of properties available are period homes requiring careful inspection. Given that the dominant property type was built between 1800 and 1911, our surveyors have extensive experience assessing the types of defects common to these age groups. We understand that properties in Great Salkeld may have been modified over the years, with extensions and alterations that require specific attention during the inspection process.

When purchasing a property in Great Salkeld, you are not just buying a home but investing in a property with unique characteristics that reflect its Eden Valley setting. Our survey helps you understand exactly what you are purchasing, from the condition of the sandstone chimney stacks common in the area to the Westmorland blue slate roofs that require specialist knowledge to assess properly. This knowledge allows you to make an informed decision and plan for any future maintenance or improvement works.

Properties in Great Salkeld present specific challenges that our surveyors are trained to identify. The age of many properties in the village means that damp is a common concern. Traditional buildings were constructed before modern damp-proof courses were standard, and rising damp can affect walls that have been rendered with cement-based renders, trapping moisture inside the structure. Our surveyors use their experience to identify signs of damp, including staining, salt deposits, and timber decay that may indicate ongoing moisture problems. We check all accessible walls, floors, and ceilings for evidence of damp, particularly in ground floor rooms where rising damp is most likely to occur.

The roof coverings found on Great Salkeld properties require specific expertise to assess properly. Sandstone flag tiles, while extremely durable, can become brittle over time and may crack or slip. Westmorland blue slate, a traditional local material, is particularly susceptible to frost damage in exposed positions. Our surveyors check all roof slopes that are accessible, examine the condition of ridge tiles and pointing, and assess the condition of flashings around chimneys and dormer windows. Many properties in the village have sandstone chimney stacks, which can suffer from weathering and require ongoing maintenance. We also inspect loft spaces where accessible, looking at the condition of rafters, joists, and any insulation.

Electrical systems in period properties are another common area of concern. Properties built before the 1970s will often have outdated wiring that does not meet current regulations. Our survey includes a visual inspection of the electrical consumer unit, wiring, and socket outlets, with recommendations for further investigation by a qualified electrician where necessary. Similarly, plumbing systems in older properties may use materials that are no longer considered best practice, such as lead pipes or galvanized steel supply pipes. We note the age and condition of visible pipework and advise on areas that require specialist inspection by a registered electrician or plumber.

The Conservation Area designation in Great Salkeld means that certain alterations to properties may require planning permission from Westmorland and Furness Council. Our surveyors are familiar with local planning requirements and can highlight any conservation considerations that may affect your intended use of the property. This includes restrictions on external alterations, requirements for specific materials, and limitations on extensions or outbuildings. We can advise on whether any visible alterations appear to have received proper planning consent, which is particularly important for properties in the Conservation Area.