RICS Level 2 Survey in Purton

Our Level 2 HomeBuyer Report provides a thorough inspection of the property's condition, focusing on issues that affect value and safety. We examine the main structural elements including walls, roofs, floors, and foundations, identifying any defects, their cause, and the urgency of repairs needed. The report uses a clear traffic light rating system - red for urgent issues requiring immediate attention, amber for defects that need future repair, and green for satisfactory condition. We check all accessible areas including roofs, walls, windows, doors, damp proof courses, and services, providing you with a comprehensive picture of the property's true condition.

For Purton properties, our surveyors pay particular attention to the common issues affecting the local housing stock. Given the village's geological setting on the edge of the Cotswolds with underlying Jurassic limestone and clay, we carefully assess foundations for any signs of subsidence or heave. The presence of shrinkable clay soils means properties with mature trees nearby receive extra scrutiny for ground movement. We have surveyed homes across Purton for many years and know exactly what to look for in properties ranging from Victorian stone cottages to modern new builds.

The report includes a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost, which proves invaluable for properties in the Conservation Area where restoration costs can be higher than expected. We also highlight any potential issues that might affect your mortgage approval or buildings insurance. Our valuation gives you confidence that the property is worth the asking price and ensures your mortgage lender has accurate security for their loan.

Our inspection covers all major building elements and services. We assess the condition of the roof structure and covering, check walls for signs of movement or cracking, examine floors for levelness and damage, and investigate any visible dampness or timber defects. We also carry out basic checks on electrical and plumbing installations to identify obvious safety concerns that would require further investigation by specialists.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof condition and insulation
• Damp and timber assessment
• Electrical and plumbing basics
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Drainage and external areas

Our experience surveying homes across Purton reveals several recurring themes that buyers should be aware of. Older properties constructed from Cotswold stone, common throughout the village, often suffer from damp issues whether rising damp, penetrating damp, or condensation. The solid wall construction found in many period homes lacks modern cavity wall insulation, making them more susceptible to moisture penetration and less thermally efficient. We frequently find damp walls in properties that have been poorly maintained or that lack adequate ventilation, particularly in ground floor rooms and basements.

Roof conditions frequently require attention, particularly on older properties with original clay tiles or natural slate. We commonly find slipped tiles, degraded pointing, and failing felt that can lead to leaks. The timber structures supporting roofs can suffer from woodworm infestation or rot, especially where ventilation has been inadequate. These defects, while sometimes appearing minor, can result in significant repair costs if left unaddressed. We always recommend getting quotes for any roof repairs before completing your purchase.

Electrical and plumbing systems in properties built before the 1980s often require updating to meet current safety standards. We frequently identify outdated consumer units, inadequate earthing, and old wiring that does not comply with Part P building regulations. Similarly, lead pipes, outdated copper plumbing, and old heating systems are common in Purton's pre-war housing stock. These issues may not be immediately apparent when viewing a property, but our survey will identify them and flag them for further investigation by qualified electricians and plumbers.

The clay geology underlying parts of Purton presents a specific risk that our surveyors assess carefully. Properties built on shrinkable clay soils may show signs of subsidence or heave, particularly where mature trees draw moisture from the ground or following periods of drought. We examine walls for cracking that might indicate movement, check the condition of foundations where visible, and assess trees and vegetation that might be affecting ground stability. Surface water flooding can also affect certain areas, and we include specific flood risk assessment in our reports for properties in vulnerable locations.

• Rising damp in solid wall properties
• Roof tile deterioration and leaks
• Outdated electrical wiring
• Subsidence risk on clay soils
• Timber decay and woodworm
• Surface water flooding