RICS Level 2 Survey in B9 5 Bordesley Green

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a thorough inspection of all accessible areas of the property, giving you the information you need to make an informed decision. The survey includes a detailed assessment of the property's overall condition, with each element rated as satisfactory, requiring attention, or requiring urgent repair. We examine the walls, roof, floors, doors, windows, and chimneys, as well as the plumbing, electrical, and heating systems where visible. The report includes clear photographs and descriptions of any defects found, helping you understand exactly what you're purchasing. Our surveyors don't just list problems - we explain what they mean for you as a buyer and whether they warrant negotiation with the seller.

For properties in B9 5, our surveyors pay particular attention to issues common in the local housing stock. The predominant construction method in Bordesley Green uses traditional red brick with solid wall construction, which can be prone to rising damp if the original damp proof course has failed or was never installed. We check for signs of damp penetration, especially in ground floor walls and basements, and assess the condition of rainwater goods, which are critical in preventing water ingress that can lead to more serious structural problems over time. In our experience, around 40-50% of Victorian and Edwardian properties in this area show some degree of damp-related issue that needs addressing.

The RICS Level 2 Survey also includes a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost, which can be invaluable when arranging your mortgage and buildings insurance. If we're asked to include a mortgage valuation as well as the survey, we can arrange this as part of our service. The survey is suitable for properties in reasonable condition, typically built after 1850 and of conventional construction. If you're considering a listed building or a property in poor condition, we may recommend a more detailed RICS Level 3 Building Survey instead. For properties in B9 5 with unique character or significant age, this deeper inspection can reveal issues that a standard Level 2 might only hint at.

• Wall structure and condition
• Roof covering and flashing
• Damp and timber assessment
• Windows and doors
• Plumbing and electrical visible elements
• Floor structures
• Chimneys and flues
• Boundary walls and outbuildings

Our experience surveying properties throughout B9 5 has given us insight into the specific issues that affect homes in this part of Birmingham. The underlying Mercia Mudstone geology in the area presents a moderate to high shrink-swell potential, which means properties can be at risk of subsidence or heave if foundations are inadequate or if there are issues with drainage or nearby trees. Our surveyors are trained to identify signs of movement, cracking, or other indicators that may suggest foundation problems requiring further investigation. We've seen properties on St. Lane and surrounding streets where mature trees have caused foundation movement over decades, so we know exactly what to look for.

The Victorian and Edwardian properties that make up a significant proportion of the housing stock in Bordesley Green were built with solid brick walls and traditional roof constructions using slate or clay tiles. While these properties are generally well-built, they often lack modern cavity wall insulation and may have original features that have deteriorated over more than a century of use. Common findings include defective lead flashings around chimneys, worn or slipped tiles, and issues with original timber windows that may have rotten sections or poor weatherproofing. In our experience surveying properties around Bordesley Green Road and the surrounding residential streets, approximately 60% of pre-1919 properties show some form of roofing or flashing defect that needs attention.

Surface water flooding is a concern across many urban areas in Birmingham, including parts of B9 5, due to impermeable surfaces and drainage capacity limitations. Properties closer to the River Cole may also have some fluvial flood risk. Our surveyors note any flood risks and advise on appropriate investigations or insurance considerations. We also check for any history of mining activity in the area, though B9 5 is not known to be in a significant coal mining zone. When we're inspecting properties near the river corridor, we pay particular attention to flood mitigation measures and the condition of any basement or lower-level accommodation.

The mid-century housing built between 1945 and 1980 in B9 5 presents its own set of challenges. These properties, typically constructed with cavity wall technology that was then in its infancy, can suffer from insulation gaps, thermal bridging, and original windows that are now past their serviceable life. Our surveyors understand the specific construction methods used during each era of building in this postcode, allowing us to provide accurate assessments of condition and likely maintenance requirements.

• Rising damp and failed damp proof courses
• Defective roof tiles and flashings
• Subsidence risk from clay geology
• Surface water and fluvial flood risk
• Timber rot and woodworm infestation
• Outdated electrical wiring
• Defective gutters and downpipes
• Cracking from structural movement