RICS Level 2 Survey in Measham

Our Level 2 survey, formerly known as the HomeBuyer Report, provides a thorough inspection of the property's visible and accessible areas. Our inspectors examine the walls, roof, floors, doors, windows, and fittings, documenting any defects or areas requiring attention. The report includes a clear traffic light rating system showing which areas are satisfactory, which require attention, and which need urgent repair. For Measham properties, this is particularly valuable given the mix of older housing stock and newer builds in the area.

The survey includes a comprehensive assessment of the property's structural condition, including any signs of damp, structural movement, or roofing issues. Our inspectors will check the integrity of the building's structure, looking for cracks in walls, uneven floors, or doors that don't close properly. In Measham, where properties can be affected by the historical coal mining in the area, we pay particular attention to signs of subsidence or ground movement that might indicate underlying issues with the foundations. We measure floor levels, examine crack patterns in external walls, and assess whether the property shows any signs of past movement that could signal ongoing structural concerns.

We also assess the condition of key building services including plumbing, electrical wiring, and heating systems. Our surveyors will identify outdated electrical systems, old pipework, or heating equipment that may need replacement or upgrading. In older Measham properties, we frequently find older electrical wiring systems that may not meet current regulations, including potential knob-and-tube wiring in properties built before the 1970s. We also check for adequate insulation and ventilation, as poor thermal performance can lead to condensation problems and higher energy bills, which is particularly important given the current cost-of-living pressures affecting homeowners in the area.

For properties in Measham's Conservation Area or listed buildings, we can advise on whether a more detailed RICS Level 3 Building Survey would be appropriate given the special considerations required for heritage properties. Properties in the Conservation Area along the High Street may require specialist repair techniques using traditional materials like lime mortar, and our surveyors will check whether any unauthorized alterations have been made that could affect your ownership or require retrospective Listed Building Consent.

• Structural condition assessment
• Damp and moisture detection
• Roof and chimney inspection
• Electrical and plumbing overview
• Thermal efficiency comments
• Traffic light condition ratings
• Professional advice and recommendations

Measham presents a diverse range of property types that each require specific attention during a survey. The village has grown significantly over the years, with large council and private housing estates built throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. The historic centre along the High Street features older properties, some dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, constructed using traditional red brick and render techniques. These older properties often feature "Measham gobs," the distinctive local brick that was produced by the area's former brickworks industry, most notably operated by Joseph Wilkes who produced the famous "Jumb Bricks".

For properties in Measham's Conservation Area, which was originally established in 1991 and covers the High Street and surrounding streets, special considerations apply. There are 15 listed buildings in the village, including the Church of St Lawrence (Grade II*), and various buildings along Saracen's Row, Navigation Street, and Brickyard Cottages. If you're purchasing a listed property or one within the Conservation Area, our surveyors will assess whether the property may require specialist repair techniques using traditional materials like lime mortar, and whether any unauthorized alterations have been made that could affect your ownership. The Conservation Area boundaries were revised in September 2001 and December 2016 to include additional areas of historical significance.

The newer developments in Measham represent more modern construction methods. Chamberlain Place by Peveril Homes, situated off Bosworth Road, is now sold out and features the distinctive "exquisite brick" that reflects Measham's heritage. David Wilson Homes continues to build in the area, offering properties ranging from £229,995 to £574,995 across 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom options. While these properties are generally in good condition, they still benefit from a Level 2 survey to identify any snagging issues or defects that may have emerged since construction. Even new builds can have hidden issues that only a professional survey can uncover, and our inspectors are familiar with common defects found in recently constructed properties.

Looking ahead, several major developments are planned for Measham that will further expand the village. A proposed development of around 300 dwellings on land off Leicester Road/Ashby Road has been granted planning permission, while another site off Abney Drive could deliver approximately 199 additional homes. These new developments will add to the housing stock in an area that has seen significant growth, with 266 property sales in the last 24 months alone in the DE12 7 postcode area.

• Properties near River Mease (flood risk areas)
• Conservation Area properties
• Listed buildings
• Modern housing estates
• Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses
• Former council housing

Our experience surveying properties across Measham and the surrounding North West Leicestershire area means we know what defects are most commonly found in local homes. Given the region's mining history, including the former Minorca colliery on the outskirts of the village, we frequently check for signs of subsidence or ground movement. Properties along Leicester Road were affected by mining subsidence in the post-war period, and Measham Hall was demolished in 1959 due to these issues. Our surveyors are trained to identify the subtle signs of structural movement, including crack patterns in walls, doors that stick or don't close properly, and uneven floor levels. We measure floor levels using precise levelling equipment to detect any ongoing movement that might not be visible to the untrained eye.

Damp is another common issue we encounter, particularly in older properties that may have failed damp-proof courses or inadequate ventilation. Rising damp can affect ground floor walls, while penetrating damp may be present in properties with damaged roofs, faulty gutters, or compromised window seals. With Measham's clay-rich soils, properties can also be affected by shrink-swell behaviour, where the ground expands and contracts with moisture levels, potentially causing foundation movement and structural stress. This is particularly relevant for properties built on the clay deposits that underlie much of the area, which were historically used for pottery and brick-making.

Roofing problems are frequently identified in our Measham surveys, ranging from missing or damaged tiles to more serious issues with roof structures. Many older properties in the village have original roofing that may be reaching the end of its lifespan. We also check for adequate insulation and ventilation, as poor thermal performance can lead to condensation problems and higher energy bills. For properties with older electrical systems, we identify any wiring that may not meet current regulations, including potential knob-and-tube wiring in very old properties or aluminium wiring that was commonly used in certain periods.

The local employment landscape also affects property condition, as many residents work in manufacturing roles at companies in the area. Properties owned by those working in technical positions at firms like Etex or in HR at Bloor Homes may have been well-maintained, but we still recommend a thorough survey. Properties in the area may also show signs of wear from the heavy rainfall that can affect the River Mease catchment area, particularly during winter months when water levels rise and properties in flood-risk zones like Huntingdon Way and Mallard Close may experience water ingress.

• Subsidence and foundation movement
• Rising and penetrating damp
• Roof tile damage or deterioration
• Outdated electrical systems
• Poor insulation and ventilation
• Window and door defects
• Chimney condition issues
• Guttering and drainage problems