RICS Level 2 Survey in Kegworth

A RICS Level 2 Survey, formerly known as the HomeBuyer Report, provides a comprehensive visual inspection of the property's accessible areas. Our surveyors examine the walls, floors, ceilings, roof space, boundaries, and outside areas, looking for signs of defects, decay, or damage that could affect the property's value or require costly repairs. The survey includes an assessment of the property's construction, services, and finishes, giving you a clear picture of what you are buying before you complete the purchase. We check every accessible element systematically, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

In Kegworth, where properties range from historic timber-framed houses dating back to the 17th century to contemporary new-build homes, our surveyors know exactly what to look for. The survey highlights issues such as damp, timber decay, roof condition, and structural movement, providing traffic light ratings of condition for each element inspected. You will receive a detailed report with photographs and clear recommendations, enabling you to make an informed decision about your property purchase. Our local experience means we can identify issues that are particularly common in this area, such as problems with older timber-framed properties or defects in newer construction.

The Level 2 Survey is suitable for conventional properties built from traditional materials, including the red brick terraced houses on the High Street, the semi-detached properties that dominate recent sales, and the detached homes at developments like Kegworth Gate. For listed buildings or properties of unusual construction, we may recommend a RICS Level 3 Building Survey, which provides an even more detailed assessment. Our surveyors will advise you on the most appropriate survey type based on the specific property you are purchasing, ensuring you get the level of detail you need.

We also assess the property's flood risk, which is particularly important in Kegworth given its location on the River Soar. Our reports include information about the property's vulnerability to flooding and any steps you should take to mitigate risks. This local knowledge is invaluable for buyers in the lower-lying areas of the village.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Condition ratings for each element
• Assessment of walls, roof, floors, and foundations
• Evaluation of damp and timber decay
• Roof condition and insulation check
• Boundary and outside area inspection
• Services inspection (electrics, plumbing, heating)
• Market value and insurance rebuild cost

Kegworth's property market has seen notable activity in recent years, with the village becoming increasingly popular among commuters working in Nottingham, Leicester, and Derby. The average property price of £275,951 represents a 4% decrease from previous levels, making it an attractive option for buyers looking for value in North West Leicestershire. However, even in a softening market, a professional survey protects your investment by revealing any hidden defects that could cost significantly more to repair later. Our surveyors have seen firsthand how issues that seem minor during a viewing can develop into major problems, which is why we recommend a Level 2 Survey for every property purchase.

The village's proximity to East Midlands Airport and the East Midlands Gateway freight terminal creates unique considerations for property buyers. Properties near these transport hubs may experience different environmental factors, including noise and traffic, that are worth understanding before completing a purchase. Our surveyors can identify any structural or condition issues that might be exacerbated by heavy vehicle traffic or airport operations in the area. Additionally, the growth of the University of Nottingham Sutton Bonington Campus has led to increased student housing demand, affecting both property values and the condition of buy-to-let properties in the village.

Many properties in Kegworth were constructed using traditional methods that require specific knowledge to assess properly. From the historic timber-framed buildings in the conservation area to the newer developments off Ashby Road, each property type presents its own set of potential issues. Our surveyors understand these local construction methods and can identify problems that a less experienced surveyor might miss. This local expertise is particularly valuable when assessing older properties that may have been modified over the years, potentially hiding defects beneath modern finishes.

The mix of old and new properties in Kegworth means that buyers need surveyors who can evaluate everything from 17th-century timber framing to modern timber-frame construction used by Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes. Our team has experience with all these property types, ensuring you receive an accurate assessment regardless of what property you are buying. We provide practical advice that helps you understand the true condition of your potential new home.

Kegworth's housing stock reflects its long history, with properties built using a variety of materials and construction methods that have evolved over the centuries. Before about 1700, timber framing was the predominant construction technique, with examples of cruck framing on High Street and box framing on Nottingham Road still visible today. After 1700, red brick became the standard building material, with early examples on London Road and terraces on the High Street dating from around 1750. Many of these historic properties were constructed using bricks from the local clay pit on New Brickyard Lane, giving them distinctive characteristics that our surveyors know to look for. The presence of rubble stone construction on Dragwell and parts of the High Street adds further variety to the local building heritage.

The mix of construction types in Kegworth means that our surveyors encounter various potential issues during inspections. Older timber-framed properties may have signs of timber decay, insect infestation, or structural movement if the original foundations were inadequate for local ground conditions. Properties built with red brick may show signs of damp penetration, especially if modern cement-based renders have been applied that trap moisture within the walls. Our surveyors pay particular attention to properties where render has been applied to older brickwork, as this can cause significant problems if the wall cannot breathe properly. Buildings on Dragwell, which are generally faced in red brick, render, or painted brick, require careful assessment for these exact issues.

The roofing materials vary across the village, with plain tile dominating the historic core, natural slate more common on High Street, and non-traditional roofing materials present on Borough Street and parts of London Road and Nottingham Road. Properties with non-traditional roofing materials may experience different durability and weatherproofing characteristics compared to traditional tiles and slates. Our surveyors check these roofs carefully, looking for signs of wear, improper installation, or water ingress that could lead to expensive repairs. The locally sourced Swithland Slate seen on buildings like The Great House is a traditional material that, when properly maintained, can last for generations.

For properties in the Kegworth conservation area, special considerations apply. Any alterations or repairs to these properties may require listed building consent or planning permission from North West Leicestershire District Council. Our surveyors understand these requirements and will flag any issues that may affect your ability to alter or maintain the property in the future. Properties like The Great House on London Road, which is Grade II listed and dates from 1698, would typically require a more detailed RICS Level 3 Survey due to their age, construction complexity, and protected status. The lower part of All Saints Parish Church tower dates to the thirteenth century, illustrating the depth of heritage in this area that buyers should be aware of.

When our surveyor arrives at your Kegworth property, they will begin by introducing themselves and explaining what the inspection will cover. We understand that buying a home can be stressful, so our surveyors take the time to put you at ease while maintaining a thorough approach to their work. The inspection typically lasts between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the property. For larger detached properties in areas like Kegworth Gate or the properties along London Road, the inspection may take longer to ensure every accessible area is properly examined.

Our surveyor will move through the property systematically, examining walls, floors, ceilings, and the roof space. They will look for signs of damp, structural movement, timber decay, and other defects that could affect the property's value or require repair. In the roof space, they check the condition of the rafters, battens, and any insulation, looking for signs of leaks or inadequate ventilation. For properties with flat roofs, particular attention is paid to the condition of the covering and any signs of water pooling. Our surveyors use specialized equipment to help identify issues that are not immediately visible, including damp meters and thermal imaging in some cases.

Outside the property, our surveyor will examine the boundaries, walls, fences, and any outbuildings. They will assess the overall grounds and note any trees that might affect the property, particularly those close to the building that could cause subsidence or root damage. In Kegworth, where properties may be close to the River Soar, particular attention is paid to drainage and any signs of previous flooding. The surveyor will also check the condition of any extensions or alterations that have been made to the property, ensuring they were properly constructed and do not cause issues.

After the inspection, our surveyor will leave the property and begin preparing your detailed report. You will receive this within 3-5 working days, delivered electronically for your convenience. The report includes clear condition ratings for each element inspected, colour-coded to show whether urgent attention is needed, whether there are defects that require negotiation, or whether the element is in satisfactory condition. Each issue is accompanied by photographs and clear recommendations, making it easy to understand what work may be needed now or in the future.