RICS Level 2 Survey in Langley Burrell Without

Our RICS Level 2 survey provides a thorough inspection of the property's accessible areas, identifying both obvious defects and potential hidden issues. Our inspector examines the overall condition of the roof, walls, floors, windows, doors, and foundation elements, providing a clear red, amber, or green rating for each area assessed. This visual inspection covers the exterior and interior of the building, including the roof space where accessible, sub-floor areas, and integral garages or outbuildings. We take photographs of all significant defects and include these in your final report, giving you clear visual evidence of any issues discovered during the inspection.

For properties in Langley Burrell Without, our surveyors pay particular attention to the traditional construction methods commonly found in this area. Many homes here feature stone walls with lime mortar pointing, original timber-framed windows, and stone slate roofs that require specialist knowledge to assess properly. We look for signs of damp penetration, structural movement, and deterioration that affects older properties in this part of Wiltshire. Our understanding of traditional building physics allows us to distinguish between normal aging and more serious defects that require urgent attention.

The survey also includes a comprehensive assessment of the property's services, including electrical installations, plumbing, and heating systems. Our inspector identifies any outdated or potentially dangerous installations that require attention, and notes any areas where building regulations compliance may be an issue. Many properties in Langley Burrell Without date from the pre-1919 period, meaning they may contain older electrical systems that do not meet current safety standards. Our detailed report includes clear photographs and specific recommendations for repairs or further investigations, helping you understand exactly what work may be needed after completion.

We also assess the property's energy efficiency as part of our standard inspection, noting the condition of insulation, windows, and heating systems. Older properties in particular may have significant heat loss through walls, roofs, and windows, leading to high energy bills. Our report highlights these issues so you can plan for improvements after moving in.

• Structural elements and walls
• Roof covering and insulation
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Damp and moisture detection
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• Outbuildings and boundaries
• Energy efficiency assessment
• Boundary walls and fences

Given the age of much of the housing stock in Langley Burrell Without, our surveyors frequently identify issues related to the age and construction of traditional buildings. Structural movement is often observed in older properties, manifesting as cracks in walls or ceilings, uneven floors, and doors that do not close properly. While some movement is normal in older properties, our surveyors assess whether the movement is active and potentially serious, or historical and stable. We look for signs of ongoing movement such as fresh cracks or widening existing fractures, which may indicate foundation problems that require further investigation by a structural engineer.

Damp represents one of the most common defects found in period properties throughout the village. Solid stone walls without modern damp proof courses can suffer from rising damp, while inadequate ventilation leads to condensation problems, particularly in older properties that have been upgraded with modern windows but without sufficient airflow. Our surveyors use their expertise to identify the type and cause of damp, distinguishing between penetrating damp, rising damp, and condensation, and recommend appropriate remediation. We also check for signs of timber decay including wet rot and dry rot, which can affect structural timbers and joinery in older properties.

Roof conditions require careful assessment in Langley Burrell Without, where stone slate roofs are prevalent. These traditional roofs can develop leaks as the slates age, mortar deteriorates, or flashings fail. Our inspection includes assessment of the roof structure, coverings, and insulation levels, identifying any areas where repairs or improvements are needed. Many older properties also have hidden defects in their roof spaces, including damaged rafters, inadequate insulation, and in some cases, evidence of past timber pest activity. We also check the condition of chimney stacks, which are common on period properties but can deteriorate over time.

Electrical and plumbing systems in older properties often require attention. Many homes in Langley Burrell Without still have original wiring that does not meet current regulations and poses a fire risk. We inspect the consumer unit, wiring condition, and socket outlets, noting any deficiencies. Similarly, older plumbing systems may use galvanized steel or lead pipes that should be replaced. Our report includes recommendations for upgrading these essential services to ensure the property meets modern safety standards.

• Structural movement and cracking
• Rising damp in solid walls
• Deteriorating stone slate roofs
• Outdated electrical installations
• Inadequate insulation
• Timber rot and woodworm
• Condensation issues
• Chimney condition deterioration
• Lead or galvanized steel pipes
• Asbestos-containing materials