RICS Level 2 Survey Somerby, Leicestershire

The RICS Level 2 Home Survey, formerly known as the HomeBuyer Report, is specifically designed for properties in reasonable condition that are being bought with a mortgage or as a first-time buyer. Our inspectors conduct a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property, including the roof space where safe and accessible, the exterior walls, windows and doors, interior joinery, and key fixtures. We assess the overall condition of the property and identify any defects that may affect its value or require future maintenance. This comprehensive approach ensures you have a complete picture before committing to your purchase.

During your Somerby property survey, our chartered surveyors pay particular attention to the construction type and materials used, which in this part of Leicestershire often includes traditional brick and stonework typical of the region. Many properties in and around Somerby feature local ironstone or red brick construction, reflecting the area's agricultural heritage and building traditions. We check for signs of damp, timber decay, structural movement, and any issues with the roof covering or gutters. Our surveyors are experienced in identifying issues commonly found in homes of different ages, from period properties to more recent constructions.

One of the key benefits of the RICS Level 2 survey is our clear traffic light rating system, which instantly highlights areas of concern in red, amber, and green. This makes it easy to understand which issues require immediate attention and which are more cosmetic. We also provide market value reinstatement costs for insurance purposes, which is particularly important for older properties or those in conservation areas where repair costs can be higher than expected. The report includes a detailed condition rating for each element inspected, giving you a clear benchmark for understanding the property's overall condition.

The survey also includes a thorough assessment of the property's services, examining the condition of the electrical, gas, and plumbing systems where visible. We note the approximate age and condition of key building services, flagging any obvious concerns that should be investigated further by qualified specialists. Additionally, we assess the property's energy efficiency and provide information about the current EPC rating, which is increasingly important for buyers concerned about running costs and environmental impact.

• Structural condition assessment
• Damp and timber decay inspection
• Roof and chimney evaluation
• Window and door condition check
• Services and utilities assessment
• Boundary and outbuilding review

Your RICS Level 2 Home Survey report is designed to be clear and easy to understand, even if you have never purchased a property before. Each section of the property is given a condition rating from one to three, with one indicating no issues, two indicating defects requiring attention, and three indicating serious defects that require urgent repair. The report also includes an overall opinion on the property's value and specific advice on any legal matters that may need to be addressed. We use plain English throughout, avoiding technical jargon wherever possible so that all buyers can understand our findings.

For properties in Somerby and the surrounding Leicestershire villages, our surveyors often note issues related to the age and construction type of local properties. Traditional brickwork, which is common in the area, may show signs of weathering or past repairs. Roof coverings on older properties may require replacement or repair, and we pay particular attention to the condition of chimneys, which are a common feature in period homes in this region. Many properties in the Melton borough were built using local materials, and our surveyors know what to look for when assessing these traditional construction methods.

The survey report also includes a section on energy efficiency, highlighting the current EPC rating and suggesting improvements that could reduce your future energy costs. With the increasing focus on energy performance in the property market, this information is valuable for both understanding your potential running costs and planning any renovation work. We can advise on the potential impact of improvements and help you understand how the property's energy efficiency might affect its future value. This is becoming increasingly important as buyers become more environmentally conscious.

If our survey identifies any issues that require further investigation, we will clearly recommend that you engage appropriate specialists. This might include a structural engineer for suspected structural issues, a damp specialist for damp-related problems, or a qualified electrician to assess the condition of the electrical installation. We provide specific recommendations rather than generic advice, ensuring you know exactly what steps to take next. Our goal is to give you complete confidence in your property purchase.