RICS Level 2 Survey in Turnworth

Our RICS Level 2 survey provides a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of your property. We examine the walls, roof, floors, doors, and windows, assessing their current condition and identifying any defects that require attention. The survey includes a detailed review of the property's services, checking electrical installations, plumbing, and heating systems where visible. We also evaluate the overall energy efficiency of the home and flag any obvious areas where improvements could be made to reduce your energy bills.

Given Turnworth's geological composition of predominantly chalk bedrock, our inspectors pay particular attention to potential subsidence indicators. The Upper Chalk formation beneath the parish generally presents low shrink-swell risk, which is good news for property owners. However, we examine for signs of movement, cracking, or settlement that could indicate localized issues with drainage, tree roots from the many hedgerows and woodlands surrounding the village, or legacy issues from past groundworks. Our survey also assesses the condition of outbuildings, boundaries, and the general grounds of the property, including any retaining walls that may be prone to movement.

Turnworth's housing stock includes a significant proportion of older, historic properties, many dating back to the pre-1919 period. These traditional buildings often feature solid wall construction using local limestone and flint, which requires specific expertise to assess properly. Our surveyors understand how these traditional materials behave over time and can identify common issues such as rising damp, penetrating damp, and the deterioration of mortar joints that frequently affect older stone properties in the Dorset area. We also check for any historic alterations or additions that may not meet current building regulations.

The RICS Level 2 survey includes a review of any existing Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and provides commentary on the property's energy efficiency. Many older properties in Turnworth will have poor energy ratings due to solid wall construction lacking cavity insulation, single-glazed windows, and outdated heating systems. Our report highlights these issues so you can factor potential improvement costs into your purchasing decision. We can also advise whether a separate, more detailed EPC assessment might be beneficial.

• Wall condition assessment
• Roof and chimney inspection
• Damp and timber decay detection
• Electrical and plumbing overview
• Boundary and outbuilding review
• Energy efficiency commentary
• Drainage and damp proof course inspection

The age and construction of properties in Turnworth means our surveyors frequently identify specific defect patterns. Damp is perhaps the most common issue, affecting both solid-walled stone properties and older brick-built homes. Rising damp occurs where effective damp-proof courses are missing or have failed, while penetrating damp often results from degraded pointing, damaged flashings, or leaking gutters. Our inspectors use visual assessment and moisture meters to identify the extent and cause of any damp problems. We have found that many traditional stone cottages in the surrounding area suffer from damp due to the age of the original construction and the lack of modern cavity wall insulation.

Roof condition is another area requiring careful examination. Many Turnworth properties feature traditional slate or clay tile roofs that have served for decades or even centuries. Our surveyors check for slipped, broken, or missing tiles, deteriorated leadwork around chimneys and valleys, and signs of timber decay in rafters and purlins. Given the age of much of the housing stock, we also look for evidence of woodworm (common furniture beetle) activity in structural timbers, which can cause significant damage if left untreated. We have seen numerous properties where the original roof timbers show signs of past woodworm infestation that, while perhaps currently stable, may require treatment.

Outdated electrical and plumbing systems are frequently identified in Turnworth's older properties. Many homes still contain original wiring that does not meet current regulations, potentially creating fire hazards. Similarly, lead pipes, galvanized steel plumbing, and outdated heating systems are common findings. Our survey provides an overview of these systems and recommends further investigation by qualified electricians and plumbers where necessary. We have encountered several properties with old fuse boards that would not pass current electrical safety standards.

While Turnworth is not in a high-risk flood zone, we do check for surface water flooding potential, particularly in properties with basements or those located in lower-lying parts of the parish. The chalk geology generally provides good drainage, but clay deposits in some locations can create localized issues. We also examine the property's drainage systems, including soakaways, septic tanks (common in rural properties here), and surface water runoff arrangements. These are particularly important considerations for properties with large gardens or land.