RICS Level 3 Building Survey in Cirencester

A RICS Level 3 Building Survey provides an exhaustive examination of a property's condition, going far beyond the basic visual inspection of a Level 2 report. Our inspectors assess the entire building structure, including walls, roofs, floors, ceilings, doors, and windows, along with built-in fixtures and fittings. We examine the condition of all visible and accessible elements, identify any visible defects, and provide professional advice on repairs and maintenance. For Cirencester properties, this is particularly valuable given the age and character of many homes in the area.

Cirencester boasts an impressive architectural heritage, with numerous properties dating back several centuries. Our inspectors pay special attention to the unique construction methods found in Cotswold properties, including traditional lime mortar pointing, Cotswold stone walls, and historic timber-framed structures. These period features require specialist knowledge to assess correctly, and our team understands how to identify issues that could affect the long-term stability and character of these historic buildings. We also examine any modern alterations or extensions to ensure they meet current building regulations and have not caused structural issues.

The Level 3 survey report includes a detailed condition rating system that clearly identifies defects ranging from urgent structural issues requiring immediate attention to minor cosmetic matters that can be addressed over time. We provide clear photographs and descriptions of all significant findings, along with practical recommendations for repairs and estimated costs where appropriate. This detailed information proves invaluable when negotiating the purchase price or planning renovation work after completion.

Our inspectors also assess elements that are particularly relevant to Cirencester properties, including the condition of historic roof coverings using stone slates from local quarries, the state of chimney stacks which are common on period properties, and any signs of movement or cracking in solid-walled construction. We check the condition of drainage systems, particularly in older properties with original brick or clay pipe systems, and examine any outbuildings or attached structures that form part of the property.

• Complete structural assessment
• Roof and chimney inspection
• Wall condition analysis
• Damp and timber assessment
• Electrical and plumbing visibility checks
• Boundary and outbuilding evaluation

Cirencester sits in the heart of the Cotswolds, an area renowned for its distinctive golden stone buildings and centuries-old architecture. The town centre features numerous medieval and Georgian properties that have been modified over many generations, creating complex building histories that require experienced eyes to assess properly. Properties in areas like Dyer Street, Castle Street, and the market place often present unique challenges due to their age and the various alterations carried out over decades or centuries. Our inspectors understand these complex histories and know what to look for when assessing a property that may have been subject to multiple periods of extension and renovation.

The local geology also plays a significant role in property conditions across Cirencester and surrounding villages. The clay-based soil common in this part of Gloucestershire can lead to foundation movement, particularly in properties with shallow foundations or those experiencing changes in moisture levels. Our inspectors are familiar with the signs of subsidence, heave, and other ground-related issues that affect properties in this region. We have encountered numerous instances of foundation movement in properties around the Stratton area and near the River Churn, where clay soils are particularly prevalent. We also check for signs of historic flooding, given the town's proximity to the River Churn.

Properties in rural villages such as Barnsley, Kemble, and South Cerney often present different challenges, including septic tank inspections, off-mains drainage assessments, and concerns related to agricultural buildings or former farm structures converted for residential use. Our Level 3 survey can be tailored to address these specific concerns, giving you complete confidence in your rural property purchase. We have surveyed numerous converted barns and farmhouses in the surrounding Cotswold villages and understand the typical issues that arise with these property types.

The Cotswold stone that defines so many properties in this area requires particular expertise to assess correctly. Improper repairs using modern cement-based mortars rather than traditional lime mortar can trap moisture and cause stone decay, a problem we frequently identify in our surveys. We also check for signs of previous structural alterations, such as removed chimney breasts or knocked-through walls, which may have been carried out without proper building regulation approval.

• Historic property expertise
• Listed building knowledge
• Cotswold stone assessment
• Foundation and subsidence checks
• Rural property specialist
• Conservation area awareness