RICS Level 2 Survey in Market Lavington

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a comprehensive assessment of your Market Lavington property, examining all accessible areas including the roof space, walls, floors, doors, and windows. We inspect the condition of the building fabric and identify defects that affect value or safety, providing clear ratings from "not inspected" through to "requires urgent attention." The survey includes an assessment of dampness, which is particularly relevant in Market Lavington's older properties where solid wall construction lacks modern cavity wall insulation. Our surveyors use thermal detection equipment where appropriate to identify areas of moisture penetration that may not be visible to the naked eye.

Given the local geology featuring heavy clay soils in areas like the Broadway district, our inspectors pay particular attention to signs of subsidence or ground movement. We check for cracking in walls, uneven floors, and doors or windows that do not close properly, all of which can indicate structural issues. The presence of clay in the soil means that properties with trees nearby or those experiencing drainage problems may be at higher risk, and our report will highlight any concerns we find. We also examine exterior brickwork for signs of movement, particularly in properties that have experienced periods of drought or excessive rainfall.

We also assess the condition of roofing, which is a common issue in Market Lavington's older properties. Many homes in the village have original roof structures that may have suffered from wear and tear over decades. Our surveyors inspect for missing or broken tiles, sagging rooflines, inadequate insulation, and signs of leaks. We also examine timber elements for rot or woodworm damage, particularly in properties where ventilation may be poor or where dampness has been present. Given the age of much of the housing stock, we also check for asbestos-containing materials in properties built before 1999.

The survey includes a thorough evaluation of services such as electrical wiring, plumbing, and heating systems visible during the inspection. While we do not test these systems, we can identify obvious defects, outdated wiring that may not meet current regulations, and signs of poor maintenance. Our aim is to give you a complete picture of the property's condition so you can budget appropriately for any remedial work needed.

• Wall condition and structural integrity
• Roofing and loft space inspection
• Damp and moisture assessment
• Electrical and plumbing visible condition
• Windows and doors operation
• Drainage and guttering condition
• Insulation and energy efficiency
• Timber defects and rot

Our experience surveying properties throughout Market Lavington and the surrounding SN10 area means we know the common issues that affect homes in this part of Wiltshire. Many properties in the village centre date from the 18th and 19th centuries, constructed with solid walls that lack modern damp-proof courses. This can lead to rising damp or penetrating damp, particularly in properties where brickwork has weathered over decades or where pointing has deteriorated. We frequently identify damp issues in properties along the High Street and in the Conservation Area where older construction methods were used.

The historic brick-making industry in Market Lavington, centred around the Broadway area where local clay was used until the 1950s, means that many older properties were built using locally produced bricks. While these are generally durable, they can be more susceptible to frost damage and salt efflorescence than modern bricks. Our surveyors inspect brickwork carefully, looking for signs of deterioration that might require repointing or structural repairs. The 1865-built new manor house, constructed of red brick with blue brick patterning and stone dressings, exemplifies the quality of local brickwork from that era, though even these premium buildings require ongoing maintenance.

Outdated electrical systems and plumbing are frequently identified in Market Lavington's older properties. Many homes still contain original wiring from the mid-20th century or earlier, which may not meet current safety standards and could pose a fire risk. Similarly, lead or galvanised steel pipes, common in properties built before the 1970s, can corrode and affect water quality. Our Level 2 Survey highlights these concerns so you can budget for essential upgrades. We also check the condition of consumer units and the presence of adequate earthing.

Given the local geology, we often find evidence of subsidence or ground movement in properties throughout Market Lavington. The heavy clay soils in the Broadway area and other parts of the parish can cause foundations to shift over time, particularly where trees are present or where drainage is poor. Our surveyors examine walls for cracking, check floor levels with precision equipment, and assess whether doors and windows operate correctly. Any signs of movement are clearly flagged in our report with recommendations for further investigation if necessary.

• Rising and penetrating damp in solid-walled properties
• Roof deterioration and missing tiles
• Structural movement related to clay soil
• Outdated electrical wiring systems
• Old plumbing with lead or galvanised pipes
• Timber rot and woodworm infestation
• Poor insulation and energy efficiency
• Asbestos in properties built before 1999

Understanding the construction methods used in Market Lavington properties helps explain the common issues our surveyors encounter. The predominant building material in the village is red brick, with many houses featuring the characteristic warm tones of bricks produced from local clay. Properties built from the 18th century onwards typically feature solid walls without cavity insulation, which can lead to condensation and damp problems, particularly in properties that have not been modernised. The absence of modern damp-proof courses means that rising damp is a frequent finding in older properties throughout the village.

Some properties in Market Lavington retain their original timber-framed construction, particularly along the High Street where houses date from the 16th or early 17th century. These properties often feature visible timber framing, and some have jettied upper storeys that project over the street. While these historic buildings are generally sound, they require careful inspection to assess the condition of hidden structural timbers that may have been affected by woodworm or rot over the centuries. The Grade I listed The Old House, a 14th-century manor built of roughcast stone with some brick, represents the oldest construction in the village and exemplifies the complex structural histories that characterise the area's historic housing stock.

Roofing throughout Market Lavington typically consists of clay tiles, reflecting the local tile-making industry that operated alongside brick production. These traditional roofs are generally durable but can suffer from age-related deterioration, particularly where tiles have been exposed to frost damage or where pointing has failed. Many properties have loft spaces that are accessible for inspection, though some may have restricted access due to low ceilings or insulation installation. Our surveyors examine all accessible roof areas thoroughly, looking for signs of leaks, damaged tiling, and inadequate insulation that could affect the property's energy efficiency.