RICS Level 3 Building Survey in Burbage

Burbage has seen significant house price growth, with values rising by nearly 10% over the past year. This surge reflects the area's popularity as a commuter settlement between Hinckley and Leicester, with good transport links and local amenities driving demand. However, the rapid price appreciation makes it even more critical to understand exactly what you are buying. Our RICS Level 3 Survey provides that understanding through a thorough examination of all accessible parts of the property, from the roof structure down to the foundations.

The local housing stock in Burbage presents varied surveying challenges. The area features a mix of property types, with semi-detached houses comprising around 40% of all sales over the past two years. Many properties were built using traditional brick and tile construction methods common throughout Leicestershire, while newer developments from Persimmon Homes and David Wilson Homes offer more modern construction with gas central heating and UPVC double glazing. Each type brings its own potential issues that our inspectors know to look for, from the thermal efficiency implications of solid brick walls to the common defects found in newer timber-frame constructions.

Properties in the LE10 2 postcode sector, which covers Burbage, have shown particular resilience in the market, with prices now 2% above the 2022 peak. This strong performance means buyers are committing significant capital to their purchases. A Level 3 Survey acts as your insurance policy against hidden defects, identifying issues ranging from structural movement and damp penetration to faulty windows and inadequate insulation before you exchange contracts. The investment in a thorough survey could save you tens of thousands of pounds in unexpected repair costs.

• Structural movement and subsidence indicators
• Roof condition and tile defects
• Damp and rot in walls and floors
• Electrical and plumbing condition
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Thermal efficiency and insulation

Even new builds in Burbage benefit from a Level 3 Survey, despite being relatively modern constructions. Properties at The Lodge @ Sketchley Park by Charles Church, with 5-bedroom detached homes starting from £689,995, or the Amber Way development by Redrow Homes featuring modern flats from £135,000, may appear to be in pristine condition. However, our survey identifies snagging issues, construction defects, and problems with build quality that the developer should rectify before the warranty period expires. We have seen numerous cases where new build properties require remediation work that sellers would rather you did not discover.

The 2017 and 2019 David Wilson Homes properties in Burbage represent another segment of newer construction that benefits from detailed surveying. While these homes typically come with the NHBC warranty, our Level 3 Survey can verify that the builder has properly addressed common issues such asadequate ventilation in bathrooms, proper sealing around windows, and correct installation of insulation. Many buyers have expressed regret after moving into new builds only to discover problems that a thorough pre-purchase survey would have revealed. The relatively small investment in a Level 3 Survey provides and negotiating leverage with developers.

The RICS Level 3 Building Survey represents the gold standard in property inspections. Unlike basic valuations, this survey provides a thorough assessment of the property's condition, examining the main structural elements and identifying defects that could affect value or require expensive repairs. Our inspectors open up access panels where safe to do so, examine roof spaces from within, and assess the condition of walls, floors, and ceilings throughout the property. We look beyond the obvious cosmetic issues to identify the underlying causes of any defects we find.

In Burbage's varied housing stock, this comprehensive approach proves particularly valuable. The area includes older properties that may require thorough investigation, modern new builds where snagging issues are common, and conversions like the Grade II listed building near the village centre that was sympathetically converted into five luxury freehold apartments in 2018. Each property type presents unique challenges that our Level 3 Survey addresses comprehensively. For period properties, we pay particular attention to the condition of original features and any alterations made over the years. For new builds, we focus on construction quality and compliance with building regulations. For conversions, we assess the structural integrity of the original building and any extension or modification works.

Understanding the local construction methods helps explain why a detailed survey is so important for Burbage properties. The majority of homes in the area were built using traditional brick and tile construction, with solid external walls and either solid timber joists for floors or precast concrete beam and block systems in more modern properties. Many of the semi-detached houses built between the 1920s and 1970s feature cavity wall construction, though some earlier properties may have solid walls that require special consideration for damp and thermal efficiency.

The newer developments in Burbage, particularly those built since 2011, typically feature more modern construction techniques including gas central heating systems, UPVC windows and doors, and loft spaces insulated to current building regulations standards. However, our inspectors frequently find issues with the quality of workmanship in newer properties, including inadequate sealing around windows, missing or compressed insulation, and problems with the installation of extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens. These issues may seem minor but can lead to significant problems including damp, mould, and excessive energy bills if not addressed.

Properties in Burbage also feature various roof constructions depending on their age and type. Traditional properties typically have pitched roofs with clay or concrete tiles, while some modern homes feature flat roofs over extensions or garage areas. Each roof type presents its own set of potential issues, from slipped tiles and deteriorating ridge tiles on pitched roofs to ponding and membrane failures on flat roofs. Our survey includes a thorough assessment of the roof structure, covering materials, condition, and any signs of past or current leakage.

Our experience surveying properties throughout Burbage and the surrounding Hinckley and Bosworth area has revealed several common defect patterns that buyers should be aware of. In properties with traditional solid brick construction, rising damp is frequently identified, particularly where the existing damp proof course has failed or was never installed. This is especially common in properties where ground levels have been raised over the years, bridging the damp proof course. Our surveyors use moisture meters to assess wall moisture levels and will recommend appropriate remediation if damp is detected.

Another common issue in Burbage properties relates to the condition of roof coverings and flashing details. We frequently find damaged or missing tiles, particularly after periods of adverse weather, as well as issues with lead flashing around chimneys and where roofs meet walls. These defects can allow water penetration that may not be immediately visible from inside the property but can cause significant damage to timbers and plasterwork over time. Our inspectors examine roof spaces where accessible and will note any concerns in the survey report.

Windows and doors in Burbage properties also warrant careful attention. In older properties, we often find rotting timber windows that require repair or replacement, while in newer homes, issues with UPVC window installations can include poor sealing, damaged handles or hinges, and failed double glazing units. The Amber Way flats and similar modern developments may have their own specific issues related to the build quality and the type of construction used. Our survey provides a detailed assessment of all windows and doors, identifying any defects that will require attention.