RICS Level 2 Survey in Stratton

The RICS Level 2 survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of the property's accessible areas. Our chartered surveyors examine the roof, walls, floors, doors, windows, and dampness levels, looking for signs of structural movement, water damage, or rot. In Stratton properties, which range from post-war semi-detached homes to newer builds at developments like Woodlands, the survey will identify issues specific to each property type and age. The report covers the main permanent structures, including the garage and outbuildings, unless explicitly stated otherwise in the terms. We inspect properties in exactly the same way whether they're modern new builds or older homes, because even recently constructed properties can have defects that need identifying.

One of the key benefits of the Level 2 survey is the traffic light rating system. Each element of the property receives a condition rating from 1 (no repair needed) to 3 (urgent repair or serious defects requiring attention). This clear system helps you immediately see which areas need immediate attention versus those in acceptable condition. For properties in Stratton St Margaret, where semi-detached properties make up a significant portion of sales, common findings might include roof condition issues, damp proof course failures, or window and joinery deterioration that wouldn't be apparent to the untrained eye. Our surveyors have identified these exact issues in numerous properties across the area, giving us the expertise to spot problems that might be missed by less experienced inspectors.

The survey also includes a market valuation and a rebuild cost for insurance purposes. Given that detached properties in Stratton average around £380,000 and terraced homes around £260,000, having this valuation data helps you confirm the asking price reflects current market conditions. The rebuild cost figure is essential for ensuring your buildings insurance is adequate, particularly for older properties that might have higher reinstatement costs than modern equivalents. We base our valuations on current market data specific to the Stratton area, using recent sales evidence from properties in Upper Stratton, Stratton St Margaret, and surrounding areas to ensure accuracy.

Our inspection covers all major building elements in detail. We assess the roof structure and covering, checking for signs of wear, missing tiles, or deterioration to the rafters and battens. The walls are examined for cracks, movement, and signs of damp penetration. We inspect floors for levelness and signs of rot or subsidence. Windows and doors are checked for operation, condition, and draft proofing. Our surveyors also examine the property's damp proof course and ventilation, which is particularly important in properties of any age where moisture can become trapped and cause timber decay or mould growth.

• Structural elements (walls, roof, foundations)
• Weatherproofing (roofing, windows, doors)
• Damp and rot assessment
• Services (plumbing, electrical, heating)
• Boundary and outbuildings
• Condition ratings with priority actions

Your RICS Level 2 report follows a standardised format that makes it easy to understand the property's condition at a glance. The report begins with a clear summary of the overall condition, followed by detailed sections covering each major building element. Each section includes a description of the element's construction, any defects found, and the urgency of any recommended repairs. The condition ratings are colour-coded - green for no issues, amber for defects requiring attention, and red for urgent repairs. This standardized approach means you can easily compare different properties if you're considering multiple options, as the format remains consistent across all RICS Level 2 surveys.

For properties in Upper Stratton and Stratton St Margaret, where prices have shown strong growth of around 4% over the previous year, the valuation section confirms whether the asking price aligns with current market conditions. We use our extensive database of recent sales in the Stratton area to provide an accurate valuation that reflects real market conditions. This is particularly valuable in a market where prices have been changing, as it ensures you're not overpaying for a property based on outdated asking prices. The valuation is also useful for mortgage purposes, as lenders will want to ensure the property provides adequate security for the loan amount.

If significant defects are found, the surveyor will advise on whether a specialist investigation is needed - for example, if structural movement is suspected or if there are signs of subsidence related to the clay soils found in parts of the Swindon area. We don't recommend specialist inspections lightly, but we always put your interests first by flagging any concerns that warrant further investigation. For properties with potential subsidence issues, we typically recommend a structural engineer's report, which can cost anywhere from £400-£800 depending on the complexity of the investigation. This additional cost is minimal compared to the potential cost of repairs if serious issues are discovered later.

The report also includes a section on legal considerations that you should raise with your solicitor. This might include boundary disputes, rights of way, or planning permission issues for alterations. While not as comprehensive as the legal searches your solicitor will conduct, the surveyor's observations can highlight areas requiring further investigation. Many buyers in the Stratton area have used survey findings to negotiate successfully with sellers, either through price reductions or by securing agreements for repairs to be completed before completion. Our experience shows that most sellers are willing to negotiate when the survey reveals issues that affect the property's value or require significant remedial work.

Based on our extensive experience surveying properties across Stratton, Upper Stratton, and Stratton St Margaret, we've identified several defect patterns that appear regularly in local homes. Understanding these common issues helps you know what to expect from your survey and what questions to ask when reviewing the report. The most frequently encountered problems in this area relate to roofing, damp proof courses, and the condition of windows and doors, particularly in properties constructed during the 1960s and 1970s when many of the semi-detached houses in the area were built.

Roof coverings on properties from the 1960s and 1970s are frequently reaching the end of their expected lifespan, with original concrete tiles showing signs of deterioration, moss growth, and damaged or missing tiles. Our surveyors inspect the roof from ground level and from accessible loft spaces, documenting the condition and identifying any areas where water ingress might occur. In semi-detached properties, we also check the condition of the eaves and fascias, which can be affected by the overhang from neighbouring roofs. These issues can lead to damp penetration and timber decay if left unaddressed, so our reports always highlight the urgency of any roof repairs needed.

Damp proof course failures are another common finding in Stratton properties of all ages. While many homes have had remedial damp proof work carried out, the effectiveness of these treatments can vary, and some properties may never have had adequate damp proofing installed. Our surveyors use moisture meters to assess damp levels in walls, particularly at ground floor level and in rooms with limited ventilation. We also check the condition of any existing damp proof course and advise on whether it appears to be functioning properly. Rising damp can cause significant damage to plasterwork and timber floors if not treated, making this an important issue to address before completing your purchase.

Windows and joinery deterioration is particularly common in properties with original wooden windows, where paintwork has failed and rot has set in. Many properties in the Stratton area still have their original windows from the 1960s and 1970s, which may be deteriorated beyond reasonable repair. Our surveyors assess the condition of all windows, including their operation, the condition of the frames, and any signs of rot or decay. We also check external doors for condition and security. The cost of replacing windows can be significant, often running into thousands of pounds for a full property, so our report will clearly identify the extent of any joinery issues and the urgency of replacement.