RICS Level 2 Survey in Moreton, Dorset

Our Level 2 Home Survey provides a comprehensive assessment of the property condition, specifically designed for conventional properties built within the last 150 years. The survey includes a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas, from the roof structure down to the foundations, covering the main walls, floors, ceilings, doors, and windows throughout the property. We examine the condition of the building fabric and identify defects that affect the value or require attention.

In Moreton's rural setting, our inspectors pay particular attention to issues common to the area's older properties. This includes checking for damp in traditional stone and brick walls, assessing roof conditions on older buildings, and identifying any signs of subsidence or heave that may be related to the local clay soils. We also examine timber elements for rot and woodworm, check the condition of plumbing and electrical installations, and evaluate the overall thermal efficiency of the property.

The report we produce uses clear RICS traffic light ratings to indicate the condition of each area - red for urgent repairs needed, amber for issues requiring attention, and green for satisfactory condition. Each section includes our professional opinion on the cause of any defects found and recommendations for appropriate remedial action. We also highlight any legal or regulatory issues that may affect the property.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, damp assessment
• Foundation and subsidence check
• Timber condition (rot, woodworm)
• Electrical and plumbing overview
• Thermal efficiency evaluation

Properties in Moreton, Dorset, face several area-specific challenges that our surveyors regularly identify. The age of much of the housing stock means that damp is a frequent finding - both rising damp in properties lacking proper damp-proof courses and penetrating damp from weathered external walls. Traditional stone and brick properties built with lime mortar are particularly susceptible to moisture ingress when mortar deteriorates or renders fail. Our inspectors use moisture meters and thermal imaging where appropriate to assess the extent of damp problems.

Roof conditions represent another common issue in this area. Many older properties feature original roof coverings that have reached the end of their serviceable life. Our inspectors examine tiles, slates, flashings, and roof timbers for signs of deterioration, leaks, and structural movement. Sagging rooflines and defective flashings around chimneys are regularly identified during our surveys in Moreton. We also check loft spaces where accessible to assess the condition of timbers and insulation.

Given the geology of parts of Dorset, including areas with clay soils, our surveyors also check carefully for signs of subsidence or heave. Properties with shallow foundations or those with large trees nearby may show movement-related cracking. We assess the condition of walls, particularly around openings and extensions, to identify any signs of structural movement that may require further investigation. The proximity to the River Frome also means we note any flood risk considerations for properties in low-lying areas.

• Rising and penetrating damp
• Roof deterioration and leaks
• Subsidence or heave movement
• Timber rot and woodworm
• Outdated electrical systems
• Poor thermal insulation