RICS Level 2 Home Survey in Pickworth

Our inspectors examine every accessible area of your potential new home in Pickworth. We start with the external fabric of the building, assessing walls, roofs, chimneys, gutters, and foundations. For the stone-built properties common in Pickworth and across Rutland, we pay particular attention to the condition of limestone and ironstone walls, checking for signs of cracking, movement, or weathering that could indicate structural concerns. The Jurassic limestone formations that characterise much of Rutland's building stock require experienced eyes to distinguish between age-related patina and genuine structural issues.

Inside the property, we inspect the structural integrity of floors, walls, and ceilings, looking for signs of damp, rot, or subsidence. We examine the condition of windows, doors, and internal joinery, and we assess the overall condition of kitchen and bathroom fittings. Our inspectors also evaluate the property's services, including electrical systems, plumbing, and heating, noting any obvious deficiencies or areas that require further specialist investigation. We check that fuse boards meet current regulations and look for the presence of older lead pipes that may still exist in properties built before the 1970s.

Given the age of many properties in Pickworth, our surveyors are experienced in identifying issues common to older buildings. We check for inadequate damp-proof courses, outdated electrical installations that may not meet current regulations, and the presence of any Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) in properties built before the 1990s. We also assess the effectiveness of existing insulation and ventilation, which can be a significant concern in period properties that have not been modernised. Many traditional stone cottages in the area were built without cavity walls, meaning solid wall insulation becomes an important consideration for energy efficiency.

• External wall condition
• Roof and chimney inspection
• Damp and moisture assessment
• Electrical and gas safety checks
• Structural movement analysis
• Thermal performance evaluation

Based on our experience surveying properties across Rutland, we regularly identify several recurring issues in Pickworth homes. Damp is one of the most common problems, particularly in older properties with solid walls that lack proper damp-proof courses or have been rendered with cement-based plasters that trap moisture. Rising damp and penetrating damp can cause significant damage to internal plasterwork and timber if left untreated, and our inspectors will flag any signs of moisture ingress or inadequate ventilation. The limestone and ironstone construction common to the area, while beautiful, is particularly susceptible to weathering and moisture penetration if not properly maintained.

Roof conditions are another frequent finding in our Pickworth surveys. Traditional roofing materials like Collyweston slate and pantiles, while beautiful and characteristic of Rutland's vernacular architecture, require regular maintenance and can suffer from slipped tiles, broken ridges, or deteriorated mortar pointing. We inspect all accessible roof areas, including valleys, chimneys, and parapet walls, noting any signs of water penetration or timber decay that could lead to more serious problems if not addressed. The average price per square metre of £3,400 for houses in Rutland means even minor roof issues can represent a significant proportion of property value.

The underlying geology in Rutland presents specific challenges for property owners. The presence of Jurassic clays, including Lower Lias Clay and Oxford Clay, means that properties built on shallow foundations can be susceptible to subsidence and heave as the clay expands and contracts with moisture changes. Our surveyors are trained to identify signs of structural movement, including cracking in walls, uneven floors, or doors and windows that stick, which may indicate foundation issues. This is particularly important given that many properties in Pickworth date from the pre-1919 period when foundation depths were often shallower than modern standards require.

Electrical and plumbing systems in older Pickworth properties often require updating to meet current safety standards. We see many homes with old fuse boards, dated wiring, or lead pipes that present safety risks and will need attention. Similarly, many period properties lack adequate insulation, resulting in poor thermal performance and high energy costs. With energy prices remaining high, the absence of proper insulation can significantly impact ongoing running costs for homeowners. Our report will highlight any electrical or plumbing concerns and recommend improvements to bring the property up to a safe and efficient standard.

Once your Pickworth survey is complete, you will receive a comprehensive RICS Level 2 Survey report that clearly presents our findings. Each section of the property is rated using the RICS traffic light system, making it easy to see where immediate attention is required and which areas are in good condition. The report includes colour photographs illustrating key defects and explains what each issue means in practical terms, so you don't need to be a property expert to understand the findings.

Your report will also contain a market valuation and a reinstatement figure for insurance purposes. The valuation reflects the current market conditions in the Pickworth and Rutland area, based on our knowledge of local property prices and recent sales data. With detached properties averaging around £600,000 in Rutland and the market showing recent adjustments, our valuation provides you with an accurate assessment of what the property is worth market. The reinstatement figure is the estimated cost to rebuild the property from scratch, which your mortgage lender will need for insurance purposes.

Perhaps most importantly, the survey report includes clear recommendations for any further investigations or repairs. If we identify a serious issue, such as significant structural movement or a dangerous electrical fault, we will clearly flag this and recommend that you commission a specialist to investigate further before completing your purchase. This gives you the information you need to either proceed with confidence or renegotiate the price based on the cost of any necessary works. With the average property price in Rutland being over £400,000, having this information before you commit can save you significant money and stress in the long run.