RICS Level 2 Survey in Leverington

Our RICS Level 2 Survey in Leverington provides a comprehensive visual inspection of all readily accessible areas of the property. Our inspectors examine the condition of the walls, roof, floors, doors, and windows, as well as the building's services including electrics, plumbing, and heating. We assess both the interior and exterior of the property, looking for signs of damp, rot, structural movement, and other defects that might not be visible during a casual viewing. Each element receives a clear red, amber, or green condition rating to help you understand the severity of any issues identified.

Given Leverington's Fenland location and the prevalence of clay-rich soils in Cambridgeshire, our survey specifically addresses local environmental factors. We check for signs of subsidence or foundation movement, which can be a concern with the shrink-swell behaviour of clay soils during dry spells and periods of heavy rainfall. Our inspectors also note the proximity of trees to foundations, as these can exacerbate subsidence risks in this area. Properties with large trees close to the building are particularly common around the historic core of the village near St Leonard's Church.

The survey includes an assessment of the property's insulation and energy efficiency, which is particularly relevant for older properties in Leverington that may have solid walls or outdated heating systems. We examine the drainage arrangements, which is important given the local flood risk in parts of the village. Our detailed report provides you with a clear red, amber, or green rating system for each element of the property, making it easy to understand the severity of any issues identified. For properties in the Leverington Common area, where prices have shown 9% growth recently, this assessment is particularly valuable.

Our surveyors also pay attention to the specific construction methods used in the area. Traditional properties in Leverington were often built with red brick from northern Cambridgeshire clay, while some period properties feature the distinctive yellow Gault brick. Roofs commonly use natural grey slate or clay pantiles, with some older properties featuring thatch. Understanding these traditional materials helps our inspectors identify age-related defects that might affect modern mortgage valuations.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof covering and condition
• Damp and timber decay
• Electrical and gas services
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Boundaries and external areas
• Insulation and energy efficiency
• Drainage and drainage runs

Leverington's position in the Fenland District presents specific challenges that our inspectors address in every survey. The village falls within the Long Sutton to Newborough flood warning area, with parts of Leverington located in Flood Zone 3. Our surveyors check for signs of previous flooding, water ingress, and the effectiveness of existing drainage systems. We examine how the property handles surface water runoff, which is particularly important given the low-lying nature of the surrounding farmland. Planning applications in the area have noted flood risk concerns, making this assessment crucial for any property buyer.

The local geology presents another important consideration. Like much of Cambridgeshire, Leverington sits on clay-rich soils that are susceptible to shrink-swell behaviour. During prolonged dry periods, clay soils contract and can cause foundations to shift, leading to structural movement and cracking. Conversely, during wet periods, the soil expands and can cause heave. Our inspectors are trained to identify the signs of such movement, including cracks in walls, sticking doors and windows, and uneven floors. We pay particular attention to properties with large trees close to the building, as tree roots can draw moisture from the soil and exacerbate subsidence risks.

The historic core of Leverington, particularly around Church Road and Gorefield Road, contains properties built in the 17th and 18th centuries using traditional materials and construction methods. These properties often have solid brick walls rather than modern cavity walls, which can be more susceptible to penetrating damp. Our surveyors understand these construction methods and know what to look for when assessing period properties in the village. We also check for the presence of any previous structural alterations, which is important given the age of many properties in the area.

For those considering newer properties, our survey also covers recent developments including Sutton Park, where Flittermere Developments has been building new homes. We understand the common issues that can affect new build properties, including snagging items, ventilation issues, and construction defects that may not be apparent during a viewing. With plans recently submitted to replace larger homes with more affordable 2- and 3-bedroom properties, the development continues to evolve, and our inspectors stay current with the types of construction being used.

• Flood risk assessment
• Clay shrink-swell subsidence checks
• Historic property construction analysis
• Listed building considerations
• Drainage system inspection
• Surface water management