RICS Level 2 Survey in Shearsby

Our RICS Level 2 survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of the property's condition. Our inspectors examine the walls, roof, floors, windows, doors, and external areas, looking for signs of damp, structural movement, rot, or decay. The survey includes a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost, giving you a complete picture of the property's worth and any potential risks. For properties in Shearsby, where ancient cottages feature traditional construction methods like timber frames and solid walls, this level of inspection is particularly valuable.

Shearsby's housing stock presents unique considerations for buyers. The village contains numerous Grade II listed buildings, including Yeoman Cottage on Church Lane, which dates to around 1453 and features timber-framed thatched construction. Properties like these require an inspector who understands historic building methods. Our team checks for common issues in older properties, including deteriorating thatch, slipped slate tiles, rising damp in solid walls, and the condition of historic brickwork that may have been pointed using traditional lime mortar. We also assess any modifications that may have been made to these historic properties, noting where listed building consent may be required.

The survey report uses a simple traffic light system to rate each element: red for urgent repairs needed, amber for defects requiring attention, and green for satisfactory condition. We also provide specific advice on any matters that may affect the value of the property, from missing roof tiles to outdated electrical installations. With properties in Shearsby averaging £342,500, identifying defects before completion could save you thousands in remediation costs. Our inspectors understand that in a village with a high proportion of detached properties and historic homes, even seemingly minor defects can have significant financial implications.

Our Level 2 survey also includes a thorough assessment of the property's drainage and gutters, which is particularly important in Shearsby where the village is watered by two rivulets. We check for signs of water ingress, inadequate drainage away from foundations, and the condition of soakaways. Given the clay geology common throughout Leicestershire, our inspectors pay particular attention to signs of subsidence or ground movement that could indicate shrink-swell activity in the soil.

• Roof structure and covering
• Wall condition and damp
• Floor and ceiling integrity
• Windows and doors
• Drainage and gutters
• Electrical and plumbing visible fixtures
• Market valuation
• Insurance rebuild cost

Shearsby's Conservation Area, designated in 1975 and re-appraised in 2005 and 2021, encompasses the entire compact village including Back Lane and land up to the A5199 junction. This protection means properties here often require careful consideration during any renovation work. Our inspectors understand that modifications to historic buildings must respect their character while addressing modern requirements. When we survey properties in the Conservation Area, we note any alterations that may require listed building consent and advise you to consult with Harborough District Council before proceeding with significant works.

The predominant building materials in Shearsby reflect the village's Leicestershire heritage. Red brick and rendered properties cluster around The Green, while Swithland and Welsh slate appear on houses, cottages, and farm buildings throughout the village. Some properties, like Shearsby House, were built from local Shearsby brick sourced from a clay pit near the spa on Bruntingthorpe Lane. Thatched roofs remain a notable feature, particularly on older cottages like Cobblestones, a 17th-century property. Each of these materials has specific maintenance requirements that our inspectors evaluate during the survey, from checking for slipped slate tiles to assessing the condition of thatch and identifying any deterioration in historic brickwork.

Properties on Church Lane feature a mixture of old and new, with brick and slate construction for Grade II listed buildings including Beanhill Farm House, Wheathill Farm House, Little Wheathill, and Lime Tree Cottage. The 1990s houses on Church Lane represent more recent development, while the surrounding agricultural buildings reflect the village's rural past. Our survey reports highlight defects relevant to each construction period, from timber frame issues in historic properties to typical new-build concerns. When surveying properties built in the 1990s, our inspectors check for common issues such as inadequate foundations, poor workmanship in extensions, and the condition of modern uPVC windows and doors.

The village's location in Leicestershire means many properties sit on clay soils, which can be prone to shrink-swell movement depending on moisture levels. Our inspectors are trained to identify signs of subsidence or structural movement, including cracking in brickwork, doors and windows that stick, and uneven floors. While Shearsby itself doesn't have significant mining history, we always check for any signs of ground instability that could affect the long-term structural integrity of the property.

• Conservation Area considerations
• Listed building requirements
• Traditional brick and slate condition
• Thatched roof maintenance
• Timber frame inspections
• Modern extension defects