RICS Level 2 Survey in SN7 7 Faringdon

A RICS Level 2 Survey provides a thorough inspection of the property's accessible areas, assessing the overall condition and identifying any defects that may affect the value or safety of the home. Our surveyors examine the roof structure, walls, windows, doors, plumbing, electrical systems, and damp levels. The report uses a traffic light rating system to clearly indicate the condition of each element, with red highlighting serious issues that require urgent attention, amber flagging items that need future consideration, and green confirming that specific areas are in satisfactory condition.

For properties in SN7 7, our surveyors pay particular attention to the common issues found in this area. The geology around Faringdon includes Gault Clay and Kimmeridge Clay, which can cause shrink-swell movement in the ground beneath properties. This clay-rich soil means we carefully assess foundations and look for signs of subsidence or heave, particularly in older properties with shallow foundations. Many homes in Faringdon also feature traditional Cotswold stone construction, which requires specific expertise to evaluate properly.

The Level 2 Survey also includes a market valuation and rebuild cost assessment, which can be invaluable for insurance purposes and for understanding the true worth of your investment. If we identify any urgent defects, we will provide clear recommendations on what steps you should take next, whether that involves obtaining specialist reports, negotiating a reduction in the purchase price, or requesting that the seller carries out repairs before completion.

Our inspection covers all accessible parts of the property, including the roof space where we can inspect rafters, battens, and insulation levels. We check the condition of chimney stacks, particularly important in older Faringdon properties where many homes retain original fireplaces. We examine the condition of render and external wall finishes, which is particularly relevant for properties in the town centre where traditional lime mortar may have degraded over time.

• Roof and loft structure
• Walls, chimneys, and foundations
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and drainage systems
• Electrical installations
• Damp and timber assessment
• Thermal efficiency considerations
• Building defects and needed repairs

Your RICS Level 2 Survey report is designed to be clear and easy to understand, even if you have never bought a property before. Each section of the property is described in plain English, with technical terms explained where necessary. The report includes an overall condition rating, individual ratings for each major building element, and specific recommendations for any defects discovered during the inspection.

For buyers in the SN7 7 area, we often find issues related to the age and construction of local properties. Traditional Cotswold stone walls, while beautiful, can suffer from mortar degradation and water penetration if not properly maintained. Many older properties also retain their original single-glazed windows, which will need upgrading for energy efficiency. Our reports highlight these issues and provide practical guidance on what they might cost to put right, helping you budget for any necessary works after purchase.

The valuation section of your report provides an independent market value for the property, which is particularly useful if you are using a mortgage. Lenders will want to ensure that the property provides adequate security for the loan, and our valuation helps confirm that the price you are paying is in line with the current market. We also provide a rebuild cost figure, which is essential information for your buildings insurance.

If you are buying in one of the newer developments such as The Faringdon Fields or Fernham Fields, our report will include an assessment of the build quality and any snagging issues that may be present. While these properties are newer, they still undergo the same detailed inspection process, and we have identified defects in new build properties across the SN7 7 area that required correction by the developers.

Based on our experience surveying properties throughout SN7 7, there are several recurring issues that buyers should be aware of. The clay soil geology means that foundation movement is a common concern, particularly in properties built before modern building regulations came into effect. We frequently identify signs of subsidence or heave in older properties, including cracking to internal and external walls, doors that stick or do not close properly, and visible signs of movement in the foundation walls.

Damp is another prevalent issue in Faringdon properties, particularly in older buildings where original damp-proof courses may have failed or been bridged over time. We see penetrating damp in properties with degraded render or faulty rainwater goods, and rising damp in properties with solid floors that were laid without a damp-proof membrane. Our surveyors use moisture meters and thermal imaging equipment to identify damp that may not be visible to the untrained eye.

Many properties in the SN7 7 area retain their original features, including single-glazed windows, outdated electrical systems, and old heating systems. While these features add character, they often require updating to meet modern standards and can be expensive to replace. Our report will identify any electrical installations that do not meet current regulations and any heating systems that may need replacement in the near future.

Properties with thatched roofs, which can be found in the surrounding villages around Faringdon, require specialist assessment. If you are purchasing a property with a thatched roof, we will recommend a specialist inspection to assess the condition of the thatch, the underlying timber frame, and any signs of pest infestation that are common in older thatched properties.