RICS Level 2 Survey in B65

The Level 2 survey covers every accessible element of a residential property. In B65, the defects we most commonly document include damp penetration in older solid-wall buildings, roof deterioration, clay-related foundation movement, and electrical installations approaching or past the end of their safe working life.

Structural movement is assessed systematically. Our surveyors check external and internal walls for diagonal cracking at openings - a key indicator of differential settlement from clay shrinkage. We also check floors for uneven surfaces and doors and windows for binding or distortion, both of which indicate frame movement. Where cracking is present, we classify it according to the BRE crack classification system (Categories 0-5) and note whether monitoring or specialist investigation is warranted.

Damp assessment covers all external-facing walls using a calibrated damp meter. Rising damp in pre-1919 solid wall properties, penetrating damp through failed pointing or render, and condensation-related moisture in bathrooms and kitchens are all documented where present. We check sub-floor void ventilation in properties with suspended timber ground floors - inadequate airflow here is a primary cause of dry rot in older B65 terrace properties.

• Roof structure, coverings, chimneys, and rainwater goods
• External walls, pointing, render, and cladding
• Damp-proof course condition and effectiveness
• Suspended timber floors and sub-floor ventilation
• Windows, doors, and external joinery condition
• Electrical installation age and visible condition
• Central heating boiler age, flue, and controls
• Drainage - inspection chambers, gullies, and soakaways
• Outbuildings, garages, boundary walls, and hard landscaping

Every B65 survey is carried out by a fully qualified RICS chartered surveyor. All our surveyors hold MRICS or FRICS accreditation, carry professional indemnity insurance, and work to the current RICS Home Survey Standard for every inspection.

We are entirely independent of estate agents, mortgage lenders, and vendors. The only interest we represent is yours. When our surveyors find significant defects - structural movement from clay-related settlement, roof deterioration, or ageing electrical installations - those findings go into the report completely and plainly, without commercial pressure to protect the transaction.

After delivery, direct access to your surveyor is included. You can call or email to ask about specific findings and how they affect the purchase. Where the report identifies issues needing specialist input - a structural engineer for significant cracking, or a mining search firm for ground stability concerns - we say so clearly and explain what to ask for.

Three active new-build developments are currently selling in B65. Persimmon Homes is building at The Hawthorns, B65 9AD, with two, three, and four-bedroom homes from £260,000 to £390,000. Charles Church is also selling at B65 9AD at The Laurels, with four and five-bedroom homes from £390,000 to £500,000. Barratt Homes is active at The Croft, B65 0AE, with two, three, and four-bedroom homes from £240,000 to £380,000.

For new builds sold under a structural warranty such as NHBC Buildmark or Premier Guarantee, a snagging inspection is the appropriate survey choice rather than a Level 2. Snagging targets construction defects - incomplete finishes, drainage gradients, misaligned joinery, and uneven external paving - that the developer is contractually required to rectify before completion. Defects identified before you legally complete carry more weight than those raised after you have moved in.

We provide snagging inspections across B65 and attend at practical completion, before the balance of purchase funds is transferred. For second-hand properties - which represent the majority of B65 transactions - a Level 2 survey remains the standard and most appropriate inspection.