RICS Level 2 Survey in Sherrington

Sherrington's housing market features a high proportion of older period properties, many constructed using traditional methods with stone walls and original features. Properties like the stone-built residences along Church Lane represent the character that makes this village attractive, but older homes often conceal issues that are not visible during a casual viewing. Our inspectors assess these properties thoroughly, examining structural elements, roof conditions, damp penetration, and the integrity of older plumbing and electrical systems.

The village sits within the Wylye Valley, an area known for its geology featuring chalk and flint formations. Properties in this location may exhibit movement related to ground conditions, particularly in properties built on or near the chalk escarpment. Our Level 2 surveys include assessment of potential subsidence indicators, wall tie deterioration in cavity wall constructions, and the condition of foundations that may be affected by soil types common in this part of Wiltshire.

With recent sales in Sherrington reaching £800,000 for detached properties at Sheepfold Cottage in August 2024 and £895,000 for a property on Church Lane in September 2022, the financial stakes in any purchase are considerable. A Level 2 survey from our team provides the information you need to make an informed decision, whether that means proceeding with confidence, requesting repairs from the seller, or renegotiating the price based on our findings. The investment in a survey is small relative to the property value and can save you thousands in unexpected repair costs.

Many properties in Sherrington were constructed using local materials including stone, flint, and chalk-based clunch, which present unique challenges during surveying. Our team understands how these traditional materials behave over time and can identify defects that might be missed by less experienced assessors. We examine the condition of lime mortar pointing, assess the integrity of stone facades, and check for signs of historic movement that may indicate ongoing structural concerns.

• Stone-built period properties
• Valley location considerations
• High-value detached homes
• Traditional construction methods

Properties in Sherrington and the wider Wylye Valley reflect the geological characteristics of this part of Wiltshire. The area is known for its distinctive "chequer board pattern of knapped flint and clunch" in older cottage construction, a technique that developed due to local shortages of building stone. Our surveyors understand these traditional building methods and can identify associated defects such as deteriorating mortar joints, missing flint pieces, and moisture penetration through porous clunch blocks.

Many period homes in the village feature solid brick or stone walls rather than modern cavity construction, which affects how the property performs thermally and how moisture behaves within the structure. Our Level 2 surveys include careful assessment of damp levels in solid wall properties, as these are particularly susceptible to rising damp and penetrating moisture, especially in properties with traditional lime-based mortars that have degraded over time.

The roofing on Sherrington's older properties typically uses clay tiles or slate, with some thatched roofs on the most historic cottages. Our inspectors examine roof structures thoroughly, checking for slipped tiles, degraded ridge tiles, and the condition of underfelt that may have deteriorated over decades of service. We also assess chimney stacks, which are a common source of problems in period properties, including issues with flashing, mortar deterioration, and pot condition.

Understanding the specific construction methods used in Sherrington properties allows us to provide genuinely useful advice that accounts for the local building heritage. Whether you are purchasing a 1920s semi-detached home or a Georgian period property, our surveyors bring local knowledge that adds value beyond the standard assessment.

Our experience surveying properties throughout Sherrington and the Wylye Valley means we know what defects to look for in the local housing stock. Period properties, while full of character, often exhibit issues related to their age and construction methods. Damp problems rank among the most common concerns we identify, whether rising damp through solid walls, penetrating damp through degraded pointing or damaged flashings, or condensation issues caused by inadequate ventilation in older properties.

Roof defects feature prominently in our survey findings for Sherrington properties. Many homes in the area have roofs that are decades old, with tiles that have become brittle, ridge tiles that have lifted, and gutters that have become blocked with moss and debris. Our inspectors physically examine roof slopes where accessible, check internal roof spaces where safe to do so, and assess the condition of flat roof sections that may be present on extensions or dormer conversions.

Structural movement, while often minor, appears frequently in our surveys of older Sherrington properties. Properties built on the chalk geology of the Wylye Valley can experience subtle ground movement, particularly where trees are present near foundations or where drainage has been inadequate over many years. Our surveyors identify signs of movement including cracking to internal and external walls, doors and windows that stick or do not close properly, and uneven floors that may indicate ongoing subsidence or settlement.

Outdated electrical and plumbing systems represent another category of common defects in Sherrington's period housing stock. Many older properties still contain original wiring that does not meet current regulations, consumer units that would not pass modern standards, and plumbing systems using materials that are now considered obsolete. Our survey identifies visible electrical and plumbing defects and recommends further investigation by qualified electricians and plumbers where necessary.

Our RICS Level 2 surveys provide a comprehensive assessment of the property condition suitable for conventional properties in reasonable condition. The inspection covers all major structural elements including foundations, walls, floors, and the roof structure. We examine the condition of windows, doors, chimneys, and penetrations, identifying any areas where water ingress or deterioration may be occurring.

The survey includes assessment of building services such as plumbing, heating, and electrical systems visible during the inspection. Our surveyor checks the condition of visible pipework, radiators, the boiler, consumer unit, and socket outlets. While we do not test behind walls or beneath floor coverings, our visual inspection identifies obvious defects and areas requiring specialist investigation.

We also assess external elements including gutters, downpipes, fascia boards, and boundary features. In Sherrington, where properties often feature traditional roofing materials including clay tiles and slate, our inspectors pay particular attention to roof condition, flashings, and the integrity of chimney stacks. The resulting report provides condition ratings for each element, a clear summary of issues, and guidance on recommended next steps.

Our Level 2 survey report follows the RICS traffic light rating system, with condition ratings clearly indicating where urgent attention is needed versus areas that are in satisfactory condition. This structured approach makes it easy to prioritise any remedial work and compare different properties if you are considering multiple purchases in the Sherrington area.

• Structural assessment
• Roof and chimney inspection
• Damp and timber assessment
• Windows and doors
• Plumbing and electrical visible inspection
• Boundary and exterior condition