RICS Level 2 Survey in North West Leicestershire

Our RICS Level 2 survey provides a comprehensive assessment of the property's visible and accessible elements. The inspection covers the overall condition of the property's structure, including walls, floors, ceilings, and roof. Our surveyors examine the condition of external elements such as roofs, walls, windows, doors, and chimneys, noting any signs of damage, wear, or deterioration that could affect the property's value or require future investment. Every element receives a clear condition rating that helps you prioritise any necessary work.

Inside the property, we assess the condition of internal finishes, fixtures, and fittings, checking for issues like damp, rot, or structural movement. The survey includes evaluation of building services such as plumbing, electrical systems, and heating, identifying any obvious defects or areas requiring specialist attention. For properties in North West Leicestershire, our inspectors pay particular attention to common issues found in the local housing stock, including problems associated with older properties and potential ground stability concerns that are relevant to this area.

The resulting report provides a clear, easy-to-understand rating system that highlights defects by their severity, from urgent issues requiring immediate attention to matters requiring future monitoring. Each section of the property receives a rating, allowing you to quickly identify which areas need the most attention. The report also includes practical advice on maintenance and any specialist investigations that may be advisable before completing your purchase. This approach helps you understand not just what issues exist, but what they might cost to put right.

• External walls, roof, and chimneys
• Internal walls, floors, and ceilings
• Windows and doors
• Damp and timber assessment
• Plumbing and electrical basics
• Heating systems
• Outbuildings and boundaries

North West Leicestershire presents specific challenges and considerations that our surveyors address in every report. The district's geology includes areas with clay soils, particularly around the Coalville area, which can pose shrink-swell risks affecting foundations. Our inspectors are trained to look for signs of movement or subsidence that may be related to ground conditions, especially in properties that have experienced periods of drought or heavy rainfall. Clay shrinkage during dry spells and expansion during wet periods can cause foundation movement, particularly in properties with shallow foundations.

The area also has a mining legacy, particularly in regions around Coalville and surrounding villages. Historical mining activity can lead to ground stability concerns that require specialist assessment. While a Level 2 survey provides a general overview of structural condition, our surveyors will note any signs that suggest further investigation into mining history or ground stability may be advisable. Properties in areas with known mining activity may require a specialist mining report before proceeding.

Flood risk affects several areas within North West Leicestershire, particularly properties near the River Trent and its tributaries, including parts of Castle Donington and Kegworth. Surface water flooding can also occur in low-lying areas. Our surveyors assess the property's flood risk indicators and include relevant information in your report, allowing you to make informed decisions about insurance requirements and mitigation measures. Properties in flood risk zones may require specific insurance arrangements or flood resilience measures.

The district features several conservation areas, particularly in Ashby de la Zouch, Castle Donington, and Breedon on the Hill. Properties in these areas often have specific considerations including restrictions on alterations and requirements for period-appropriate repairs. Our surveyors understand these local planning considerations and can flag any issues that may affect your plans for the property. If you're considering extending or renovating a period property, we can highlight areas where Listed Building Consent or planning permission may be required.

The district continues to see significant new development activity, with multiple developments underway across the area. Developers including Davidsons Homes, Bellway, Bloor Homes, and Redrow are building new communities in locations such as Hugglescote, Measham, Castle Donington, and Ravenstone. These new build properties often come with different survey considerations compared to older homes. The pace of development in North West Leicestershire means new build properties are readily available, with developments like Hugglescote Grange, Heatherley Wood in Ravenstone, and Grange View in Castle Donington offering contemporary housing options.

While new builds should have fewer immediate structural concerns, a RICS Level 2 survey remains valuable for identifying any snagging issues, workmanship problems, or defects that may have arisen during construction. Our surveyors can assess the quality of construction, check that fittings and finishes meet acceptable standards, and identify any areas where remedial work may be needed before they become more serious problems. Even in new properties, we've identified issues ranging from incomplete work to defects in windows, doors, and roofing that needed addressing.

For new build properties, we also recommend considering a snagging inspection specifically focused on identifying defects that the developer should rectify before the warranty period expires. While separate from the RICS Level 2 survey, this additional inspection can prove valuable in ensuring your new home meets the standards you expect. Many buyers assume new properties are problem-free, only to discover issues after the warranty period has started. A thorough inspection before that period ends protects your investment.

Our surveyors regularly encounter specific defects when inspecting properties throughout North West Leicestershire. In older properties, particularly those built before 1919, rising damp is a frequent finding due to the absence or failure of original damp-proof courses. Penetrating damp can also affect properties where roof coverings have deteriorated or where pointing has failed over time. These damp issues are not just cosmetic concerns, as prolonged damp can lead to timber decay and affect the health of occupants.

Properties built on clay soils, common around Coalville and surrounding areas, can experience subsidence or heave related to soil moisture changes. Our surveyors look for signs of movement including cracking to walls, sticking doors and windows, and uneven floors. While minor movement may be within acceptable limits, significant signs of subsidence require further investigation before you proceed with your purchase. The clay geology in parts of North West Leicestershire makes this a particular consideration for property buyers.

In properties with mining history, typically in and around Coalville, we often identify signs of ground instability that may relate to historical mining activity. This can include unusual cracking patterns, settling, or movement that doesn't follow typical structural behaviour. While not all properties in mining areas are affected, the potential for issues means our surveyors are particularly vigilant when inspecting properties in these locations. We'll recommend specialist mining reports where appropriate to ensure you have full information before committing to your purchase.

Roof condition is another common area of concern, particularly in older properties where tiles or slates may have slipped, broken, or deteriorated. Chimneys on period properties often require attention, with flashing failures and deteriorating brickwork being frequent findings. Our surveyors thoroughly assess roof spaces where accessible, checking for defects that might not be visible from ground level. These issues, while sometimes appearing minor, can lead to significant water ingress if left unaddressed.