RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey in LE7 6 Leicester

Our RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey is specifically designed for conventional properties in reasonable condition. The inspection covers all accessible areas of the property, including the roof space where safe access is available, the exterior walls, windows and doors, and the interior rooms. Our surveyors systematically examine the structural integrity of the building, checking for signs of movement, damp penetration, timber decay, and any defects that could affect the property's value or safety.

For properties in the LE7 6 area, our inspectors pay particular attention to the common issues found in local housing stock. Many properties in this area were built before 1945, meaning they often feature traditional red-brick construction with solid 9-inch brick walls and lime mortar joints. These construction methods, while durable, can present specific challenges that our surveyors are trained to identify and assess.

The survey report includes a clear condition rating system that highlights any defects found, categorising them by severity. This means you can quickly identify which issues require immediate attention and which are minor maintenance matters. We also provide market valuation and insurance rebuild costs as part of the standard report, giving you a complete picture of the property's worth.

Our surveyors inspect every accessible element of the property, from the foundations through to the roof covering. We examine the condition of the guttering and drainage systems, check the condition of windows and doors, assess the plumbing and electrical installations where visible, and evaluate the overall structure. For properties with loft spaces, we will access these where it is safe to do so, examining the roof structure, insulation, and any visible defects.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof structure and coverings
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Damp and moisture assessment
• Electrical and gas safety visible items
• Plumbing and drainage visible items
• Timber floors and staircases
• Garage and outbuildings

Our experience surveying properties across the LE7 6 postcode has identified several recurring issues that buyers should be aware of. The Mercia Mudstone geology underlying this area is prone to seasonal shrink-swell movement, which can cause foundations to shift over time. This is particularly relevant for older properties with shallow foundations, where we often find signs of structural movement such as cracks in walls, tilting chimney stacks, or gaps where walls meet floors.

Damp is another frequent finding in properties across this area. Victorian and interwar properties built before effective damp-proof courses were standard commonly exhibit rising or penetrating damp. Our surveyors inspect all areas for moisture penetration, using their expertise to distinguish between minor condensation issues and more serious damp problems that could affect the fabric of the building. We have seen numerous cases in properties around Syston, Anstey, and the older villages where damp has been present for years without proper treatment.

Roof condition is also a common area of concern. Many older properties in the LE7 area feature original slate or tile roofs that have deteriorated over decades. We inspect roof coverings, verges, ridges, hips, valleys, and flat roof areas for signs of damage, missing tiles, or inadequate drainage. Guttering and downpipes are checked for blockages or deterioration that could lead to water penetration.

The local housing stock also includes properties built during the interwar period, which may have different construction characteristics than earlier Victorian homes. These properties can present their own set of issues, including potentially outdated electrical systems and original features that may have deteriorated over time. We have found that many interwar semis in the LE7 area were built with solid concrete floors rather than suspended timber, which can be prone to dampness if the membrane is damaged.

Properties in the newer developments such as The Middletons and The Haywoods at Broadnook Garden Village, while built to modern standards, can still benefit from a Level 2 survey. Our surveyors have identified defects in new build properties including incomplete snagging items, issues with window installations, and problems with external render. Even with NHBC warranty coverage, having an independent survey provides you with and a documented record of the property's condition at the time of purchase.

Understanding the construction methods used in properties across the LE7 6 area helps our surveyors identify potential issues more effectively. The majority of older properties in this part of Leicestershire were built using traditional red-brick construction with solid 9-inch external walls. These solid walls were typically built with lime mortar rather than cement, which allows some flexibility but can deteriorate over time if exposed to persistent wet weather.

Many Victorian properties in the area feature bay windows at the front, which were a popular feature of homes built between 1880 and 1910. These bay projections often have their own separate foundations, and we have seen cases where differential settlement between the main building and the bay window has caused cracking. Our surveyors pay particular attention to these areas, as well as to the condition of the original sash windows that are common in these properties.

The interwar properties built between 1918 and 1939 often feature different construction methods, including cavity wall construction that was becoming more common during this period. However, many of these early cavity walls may not meet modern standards for insulation or tying. We also see properties from this era with concrete tile roofs, which are heavier than clay or slate and can place additional stress on the roof structure.

Modern properties built since the 1990s typically feature cavity wall insulation and modern roof trusses, but these too have their own characteristic issues. Poor installation of insulation, inadequate ventilation in roof spaces, and defects in the brickwork or render are all things our surveyors check for when inspecting newer properties in the area.