RICS Level 2 Survey in Preshute

The RICS Level 2 Survey, formerly known as the HomeBuyer Report, provides a detailed inspection of the property's condition with clear ratings for each area examined. Our surveyors assess all accessible parts of the building including walls, floors, ceilings, roofs, and joinery, while also examining the condition of services such as plumbing, electrical installations, and heating systems. In Preshute, where many properties feature traditional construction methods including sarsen stone and flint walls, our inspectors pay particular attention to the unique characteristics of these older buildings.

Given the rural nature of Preshute and the prevalence of older properties in areas like Manton and Clatford, our Level 2 surveys specifically look for issues commonly found in period properties. This includes assessing damp penetration through solid walls, examining timber frames and floor joists for signs of rot or insect damage, and evaluating the condition of older roof structures that may contain traditional materials. The survey also identifies any structural concerns related to the local geology, including the chalk bedrock of the Marlborough Downs and the alluvial clays in the valley floor that can cause movement in properties.

Our inspectors provide clear traffic-light ratings throughout the report, highlighting defects that require urgent attention in red, those needing future investigation in amber, and areas in good condition in green. This straightforward approach helps you prioritise repairs and negotiate with sellers if significant issues are identified. For properties within the Manton Conservation Area or those listed buildings such as Clatford Hall, our surveyors note any relevant considerations while recommending specialist heritage surveys where appropriate.

We examine the exterior of the property including walls, roof coverings, chimneys, fascias, soffits, and rainwater goods. Inside, we inspect floors, walls, ceilings, stairs, and handrails, as well as built-in cupboards and fitted kitchens. Services including water, gas, electricity, heating, and drainage are tested where it is safe to do so and with the necessary permissions. Our reports include a thorough review of any garage, outbuilding, or boundary features that form part of the property.

• Wall condition and structural movement
• Roof covering and flashing condition
• Damp and timber defect assessment
• Electrical and plumbing installations
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Drainage and gutters

Properties in Preshute present several common defect patterns that our surveyors are trained to identify. The older cottages in Manton and Clatford, many of which pre-date 1919, frequently exhibit signs of penetrating damp through solid walls that lack modern damp-proof courses. Our inspectors carefully examine internal walls for staining, peeling wallpaper, and musty odours that may indicate ongoing damp problems. The sarsen stone and flint construction found throughout the parish, while characterful, can be particularly susceptible to mortar deterioration between stones, allowing water ingress during periods of heavy rainfall.

Timber decay is another significant concern in Preshute properties, particularly those with exposed timber frames or original joists. The rural setting means many properties have experienced prolonged periods of elevated moisture, whether from poor ventilation, leaking gutters, or groundwater penetration. We inspect all visible timber in floors, walls, and roof spaces for signs of wood-rotting fungi, beetle infestation, and woodworm activity. Properties with thatched roofs, while relatively rare, require specialist assessment of the thatch condition and any associated timber framework.

The local geology creates specific challenges for property owners in Preshute. The alluvial clays present in the Kennet valley floor are prone to shrink-swell movement during periods of drought and rainfall, which can cause subsidence or differential settlement in properties built on these soils. Our surveyors look for signs of structural movement including cracked plaster, distorted door and window openings, and gaps between walls and ceilings. Properties near the River Kennet may also show evidence of past flooding or ongoing drainage issues, which we document thoroughly in our reports.

Electrical and plumbing systems in period properties often require careful assessment, as many have undergone incremental upgrades over the decades rather than complete rewiring or re-plumbing. We identify any visible electrical installations that may date from the 1970s or earlier and note where consumer units, wiring, or sockets may not meet current regulations. Similarly, we examine plumbing for signs of corrosion, lead pipes, and outdated fittings that may require attention before or after purchase.

• Penetrating damp through solid walls
• Timber rot and woodworm in period properties
• Structural movement from clay shrinkage
• Outdated electrical installations
• River Kennet flood risk and drainage issues
• Deteriorated mortar in sarsen stone and flint walls

The Preshute parish contains a diverse mix of property ages and construction types, from medieval structures near St. George's Church with its 14th-century tower to more recent residential development. This variety means that a detailed RICS Level 2 Survey is particularly valuable for buyers in the area, as our inspectors can identify issues specific to each property type. Properties constructed before 1919, which form a significant proportion of the housing stock in Manton and Clatford, often require careful assessment of their structural integrity and any alterations made over decades of occupation.

The local geology presents specific considerations for property owners in Preshute. The parish sits partly on the chalk of the Marlborough Downs with sarsen stones commonly found in the area, while the valley floor contains alluvial clays that can cause ground movement and subsidence in properties built on these soils. Our surveyors are experienced in identifying the signs of movement and differential settlement that can affect properties in these geological conditions, providing you with an informed assessment of any structural concerns.

For properties within or near the Manton Conservation Area, or those bordering the North Wessex Downs AONB, there may be additional considerations regarding permitted development rights and any alterations requiring planning permission. Our surveyors note the general condition of properties but recommend that buyers consult with Wiltshire Council regarding any specific planning or listed building consent requirements that may affect their intended use of the property. The Preshute Neighbourhood Plan specifically protects the character of the area, and any significant alterations may require heritage considerations.

The local economy centred around horse racing yards at Manton House Estate, the Temple Farming Estate, and equestrian businesses means that properties in the area may include specialist facilities such as stables, maneges, and associated equipment. While our survey focuses on the residential elements, we will note any obvious issues with outbuildings that may form part of the property. Many properties in the area also benefit from large gardens and rural land, which we will inspect up to the boundaries specified in the property title.

• Older period properties with traditional construction
• Properties in Manton Conservation Area
• Homes near the River Kennet flood plain
• Houses with sarsen stone or flint wall construction
• Extended or altered properties
• Properties with thatched roofs