RICS Level 2 Survey North Scarle

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property. We examine the walls, roof, floors, windows, doors, and the overall structural integrity of the building. For North Scarle properties, this is particularly important given the age of much the housing stock. Many homes in this village date back to the pre-1919 period or the interwar years, meaning they were built with construction methods that differ significantly from modern standards. Our surveyors check for signs of movement, damp penetration, and deterioration that commonly affects these older properties.

The Mercia Mudstone geology underlying North Scarle presents specific challenges for property owners. Clay soils are prone to shrink-swell behaviour, which can cause foundations to move slightly over time, particularly during periods of drought or excessive wetness. Our inspectors are trained to identify the tell-tale signs of this type of ground movement, including cracking patterns in walls, door and window sticking, and gaps around window frames. We also assess the condition of drainage systems, which in older properties are often made from clayware that can deteriorate or become blocked over time.

Our Level 2 report includes a clear traffic light rating system that highlights defects requiring urgent attention in red, those requiring future attention in amber, and those that are satisfactory in green. This makes it easy to prioritise repairs and budget accordingly. We also provide a market value assessment and an insurance rebuild cost, which are essential for ensuring you have adequate buildings cover from the day you complete.

The report format follows RICS standards, with sections covering the property's general condition, specific defects found, and recommendations for any further investigations that may be needed. We include photographs of all significant issues found during our inspection, giving you a clear visual record of the property's condition at the time of survey.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof covering and structure
• Windows and doors
• Damp and timber condition
• Drainage and gutters
• Electrical and gas visible elements
• Outbuildings and boundaries

Properties in North Scarle face several area-specific issues that our surveyors are trained to identify. Damp is perhaps the most common problem, particularly in the older solid-walled properties that make up a significant portion of the village's housing stock. Rising damp can occur where the original damp-proof course has failed or was never installed, while penetrating damp often affects walls that have been exposed to years of wind-driven rain. Our surveyors use moisture meters and their experience to assess the extent and cause of any dampness found. Properties with solid brick walls, common in pre-1919 cottages, are particularly susceptible to damp penetration if the external render has deteriorated or if pointing has failed.

Roof conditions are another frequent area of concern. Many older properties in the village retain their original clay tile or slate roofs, which while durable, do require regular maintenance. We commonly find slipped tiles, failed pointing to ridge tiles, and deteriorated sarking felt that can allow water penetration. The timber roof structures in these properties may also show signs of woodworm or rot, particularly where ventilation has been poor or where there has been historical leakage. In properties with original slate roofs, we often see deterioration of the nail fixings which can lead to slate slippage over time.

Electrical and plumbing systems in older North Scarle properties often require upgrading to meet current standards. Rewiring may be necessary where the original installation is decades old and cannot safely cope with modern electrical demands. We frequently find that properties built before the 1970s may still have textile-covered cable or rubber-insulated wiring, which represents a significant safety concern. Similarly, old galvanised iron plumbing pipes may be corroded and prone to leaks, with many older properties still using feed and expansion tanks in the loft space rather than modern sealed systems.

The clay geology underlying much of North Scarle also means that we pay particular attention to signs of subsidence or ground movement. Properties built on Mercia Mudstone can experience foundation movement during periods of drought, particularly where trees are present near the building. We look for characteristic diagonal cracking patterns, especially around door and window openings, and assess whether any movement appears to be ongoing or historic in nature.