RICS Level 2 Home Survey in Wickwar

Our RICS Level 2 survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property. We examine the walls, roof, floors, windows, doors, and internal fixtures, assessing the overall condition and identifying any defects that may affect the property's value or safety. In Wickwar's older properties, this often reveals issues related to the traditional lime-based construction methods and the aging of historic building materials. Our report includes clear ratings for each element: Condition Rating 1 (no repair needed), Condition Rating 2 (defects requiring attention), and Condition Rating 3 (serious defects requiring urgent specialist inspection).

The survey also includes a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost assessment, which is particularly valuable in Wickwar where property values have shown variation. With average prices around the £436,000 mark and recent market shifts of around 5% year-on-year, having an independent valuation helps ensure you are paying the right price. Our inspectors will flag any significant issues that might affect the property's value, giving you leverage for price negotiations or providing clarity on any unexpected costs. This is especially important in a village like Wickwar where property types range dramatically from period cottages to modern executive homes.

For properties in Wickwar's Conservation Area, our survey provides valuable insight into how the property's condition may impact future renovation plans. The survey highlights any defects that could require Listed Building Consent for repairs, which is essential given the 67 listed buildings in the old part of the village. We note the condition of traditional features such as stone walls, sash windows, and original fireplaces that are common in the area's 18th-century properties. Our understanding of the medieval burgage plot layout, where narrow-fronted houses extend to long rear plots along the Back Lanes, helps us identify potential boundary and access issues that might not be obvious to buyers unfamiliar with the local historic layout.

The market valuation component of our RICS Level 2 survey draws on current data for the Wickwar area, including recent sales analysis and local market trends. We provide an insurance rebuild cost that reflects the actual cost of rebuilding the property, which is essential for adequate insurance coverage - particularly important for stone-walled properties where repair costs can exceed those for modern brick construction.

• Wall structure and condition
• Roof covering and flashings
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Floors, stairs, and ceilings
• Damp and moisture assessment
• Electrical and heating systems
• Drainage and gutters
• External finishes and boundaries

The RICS Level 2 survey frequently identifies several recurring issues in Wickwar's older properties. Damp is perhaps the most common finding, particularly in stone-walled properties where moisture management has been compromised by modern renovation work or inadequate ventilation. The traditional lime mortar used in older properties allows moisture to escape, but when Portland cement-based mortars have been used in repairs, moisture can become trapped, leading to damp problems and potential stone decay. This is particularly relevant in Wickwar where many properties along the High Street have had render removed to expose the underlying stonework.

Roof conditions are another frequent concern. Many of Wickwar's 18th-century properties have roofs that have been partially re-covered over the years, with a mix of original and replacement tiles or slates. Our surveyors assess the overall roof condition, check for missing or damaged tiles, examine flashings around chimneys and valleys, and identify any signs of past or current leaks. Given the village's proximity to the Severn Vale and the Little Avon River, we also pay particular attention to any signs of water ingress or drainage issues that might be related to the local topography and soil conditions.

Electrical systems in properties built before the 1970s are almost certain to need updating. Original wiring in Victorian and Georgian properties does not meet modern standards and represents a safety concern. Our survey includes a visual assessment of the electrical installation, noting the consumer unit, wiring age, and socket positions. We recommend a full Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) by a qualified electrician for any property with older electrics. This is particularly important in Wickwar's historic properties where electrical upgrades may need to be carefully planned to avoid affecting historic features.

The removal of traditional render from many properties in Wickwar is worth particular attention. While exposing natural stone can be beneficial, the process can cause issues if the underlying stonework was not properly prepared or if the property was subsequently exposed to prevailing weather without adequate protection. Our surveyors examine the condition of exposed stonework, looking for signs of spalling, mortar loss, or water staining that might indicate problems with the building envelope. We also check whether any previous repairs using inappropriate materials have created moisture traps that could lead to long-term deterioration.