RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey in Stratton St. Margaret

Our Level 2 survey provides a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property. We examine the roof structure and covering, looking for slipped tiles, degraded flashing, and signs of past or current leaks. In Stratton St. Margaret, where many properties date from the post-war period through to the 1970s, roof condition is a common area of concern. Our surveyors regularly identify aging roof materials, deteriorated felt underlays, and timber rafters showing signs of rot or insect damage.

We inspect walls both internally and externally, checking for cracks, movement, and signs of damp penetration. The solid brick construction common in older Stratton St. Margaret homes can develop damp issues, particularly where original damp-proof courses have failed or been bridged by external ground levels. Our inspectors use moisture meters to identify affected areas and assess the severity of any damp problems discovered. Many properties along roads such as Nythe Road and Church Street feature traditional brick construction that benefits from our detailed assessment.

The survey includes examination of joinery such as windows, doors, and staircases, as well as services including electrical and plumbing installations. We cannot strip out walls or lift floorboards during a Level 2 survey, but our visual inspection covers all accessible areas. Where we identify potential concerns, we note these in our report with recommendations for further investigation by specialists. This includes checking consumer units, inspecting visible wiring conditions, and assessing plumbing pipework where accessible.

We also examine the foundations and sub-floor areas where visible, looking for signs of movement or settlement that could indicate structural issues. Properties in this area built on clay soils can be susceptible to subsidence and heave, particularly where trees are planted close to buildings or where drainage has been inadequate over time. Our inspectors are trained to identify the subtle signs of foundation movement that might not be apparent to untrained buyers.

• Roof structure and covering
• Wall conditions and damp
• Window and door operation
• Electrical and plumbing visible installations
• Floors, ceilings, and staircases
• Chimney stacks and flues
• Foundations and sub-floor areas
• Joinery and finishes

Based on our experience surveying properties throughout Stratton St. Margaret and the wider Swindon area, we frequently identify several recurring problem areas. Damp is perhaps the most common issue, particularly in solid brick properties where the original damp-proof course may be ineffective or missing altogether. Rising damp affects ground-floor walls, while penetrating damp often appears around windows, at roof junctions, and where mortar between bricks has deteriorated. The clay geology beneath many Swindon properties can contribute to moisture retention in foundations and walls, making damp prevention more challenging.

Roof problems feature prominently in our survey reports for this area. Properties built from the 1950s through to the 1980s often feature concrete tile roofs with an expected lifespan of around 40-50 years. Many of these roofs are now reaching or exceeding their design life, showing signs of surface erosion, cracked or slipped tiles, and deteriorated ridge pointing. Our surveyors examine roofs from both inside the roof void and externally where safe access is available. We frequently find that original roof felt has degraded, leading to condensation issues and timber decay in rafters and battens.

Electrical installations in older properties frequently require attention. Wiring installed in the 1960s and 1970s does not meet current regulations and may lack proper earthing. Consumer units (fuseboxes) from this era often need upgrading, and we note any visible concerns about the electrical installation in our report. While we cannot perform detailed electrical testing, we can recommend a registered electrician for further investigation if concerns are identified. We also check for the presence of aluminium wiring, which was used in some properties from this period and requires specialist assessment.

Structural movement and subsidence are concerns we assess on every survey. The clay soils present in parts of the Swindon area can cause foundations to shrink and swell with seasonal moisture changes. Properties with shallow foundations, particularly those built before modern building regulations, may show signs of movement such as cracking to external walls, doors and windows sticking, and uneven floors. Our inspectors are trained to identify both recent and historic movement and can advise on whether repairs are necessary.

• Rising and penetrating damp
• Roof tile deterioration
• Outdated electrical wiring
• Windows and doors needing replacement
• Chimney stack damage
• Conservatory and extension defects
• Foundation movement and subsidence
• Timber decay and insect damage

Your Level 2 survey report follows the RICS standardised format, making it easy to compare with other properties if needed. The report uses a simple traffic light system to rate different areas of the property. Green indicates no significant issues requiring attention, amber highlights defects that require repair or further investigation, and red flags serious issues that may affect the property value or safety. This clear rating system helps you quickly identify which areas need immediate attention.

Each section of the report includes a clear condition rating, an explanation of what our inspector found, and guidance on necessary repairs or further investigations. We always use plain English rather than technical jargon, and where we do use specialist terms, we explain them in a glossary at the back of the report. Our goal is to ensure you fully understand the property condition before completing your purchase. We include practical advice on prioritising repairs and estimated timescales where possible.

If the survey reveals significant issues, we provide specific advice on what to do next. This might include requesting repairs from the seller before completion, negotiating a reduced purchase price to account for repair costs, or in some cases, reconsidering the purchase entirely if problems are more serious than initially apparent. Our team can provide additional guidance on how to approach negotiations with sellers based on the survey findings.

The report also includes a market valuation element, which compares the property to similar properties in the local area. This can be useful for mortgage purposes and helps you understand whether the asking price reflects the property condition. If our valuation differs significantly from the agreed purchase price due to defects found, this gives you strong grounds for renegotiation.