RICS Level 2 Survey West Lavington, Wiltshire

Our RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey provides a detailed inspection of all accessible areas of the property, giving you a clear picture of its condition before you commit to the purchase. We examine the main structural elements including walls, floors, ceilings, and the roof structure, along with built-in fixtures such as kitchens and bathrooms. Our surveyors check for signs of damp, rot, timber defects, and structural movement, which are particularly important in older properties like the historic William and Mary houses found in West Lavington's conservation area. In properties of this age, the original construction methods often differ significantly from modern building practices, and our experience in the local area helps us identify issues that might be missed by less experienced surveyors.

The survey includes a thorough assessment of the property's services, covering electrical systems, plumbing, heating, and drainage. We inspect the condition of windows and doors, examine the condition of gutters and downpipes, and assess any outbuildings or garages. For properties in West Lavington, where we see a mix of traditional brick and stone construction alongside newer developments, our surveyors pay particular attention to the joinery and finish of period features that may require specialist maintenance. Many older properties in the village have had various alterations and extensions over the years, and we carefully assess whether these works have been carried out properly and whether they may have any implications for building regulations compliance.

One of the key advantages of our Level 2 survey is the clear traffic light rating system that highlights defects based on their severity. This makes it easy for you to understand which issues require urgent attention and which are less critical. We also provide practical advice on maintenance and repairs, helping you budget for any work needed after completion. For properties in the village centre near Church Street, where listed buildings require careful consideration, we include guidance on any relevant heritage considerations. The traffic light system provides immediate clarity on the condition of different elements, with red indicating urgent defects requiring immediate attention, amber highlighting issues that will need attention in due course, and green confirming that no significant problems were found.

Our surveyors also assess the general energy efficiency of the property and can identify areas where improvements might be possible. While we do not replace a full EPC assessment, we do provide observations on the condition of insulation, windows, and heating systems that may affect the property's energy performance. For buyers in West Lavington, where many properties are older and may have higher heating costs, this information can be valuable for budgeting purposes and for planning future improvements to the property.

• Structural walls, floors, and ceilings
• Roof structure and covering
• Damp and timber assessment
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• Heating and drainage
• Outbuildings and boundaries
• Energy performance rating review

West Lavington's property market presents unique characteristics that make a professional survey particularly valuable. The village features a mix of property ages and styles, from historic period properties including a notable Grade II* William and Mary house on Church Street, to newer developments such as the Lavington Lane site where Hayfield Homes has constructed 50 new units. This variety means that each property requires careful assessment of its specific construction methods and potential defect risks. Our surveyors are familiar with the different construction approaches used across these various property types, from traditional solid-wall construction in older properties to modern cavity-wall systems in newer homes.

The local housing stock in West Lavington and the surrounding SN10 area includes a high proportion of detached properties, accounting for approximately 39% of transactions in the postcode area. These larger homes often have complex roof structures and multiple storeys that benefit from our detailed inspection approach. Additionally, many properties in the village have been extended or altered over time, and our surveyors are trained to identify any works that may require further investigation or that may have affected the structural integrity. We have seen numerous cases where extensions or alterations have been carried out without proper building regulations approval, and we can highlight these issues in our report.

For buyers considering properties in the newer developments around West Lavington, such as those on Lavington Lane or the proposed Hedges House development, our Level 2 survey still provides valuable protection. Even recently constructed homes can have defects related to building standards, materials, or workmanship. Our inspectors check the quality of construction, the proper installation of windows and doors, and the efficiency of heating systems, ensuring your new build meets expected standards. New build properties benefit from NHBC guarantees and other warranty schemes, but these often have exclusions and limitations that mean an independent survey is still worthwhile.

The local area is seeing continued development interest, with proposed schemes including a CG Fry & Son development of up to 47 new homes accessed from White Street. This ongoing growth in the village means that the local housing stock will continue to diversify, with both new build and period properties changing hands. Regardless of the property type you are considering, a Level 2 survey from our team provides the independent, professional assessment you need to make an informed decision about your purchase in West Lavington.