RICS Level 3 Building Survey Ashby cum Fenby

Properties in Ashby cum Fenby face unique structural challenges that our Level 3 surveys specifically address. The village's position at the foot of the Lincolnshire Wolds means many homes sit on clay-rich soils susceptible to shrink-swell movement, a geohazard that can cause subsidence or heave. Our inspectors examine foundations, walls, and floors for signs of movement that might indicate these ground conditions are affecting the property. The Middle Jurassic geology underlying this area includes limestones, mudstones, and sandstones, with the Ancholme Clay Group present in lower areas, creating the potential for significant ground movement during dry spells when clay soils shrink and during wet periods when they swell.

The low-lying nature of Ashby cum Fenby also presents flood risk considerations that our surveyors take very seriously. The village has experienced road flooding multiple times, with documented incidents around Hall Farm and near St Peter's Church occurring eleven times in just eleven months according to residents. In January 2024 alone, flooding affected areas around Hall Farm and the lane passing St Peter's Church, with blocked drains on Thoroughfare, Chapel Lane, Church Lane, and Post Office Lane identified as contributing factors. Our surveyors check for flood damage, damp penetration, and water ingress that may not be visible during a casual viewing, and we specifically assess drainage systems given the local flooding history.

Ashby cum Fenby's historic housing stock includes several listed buildings dating back centuries, such as the Grade II* Church of St Peter and Hall Farmhouse, both requiring specialist assessment knowledge. The village appears in the Domesday Book and has heritage assets including Homefield Farmhouse and Front Gate and Railings approximately 5 metres South of Homefield Farmhouse, all protected structures requiring detailed structural analysis. These older properties often have traditional construction methods that differ significantly from modern buildings, including solid walls, deeper foundations, and traditional roof structures using handmade clay tiles and local stone that our inspectors understand intimately.

• Clay shrink-swell subsidence risk
• Flood damage assessment
• Period property structural analysis
• Listed building condition reports
• Drainage system evaluation
• Ground movement indicators

Ashby cum Fenby's housing stock reflects its rural Lincolnshire character, with detached properties accounting for approximately 93% of recent sales. The village has seen four property sales in 2025 with a median price of £408,500, and properties range from historic farmhouses and period cottages to modern family homes and new-build developments. Properties near St Peter's Church and along Main Road often feature traditional construction methods using local materials that differ substantially from modern cavity wall construction, including solid brick walls, traditional timber-framed elements, and original roof structures that may incorporate terracotta pantiles or slate.

Properties on the outskirts of the village, particularly those near the Lincolnshire Wolds, may have different ground conditions requiring careful foundation assessment. The clay soils common in this area of Lincolnshire can cause significant ground movement during dry spells, leading to subsidence that affects foundations and structural integrity. Our inspectors pay particular attention to trees and vegetation near properties, as tree roots can extend up to five metres into the subsurface and exacerbate shrink-swell movement in clay-rich soils. Properties in areas with mature trees or hedgerows require especially thorough foundation inspection.

The Snape Homes Ltd development is bringing new properties to the village, including three-bedroom semi-detached houses, four-bedroom detached homes, and bungalow designs. While new builds come with NHBC or similar warranties, a Level 3 survey remains valuable for identifying any construction defects, snagging issues, or problems that may not be immediately apparent. Pettigrew Builders Ltd, based in Ashby-cum-Fenby, also undertakes custom build projects in the area and has been recognised for quality construction, but even well-built new homes can have hidden issues that only a detailed structural survey will identify.

Given the village's geology and flood history, we recommend a RICS Level 3 survey for virtually all property purchases in Ashby cum Fenby regardless of age. The detailed structural assessment identifies issues that standard surveys may miss, including subtle signs of ground movement, damp penetration through solid walls, and drainage concerns that could lead to future problems. This is particularly important for the five listed buildings in the village, which require specialised knowledge of historic construction techniques and conservation requirements.

Our RICS Level 3 Building Survey provides an extensive examination of the property's condition suitable for any residential building, but it is particularly valuable for older properties, those with non-standard construction, or homes in areas with challenging ground conditions like Ashby cum Fenby. The inspection covers all visible and accessible elements of the structure, from roof coverings and chimney stacks to foundations, damp proof courses, and drainage systems. Unlike simpler surveys, the Level 3 includes detailed analysis of construction materials, building defects, and their causes, providing you with a complete picture of the property's structural health.

The report provides specific recommendations for repairs and maintenance, prioritised by urgency with clear traffic light ratings to indicate severity. Our inspectors assess properties for signs of subsidence related to clay shrink-swell, which is particularly relevant given the geology of the Lincolnshire Wolds area. We examine cracking patterns, door and window alignment, and ground movement indicators that might suggest foundation problems. For properties with a history of flooding, we specifically assess damp proofing, flood damage evidence, and the effectiveness of existing drainage systems.

We also provide market valuation advice and insurance rebuild cost estimates as part of the survey, which proves invaluable for properties with unique construction features or those requiring specialist cover. The Level 3 survey is the only RICS survey option that includes a full structural analysis with detailed defect descriptions and recommended remediation. For Ashby cum Fenby properties, this means getting expert assessment of everything from traditional lime mortar pointing on period cottages to the modern construction techniques used in new developments.

• Comprehensive structural examination
• Defect analysis with causes
• Priority repair recommendations
• Market valuation
• Rebuild cost assessment
• Specialist testing referrals
• Flood risk assessment
• Drainage evaluation