RICS Level 3 Building Survey in Braunstone

The average house price in Braunstone exceeds £260,000, making it essential to understand exactly what you are purchasing before committing significant funds. Our RICS Level 3 surveys provide that assurance by examining every accessible part of the property in detail. The village's conservation areas contain numerous period properties, including several Grade II listed buildings such as St Peter's Church, Manor Farm, and the Shakespeare Inn, all of which may have specific maintenance requirements and restrictions that affect their long-term upkeep.

Many properties in Braunstone were constructed using traditional brick methods common to Leicestershire in the 19th century, often featuring the characteristic orange brickwork that defines much of the Braunstone Village Conservation Area. However, the older Leicester City Council properties in the area often have minimal insulation, and their construction may not be suitable for cavity wall insulation, requiring alternative solutions like external wall insulation. We know exactly what to look for when assessing these different property types and can identify issues that might otherwise go unnoticed by untrained eyes.

The local geology presents another consideration for property buyers in Braunstone. The village sits predominantly on boulder clay with areas of gravel and light sand to the east, having been founded on glacial sands and gravels. While boulder clay can be associated with shrink-swell potential that affects foundations, we assess the property's substructure and identify any signs of movement or subsidence risk. Additionally, parts of Braunstone near the Rivers Soar and Biam, including areas north of Braunstone Lane East, fall within flood risk zones that our inspection will factor into your report.

The two conservation area designations create additional complexity for buyers. The original Leicester City designation covers the historic core around Church Field, Main Street, and Cressida Place, while the new Blaby District designation from September 2024 extends this protection to the southern side of Braunstone Lane. Properties in either area may face restrictions on alterations, and our reports highlight any conservation implications we identify during the inspection.

• Victorian brick properties in conservation areas
• Timber-framed houses on Main Street and Braunstone Lane
• 1960s-1970s council housing stock
• Properties near River Soar flood zones
• Grade II listed buildings with maintenance restrictions

Your Level 3 survey report is designed to be clear and actionable, regardless of your previous experience with property surveys. The document begins with an executive summary that highlights the most significant findings, followed by detailed sections covering each area of the property. We use photographs to illustrate defects and provide specific recommendations for repairs or further investigation by specialists where necessary. The report also includes a market valuation to help you negotiate confidently if significant issues are identified.

One of the key benefits of choosing a RICS Level 3 survey is that we provide tailored advice relevant to the specific property type and location. In Braunstone, this means our reports address local factors such as the condition of older drainage systems, the presence of asbestos in pre-1970s properties, and the structural implications of additions or alterations made over the years. We also highlight any compliance issues with current building regulations that might affect your plans for renovation or extension.

The report uses a priority-coded system to help you understand which issues require immediate attention and which can be addressed over time. For properties in Braunstone, this includes specific guidance on foundation concerns where properties sit on boulder clay, flood risk assessments for properties near the River Soar, and conservation area implications for properties in either of the two designated zones. We provide clear, practical advice that helps you make an informed decision about your purchase.

Braunstone contains a diverse range of property types that each require specific expertise to assess properly. The Victorian and Edwardian terraces along the main roads leading into the village from Leicester feature traditional solid wall construction with the characteristic orange brickwork. These properties often have original features that require careful assessment, including sash windows, decorative plasterwork, and period fireplaces that may have been modified over the decades.

Moving towards the centre of the village, you will find the timber-framed properties that represent some of Braunstone's oldest buildings. These 17th-century dwellings on the Blaby District Council side of Main Street and Braunstone Lane were originally constructed with oak frames and wattle-and-daub infill, though many have been re-clad in brick in later centuries. We understand how to assess these historic structures for hidden defects and structural movement that might not be apparent to a less experienced eye.

The post-war council housing represents another significant segment of Braunstone's property stock. Built by Leicester City Council from the 1920s through the 1970s, these properties were often constructed quickly and to budget, meaning they may have issues with damp penetration, thermal efficiency, and structural movement. Many were built with solid external walls that cannot accommodate standard cavity wall insulation, and our reports specifically address these retrofit challenges for potential buyers.

Additionally, the village contains several notable individual properties including Braunstone Hall and various estate cottages associated with the historic Winstanley Estate. These buildings may have specific maintenance requirements and we are experienced in assessing heritage properties while providing practical advice for their ongoing care. The Grade II listed Shakespeare Inn and Manor Farm also require specialist assessment knowledge that our team possesses.