RICS Level 3 Building Survey in Eskdale

Our RICS Level 3 Survey provides a comprehensive examination of all accessible areas of the property. Our inspector will assess the condition of the roof structure, including rafters, purlins, and any signs of water damage or deterioration. We examine external walls for cracks, movement, or signs of damp, paying particular attention to the traditional construction methods commonly found in Lake District properties. We also assess the foundation and substructure, looking for signs of subsidence, settlement, or movement that could indicate structural problems.

Inside the property, our team checks all internal walls, ceilings, floors, and joinery. We assess the condition of windows and doors, testing their operation and examining frames for rot or damage. The survey covers all plumbing and electrical installations visible during the inspection, noting any DIY modifications or non-compliant work that may pose safety risks. In older Eskdale properties, which often date back to the 18th or 19th century, we pay special attention to the integrity of load-bearing walls and any historical alterations that may have been made over the years.

Our inspectors have found that many properties in Eskdale feature traditional slate roofing which, while durable, can suffer from slipped tiles or degraded mortar pointing in the valleys. We carefully examine these areas as they are particularly vulnerable to water penetration given the high rainfall the area experiences. We also assess the condition of chimney stacks, which are a common feature on Lake District properties but can suffer from frost damage and deteriorating flashings in this climate.

The Level 3 survey also includes an assessment of outbuildings, boundaries, and the general grounds of the property. For properties in Eskdale, this is particularly relevant as many homes come with substantial gardens or agricultural land. Our inspector will note any trees close to the property that could affect foundations, and assess the condition of any retaining walls or structures within the grounds. We have seen numerous properties with historic stone retaining walls that require careful assessment for stability and drainage.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, damp proofing and insulation
• Foundations and subsidence evidence
• Windows, doors and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical condition
• Outbuildings and boundaries

Properties in Eskdale face unique environmental challenges that our inspectors are well-versed in assessing. The Lake District experiences high rainfall throughout the year, which puts significant strain on roofing materials and can lead to damp penetration in older properties. Our inspectors examine properties for signs of water damage, including staining on ceilings, damp patches on walls, and deterioration of timber elements that may result from prolonged exposure to moisture. We have found that properties in exposed positions, particularly those on the valley sides, can suffer more severely from wind-driven rain.

Many properties in the Eskdale area are constructed from local slate and granite, materials that are durable but require specific expertise to assess properly. The traditional lime mortar used in older properties needs different evaluation criteria compared to modern cement-based mortars. Our inspectors understand these traditional building techniques and can accurately assess the condition of historic fabric without recommending unnecessary invasive work that could actually damage the building's character. We know how to identify where lime mortar pointing has failed and needs repointing, versus where more serious structural issues exist.

Given that Eskdale falls within the Lake District National Park, planning constraints are particularly strict. Properties here are more likely to be listed or located within conservation areas, which brings specific obligations for maintaining the building's historic character. Our survey reports highlight any issues that may affect your ability to obtain planning permission for future alterations, saving you from costly surprises after you have completed your purchase. We note any obvious signs of unapproved works that could complicate future planning applications.

The geology of the Lake District, with its slate and granite bedrock, generally provides good foundation conditions, but we still assess each property individually for any signs of movement or settlement. Properties on steeper slopes may have retaining walls or stepped foundations that require particular attention. Our inspectors are familiar with the types of foundations typically found in the area and can identify when additional specialist investigation might be advisable.