RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey in SP11 (Andover)

A RICS Level 2 Survey, formerly known as a HomeBuyer Report, provides a comprehensive assessment of a property's condition without going to the extremes of a Level 3 Building Survey. Our inspectors examine all accessible areas of the property, including the roof space (where safe and accessible), walls, floors, windows, doors, and fixed installations like bathrooms and kitchens. We assess the condition of the building fabric and identify any defects that may affect the property's value or require attention. The survey follows RICS guidelines and uses a standardised methodology that allows comparison across properties.

The survey includes a clear traffic light rating system that highlights areas of concern: red for urgent issues requiring immediate attention, amber for defects that need addressing in due course, and green for satisfactory conditions. Each section of the property receives this easy-to-understand rating, allowing you to quickly identify the most serious issues. Our report also includes a market value assessment and rebuild cost estimation, which proves invaluable for insurance purposes and mortgage requirements. This valuation element is particularly useful when arranging buildings insurance, as it ensures you are not underinsured.

For properties in the SP11 area, our surveyors pay particular attention to issues commonly found in the local housing stock. The area's geology, with its mix of chalk and clay deposits, means we carefully assess foundations and look for signs of subsidence or ground movement. The Cretaceous chalk underlying much of the Andover district can create specific challenges, while the glacial deposits around Whitchurch contain clay that is prone to shrink-swell movement during dry spells. Properties in Andover, particularly those in the conservation area around the Guildhall, often feature traditional construction methods including timber framing and older brickwork that require experienced evaluation. In Whitchurch, where many homes sit on river gravels and are prone to flooding from the River Test, we conduct thorough assessments of flood risk and drainage.

We have inspected hundreds of properties throughout Test Valley, and this experience has given us detailed knowledge of the common defects in local housing. In Andover's older properties, we frequently find deteriorating timber frames hidden behind later brick facades, rising damp in solid wall construction, and outdated electrical installations that do not meet current regulations. In Whitchurch, properties along the River Test floodplain require careful assessment of flood resilience and drainage. Our surveyors understand these local factors and include relevant advice in every report.

• Roof structure and covering
• Wall construction and condition
• Damp and timber decay assessment
• Electrical and plumbing overview
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Foundations and structural movement
• Flood risk and drainage
• Thermal efficiency observations

The SP11 postcode area encompasses a wide variety of property types and ages, each with their own potential issues. In Andover, many older properties in the town centre feature timber-framed construction beneath later brick facades. These homes, particularly those along historic streets like Chantry Street and High Street, can suffer from hidden structural issues including deteriorating timber frames, rising damp, and outdated electrical systems that do not meet modern safety standards. Our surveyors know how to identify these hidden problems without invasive investigation. We have inspected many properties on Chantry Street where the decorative Victorian facades hide much older timber frames that require careful assessment.

Properties in Whitchurch face unique challenges due to the town's location on the River Test. Flood risk is a significant consideration, and our surveys include detailed assessments of flood susceptibility, including historical flood data and the property's position relative to the River Test floodplain. The River Test from Overton to Whitchurch is designated as a Flood Warning Area, and we take this very seriously when inspecting properties in this town. Many properties in Whitchurch also feature traditional construction methods including rendered exteriors and thatched roofs, which require specialist knowledge to assess properly. We check for issues specific to these construction types, including roof condition, render integrity, and signs of water ingress. The Whitchurch Conservation Area contains many listed buildings, and we understand the additional considerations that apply to these historic properties.

The surrounding villages including Ludgershall, Appleshaw, Kimpton, Overton and the Bourne Valley have their own characteristics. Ludgershall has seen significant modern development in recent years, particularly around the new Drummond Park development, but also contains historic properties dating back to the 16th century including the Queen's Head public house and cottages on Castle Street. Properties in these areas may be affected by the local clay geology, which can cause foundation movement during dry spells or due to tree roots. Our surveyors are trained to identify the signs of subsidence and shrink-swell damage, which is particularly relevant for homes built on the clay-rich soils found in parts of this region. The villages surrounding Andover, including Appleshaw, Hatherden, Penton Mewsey and Kimpton, are also prone to groundwater flooding, which can affect cellars and low-lying areas.

We have firsthand experience inspecting properties across all these different locations and understand the specific challenges each presents. Whether it is assessing a Victorian terrace in Andover town centre, a modern detached home at Roman Park in Whitchurch, or a period cottage in one of the surrounding villages, our surveyors have the local knowledge to identify issues that generic surveyors might miss. This local expertise is particularly valuable properties in conservation areas, where our understanding of traditional building methods helps us provide accurate assessments of condition and any necessary repairs.

• Rising damp in period properties
• Roof deterioration and tile damage
• Structural movement and cracking
• Outdated electrical wiring
• Flood risk in river valley locations
• Timber decay and pest infestation
• Foundation issues on clay soils
• Condensation and ventilation problems