RICS Level 3 Structural Survey in Lockington-Hemington

The RICS Level 3 Survey, also known as a Structural Survey, represents the most comprehensive examination of a property's condition available. Our inspectors visually assess all accessible areas of the building, including the roof structure, walls, floors, ceilings, doors, and windows. We examine the property from foundation to chimney pot, identifying defects, potential future problems, and areas requiring immediate attention or future maintenance planning. This thorough approach means we can spot issues that would be invisible to an untrained buyer viewing the property.

For Lockington-Hemington's diverse housing stock, this detailed assessment proves particularly valuable. The village contains properties dating back to the 17th century, including farmhouses and historic hall buildings, alongside more modern constructions from the 1970s onwards. Each building type presents different potential issues, and our surveyors are trained to identify problems typical of each construction era and materials used in the area. For example, properties like the farmhouse on Main Street that dates back to 1650 require completely different assessment criteria compared to the 1970s end-of-terrace town houses that were built on Hemington Lane.

Our report includes a detailed condition rating system that categorises issues from "Not inspected" through to "Urgent defects requiring immediate attention." We provide clear photographs illustrating each problem, practical recommendations for repairs, and cost guidance estimates. For properties in the Lockington Conservation Area (established 1992, covering approximately 200 houses and 7 listed buildings) or the Hemington Conservation Area (established 1974), we also note any implications for listed building status or conservation requirements that may affect future renovation plans.

The geology of the area also influences our survey approach. Hemington sits on superficial deposits of sand, silt, and gravel from the River Trent, which can affect foundation conditions and drainage characteristics. Our surveyors understand how these local geological conditions may impact the long-term stability of properties and will investigate any signs of movement or drainage issues accordingly.

• Roof structure and covering condition
• Wall construction and signs of movement
• Foundation and ground-level assessment
• Damp and timber condition inspection
• Plumbing and electrical visible evidence
• Windows, doors, and joinery condition

Lockington-Hemington exhibits a fascinating variety of construction methods reflecting its long history. The oldest properties include timber-framed buildings with cruck trusses predating 1700, while Lockington Hall itself was built in 1688 and features render with stone dressings and hipped slate roofs. These traditional construction methods behave differently from modern buildings and require understanding of their specific maintenance needs and potential defect patterns. Our surveyors have specific experience in assessing these historic construction methods and can identify issues such as timber decay in cruck trusses, cracking in rendered walls, or deterioration of historic slate roofing.

The area also includes properties built in the 1970s, such as the end-of-terrace town houses that were a common feature of that era's development along Hemington Lane and surrounding streets. These properties may have different issues related to their construction period, including potential problems with concrete foundations, asbestos-containing materials in floor tiles or insulation, or original double glazing that may be reaching the end of its useful life. More recent developments from the 1990s onwards have added detached family homes to the village's housing stock, particularly in the post-1921 'greenfield' and infill development areas of Hemington.

Many properties in the villages have been modernised over the years, with uPVC framed double glazing and modern Worcester combination boilers being common installations. However, the mix of old and new can create issues such as condensation problems, thermal bridging, or incompatible repair materials. Our surveyors understand these local construction characteristics and can identify when modern improvements may have introduced new problems or when they have successfully addressed historic defects. We pay particular attention to properties that have undergone partial modernisation, as these often present the most complex picture.

The geology of Hemington, which sits on superficial deposits of sand, silt, and gravel, can also influence the performance of foundations and drainage systems. Our surveyors will assess the ground conditions around the property and look for any signs of subsidence, settlement, or drainage issues that may be related to the local soil conditions. This is particularly important for properties with more modern construction that may have been built with different foundation assumptions than the historic buildings in the area.

• 17th-century timber-framed properties
• 1688-1700 historic hall buildings
• 1970s brick-built town houses
• 1990s detached family homes
• Modern new-build properties
• Conservation area restrictions

Once our inspector completes the survey, you will receive a detailed written report that forms a comprehensive record of the property's condition at the time of inspection. The report uses the RICS traffic light system to clearly highlight areas of concern: red for urgent defects requiring immediate attention, amber for issues that will need attention in the near future, and green for areas in satisfactory condition. This clear colour-coding system makes it easy to prioritise any remedial work that may be needed after your purchase.

Each section of the report covers a specific element of the property, from the roof down to the foundations. Our surveyor will have taken numerous photographs during the inspection, which are included in the report to illustrate each defect clearly. You do not need any technical knowledge to understand the report, as we explain everything in plain English while still maintaining the professional detail that experienced buyers expect. For Lockington-Hemington properties, we include specific sections addressing conservation area considerations and flood risk assessment.

The report also includes an executive summary that highlights the most important findings, making it easy to understand the overall condition of the property before making your final decision. If there are any urgent issues, we will telephone you the same day as the inspection to ensure you are aware of any matters requiring immediate attention. This proactive approach ensures you have all the information you need before committing to your purchase in Lockington-Hemington's competitive property market. You can then discuss the findings with your solicitor or use the report to negotiate with the seller.