RICS Level 3 Survey in Great Steeping

Our RICS Level 3 Survey represents the most comprehensive inspection option available for residential properties. This survey goes beyond the visual assessment provided by a Level 2 HomeBuyer Report, offering a thorough evaluation of the property's structural elements, construction type, and overall condition. Our inspectors examine walls, roofs, floors, foundations, and damp courses, providing you with a detailed understanding of any defects present and their potential implications. We take photographs of all significant findings and provide clear, jargon-free explanations of what we've discovered.

For properties in Great Steeping, this level of inspection is particularly valuable given the number of older properties in the area. Properties dating from the Victorian and Edwardian periods, such as those around the historic All Saints Church or along the village's older lanes, often have unique construction characteristics that require expert assessment. Our inspectors have experience with traditional brick and stone construction methods used in Lincolnshire properties. We understand how local materials, including the red brick and greensand stone visible in the village's historic churches, behave over time and what signs of deterioration to look for.

The Level 3 Survey includes assessment of all accessible areas, identification of defects that affect the value of the property, and clear recommendations for further investigations where necessary. We also provide cost estimates for essential repairs, helping you negotiate a fair price or request remediation before completing your purchase. Our reports use the RICS traffic light system to clearly indicate condition ratings, making it easy to prioritise repairs and understand the overall health of the property.

Our surveyors are trained to identify issues specific to Lincolnshire's housing stock, including problems associated with older construction methods, flood damage from the River Steeping catchment, and the effects of ground movement on properties built on varying soil types. We examine the property holistically, considering how different elements work together and how defects in one area might affect others.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof structure and covering
• Floors, stairs, and ceilings
• Damp and timber condition
• Windows and doors
• Extensions and alterations
• Services and utilities
• External areas and boundaries

Great Steeping boasts a rich architectural heritage with multiple listed buildings that require particular attention during the survey process. The village features properties ranging from the Grade II* listed Baptist Chapel to the Church of All Saints, Sir William's House, and the historic Kelsey Hall dating from 1854. If you're considering purchasing any older property in this area, a Level 3 Survey is strongly recommended to fully understand the condition of historic construction. The Old All Saints Church, built in 1748 and now a Grade II* listed building, represents another significant historic structure in the village.

Traditional buildings constructed before 1900 often have different structural requirements compared to modern properties. Our inspectors understand the construction techniques used in these historic Lincolnshire homes, including the local use of redsandstone and brick visible in the village's churches. We can identify issues specific to older properties, such as movement in older brickwork, the condition of original timber frames, and the state of historic roofing materials. Many older properties in the area also feature lime-based mortars and renders rather than modern cement-based products, which require different assessment criteria.

For listed buildings, any significant alterations require listed building consent, and our survey can identify areas where previous works may have been carried out without proper authorization. We provide detailed information about the property's construction and condition that proves invaluable when negotiating the purchase price or requesting the seller to address outstanding issues before completion. Our reports can also flag potential issues with listed building status that may affect your planned renovations or alterations.

Great Steeping was also home to RAF Spilsby, which operated from 1943 to 1958. While the airfield is no longer active, some properties in the area may date from this period or have been constructed on former military land. Our surveyors are experienced in identifying issues associated with properties from this era, including any potential ground conditions related to former military use.

Properties in Great Steeping face genuine flood risk from the River Steeping and its tributary, the Lady Wath Beck. The area has experienced significant flooding events, including the notable 2019 breach near Thorpe St Peter that affected around 100 properties and 550 hectares of farmland in the wider Wainfleet area. Lincolnshire County Council has implemented flood resilience measures in the village, including property flood resilience funding for affected homeowners. The Environment Agency maintains flood warning services for the area, and property owners in high-risk zones are encouraged to sign up for alerts.

When surveying properties in Great Steeping, our inspectors pay particular attention to signs of previous flood damage, damp conditions, and the condition of any flood resilience measures that may have been installed. We check floor levels, the condition of lower walls, and any water damage to fixtures and fittings. This assessment is particularly important for properties in low-lying areas near the beck and river. We look for tide marks, warped flooring, and any evidence of recent damp treatment that might indicate previous water ingress.

We recommend that buyers specifically request a thorough damp assessment as part of their property purchase investigation, particularly for properties with a history of flooding or those in high-risk areas. Our Level 3 Survey can identify symptoms of damp and water damage, but a separate damp survey by a qualified damp specialist may be warranted for properties with visible issues or known flood history. Properties with solid floors, rather than suspended timber floors, may show different flood damage patterns that require specialist assessment.

Lincolnshire County Council has undertaken flood investigations and works related to property flood resilience and highway drainage assets in Great Steeping. When we survey properties in the village, we can advise on any documented flood history and help buyers understand the specific risks to their potential new home. This local knowledge, combined with our thorough inspection approach, ensures you have a complete picture of the property's condition.