RICS Level 2 Survey in Shilton

Shilton is a picturesque village with a mix of traditional brick cottages, period properties along the main street, and modern residential developments. The village's housing stock ranges from historic homes constructed using local materials to contemporary houses built as part of newer developments like The Croft in Keresley. Given this diversity, a professional survey is essential to identify any underlying issues that may not be apparent during a standard viewing. Many buyers are surprised to discover problems that our inspectors find within the first few minutes of their survey.

Our inspectors have extensive experience surveying properties throughout Shilton and the broader CV7 postcode area. We understand the specific construction methods used in the region, including the traditional brickwork common to the village and the sandstone features seen in St Andrew's Church, which is a Grade II* Listed Building built from Bromsgrove Sandstone. This local knowledge allows our surveyors to spot issues that might be missed by less experienced assessors who don't know what to look for in this particular area. We know that many older cottages along the main street may have outdated electrical systems that require updating.

We also pay close attention to flood risk in Shilton, particularly for properties near Hallway Drive in the northwest of the village. The Shill Brook flows through Shilton and has caused flooding issues in the past, including during the significant flood events of July 2007 when some properties fell within Environment Agency Flood Zone 3. Our surveyors check for signs of previous flooding, water ingress, and damp issues that may not be visible during a quiet viewing. Groundwater flooding can also affect low-lying areas of Shilton Village, and we know exactly where to look for evidence of these problems.

In the current market, with prices having fallen significantly over the past year, a Level 2 Survey gives you leverage in negotiations. looking at a terraced property on one of the residential streets or a detached home near the village centre, our survey provides the objective assessment you need. We provide market valuation as part of our service, allowing you to compare the property against similar homes in Shilton and the wider CV7 area. This information is invaluable when negotiating a fair price.

• Identify structural issues before purchase
• Assess condition of walls, roof, and foundations
• Highlight any urgent repairs needed
• Provide market valuation
• Compare property to similar homes in Shilton

Shilton's housing stock reflects its evolution from a traditional Warwickshire village to a modern residential community. The village centre features older cottages constructed from local brick, many of which line the main street and contribute to the Shilton Conservation Area. These period properties often have character features like original fireplaces, exposed beams, and traditional sash windows, but they may also present challenges related to their age. Outdated electrical systems, older roof coverings, and potential issues with damp penetration are all common findings in these traditional homes. We regularly survey properties that haven't been updated for decades.

More recent residential development has brought modern homes to the area, particularly through developments in the broader CV7 postcode district. Properties at developments such as The Croft in Keresley offer contemporary construction with modern building regulations compliance. However, even newer properties can have defects, and our Level 2 Survey is suitable for homes of all ages and construction types. We recently surveyed a relatively new property where the build quality didn't meet expectations, highlighting issues with window installations and roof detailing that weren't apparent during the viewing.

St Andrew's Church, built predominantly from Bromsgrove Sandstone with some red sandstone, stands as a landmark in the village and reflects the local geological characteristics. This sandstone heritage is also found in some older residential properties, which may display unique construction features. Our surveyors understand these local variations and can assess them appropriately during the inspection. Properties built using local materials may have specific maintenance requirements that differ from standard modern construction. We know what to look for when assessing these traditional buildings.

The local geology also means that some properties may be built on ground with historical quarrying activity, which can affect foundation conditions. Our surveyors are aware of these local factors and will pay particular attention to any signs of ground movement or subsidence, especially in properties built on or near former industrial sites. We combine our knowledge of local construction methods with a thorough visual inspection to provide you with the most accurate assessment possible of your potential new home.

Through our years of surveying properties in Shilton and the surrounding CV7 area, we've identified several recurring issues that buyers should be aware of. In older period cottages along the main street, we frequently find problems with outdated electrical wiring that doesn't meet current regulations. Many of these properties still have original consumer units and fabric-wired circuits that would require complete rewiring before meeting modern standards. This is often one of the most significant costs that buyers face when purchasing older properties.

Roof conditions are another common area of concern, particularly on properties with older clay tile or slate roofs. We often find slipped or missing tiles, degraded pointing to ridge tiles, and signs of previous leaks that may have been temporarily repaired but not properly addressed. In properties where the roof space has been converted or used for storage, we sometimes find inadequate insulation or ventilation issues that could lead to condensation problems. These issues can be expensive to put right and are worth knowing about before you commit to your purchase.

Damp issues are particularly relevant in Shilton given the local geology and flood risk. We frequently find rising damp in older properties with solid walls, particularly where damp proof courses are missing or have failed. Penetrating damp can also be an issue in properties where pointing has degraded or where flashings have deteriorated. Our surveyors use moisture meters to assess damp levels and can identify areas where water ingress is occurring, even if it's not immediately visible on the surface. These findings can be crucial for negotiation purposes.

Structural movement, while not common, does occur in some properties, particularly those built on ground with historical quarrying activity or where foundations may have been affected by trees or drainage issues. Our surveyors are trained to identify signs of movement such as cracking to walls, doors and windows that don't close properly, and uneven floors. While most movement is minor and manageable, it's important to know about it before purchasing so you can budget for any necessary repairs or underpinning works.