RICS Level 2 Survey in Dickens Heath, Solihull (B90 1)

The RICS Level 2 Survey provides a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property. Our inspectors examine the main structural elements including walls, floors, ceilings, roofs, and foundations. They assess the condition of joinery items such as windows and doors, and evaluate the condition of services like plumbing, electrical wiring, and heating systems where visible. The survey includes a detailed analysis of the property's construction and materials, comparing them against building standards appropriate to their age and type.

In B90 1, where we see a mix of traditional brick-built properties from the post-war period alongside newer developments from the 1980s onwards, our surveyors are experienced in identifying issues common to each construction era. The report uses a traffic light rating system to clearly indicate areas of concern, with red ratings for urgent defects requiring immediate attention, amber for items requiring future repair, and green for satisfactory conditions. This straightforward approach helps you quickly identify which issues need urgent attention and which can be planned for over time.

Additionally, the Level 2 Survey identifies any legal issues that may affect the property, including matters discovered in the Property Information Questionnaire completed by the seller. This gives you a complete picture of the property beyond just its physical condition, helping you make an informed decision about your purchase in the B90 1 area. Our surveyors are familiar with common legal issues affecting properties in this area and will flag anything that may require further investigation by your solicitor.

The survey also includes a market valuation and an insurance reinstatement figure, both of which are essential for your mortgage provider and buildings insurance requirements. In the B90 1 area, where property values range from £140,000 for flats to £450,000 for detached homes, having an accurate valuation ensures you are not over-paying for the property and that your insurance cover is appropriate for the rebuild cost.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Condition rating for each element
• Analysis of construction and materials
• Identification of urgent defects
• Legal issue flagging
• Market valuation and insurance reinstatement

Properties in the B90 1 area present several common issues that our RICS Level 2 Surveys frequently identify. The geology of this region, characterized by Mercia Mudstone, means that properties built on clay soils can be susceptible to subsidence and heave. This is particularly relevant for older properties with shallower foundations that may not have been designed to accommodate the movement that occurs during periods of extreme wet or dry weather. Our surveyors are trained to look for signs of historic movement, including cracking to walls, doors that stick, and uneven floors. In areas where trees are close to properties, the risk of clay shrinkage subsidence is heightened, and our surveyors will specifically note any trees of concern.

The age profile of housing in B90 1 means that damp issues are frequently identified during surveys. Rising damp due to failed or non-existent damp-proof courses is common in properties built before the 1960s, while penetrating damp can affect properties of any age where pointing, rainwater goods, or roof coverings have deteriorated. With 30% of properties in the area pre-dating 1945, our surveyors often encounter outdated electrical wiring systems that may not meet current safety standards, particularly in properties that have not been updated in recent years. We always recommend that electrical systems in older properties be tested by a qualified electrician before completion.

Roof conditions also feature prominently in our survey reports for the area. Properties from the mid-twentieth century often feature original roof coverings that have reached the end of their serviceable life. Common findings include slipped or broken tiles, deteriorated flashing around chimneys and valleys, and timber decay in rafters and felting. Our surveyors inspect all accessible roof spaces and report on the condition of these critical structural elements. For properties with flat roof sections, we pay particular attention to the condition of the covering and any signs of ponding water.

While river flooding risk is low in the B90 1 area, surface water flooding can occur in localized depressions and near drainage systems. Our surveyors will note any evidence of previous flooding or water staining that may indicate a history of damp issues. Additionally, for properties in lower-lying areas of the postcode, we will assess the effectiveness of existing drainage and flag any concerns that may affect the property's long-term condition.

Dickens Heath has grown significantly over the past two decades, transforming from a small village into a popular residential area with excellent transport connections. The village benefits from its position near the M42 motorway, making it ideal for commuters working in Birmingham, Coventry, or the wider West Midlands. This connectivity has driven demand for properties in the area, with families and professionals drawn to the combination of village charm and easy city access. When spending £290,000 or more on a property in this sought-after area, our buyers understand the importance of a thorough survey to protect their investment.

The local employment opportunities contribute significantly to the desirability of properties in B90 1. With major employers nearby including Jaguar Land Rover in Coventry and the retail and finance sectors in Birmingham, many buyers are professionals making their first property purchase in the area. For these buyers in particular, a RICS Level 2 Survey provides confidence in their investment and helps them plan for any future maintenance costs. Understanding the condition of the property before completion means there are no unexpected surprises once moving day arrives.

Our surveyors are familiar with the specific characteristics of properties throughout Dickens Heath and the surrounding areas of B90 1. We understand that properties in different parts of the postcode may face different challenges, from the potential for subsidence in properties with large trees nearby to the common issues found in post-war construction. This local knowledge allows us to provide our clients with a survey report that is not just technically accurate but also contextually relevant to their specific property and location.