RICS Level 2 Home Survey in BB9 0 Nelson

Our RICS Level 2 Home Survey provides a thorough inspection of the property's condition, focusing on all major visible elements including walls, roofs, floors, windows, and doors. We check the structural integrity of the building, examining for signs of subsidence, cracking, or movement that could indicate underlying problems. In BB9 0, where a significant proportion of properties are pre-1919 Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses, our surveyors pay particular attention to the unique construction methods used in these historic homes. We understand that many properties here were built as mill worker housing in the 19th century, often with solid brick walls without cavity insulation.

The survey includes a detailed assessment of damp and moisture penetration, which is a common issue in older properties throughout Nelson and Brierfield. Many properties in this area were built with solid brick walls before modern damp-proof courses were introduced, making them susceptible to rising damp and penetrating damp. Our inspectors use their expertise to identify the type and cause of any dampness found, whether it's rising damp from the ground, penetrating damp from defective brickwork or roof issues, or condensation resulting from inadequate ventilation. We commonly find these issues in properties along Manchester Road, every street in Nelson town centre, and the terraced streets surrounding Brierfield.

We also examine the condition of the roof, including tiles, flashing, gutters, and chimneys. In older properties, roof defects such as broken or missing tiles, sagging roof lines, and deteriorating lead flashing are frequently identified. Our surveyors inspect both the external roof covering and any accessible loft spaces, checking for signs of leaks, inadequate insulation, and timber defects. Given the prevalence of traditional terraced housing in BB9 0, we also assess the condition of shared walls and any boundary structures. We pay special attention to properties with shared chimneys, which are common in terraced streets and can pose hidden structural risks.

Additionally, we assess the condition of windows, doors, floors, and staircases, along with any visible plumbing and electrical installations. Our inspection covers the general condition of the property's drainage, looking for signs of blocked gutters, defective downpipes, or issues with the foul water and surface water systems. We also note the energy efficiency of the property, including the type of windows, insulation levels in accessible areas, and any obvious issues that could lead to heat loss. For properties in the area's Conservation Areas or Listed Buildings, we can advise whether additional specialist assessments are needed.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof, chimneys, and gutters
• Damp and moisture assessment
• Windows and doors
• Floors and staircases
• Plumbing and electrical visible installations
• Timber decay and pest damage
• Energy efficiency considerations

The BB9 0 area has unique geological and historical characteristics that our surveyors take into account during every inspection. The underlying geology consists of Lower Westphalian coal measures from the Carboniferous era, with drift cover primarily comprising Pennine drift, also known as Boulder Clay. This clay-rich soil presents a shrink-swell risk, meaning the ground can expand during wet periods and contract during dry spells, potentially leading to subsidence and structural movement in properties. Our surveyors are trained to identify the signs of this type of ground movement, which is particularly relevant given the clay deposits common throughout the Pendle area.

Historical mining activity is another significant factor in the Nelson area. Marsden Colliery at Brierfield, sunk around 1814 and closed in 1873, was one of several small mines in the area. The Coal Authority has raised concerns about recorded mine entries within or near developments in Nelson, highlighting risks to surface stability if untreated. Our surveyors are aware of these potential issues and will look for signs of mining-related subsidence, including cracking patterns, uneven floors, and sticking doors or windows. We know to pay extra attention to properties built on or near former industrial sites, particularly those converted from mill buildings or built on reclaimed land.

Properties in BB9 0 may also be located within one of Pendle Borough Council's 23 Conservation Areas, of which there are 326 Listed Buildings in the borough. If you're purchasing a Listed Building or a property in a Conservation Area, special considerations apply. These properties often require more detailed assessments and may need specialist heritage surveys. Our team can advise whether a standard Level 2 survey is appropriate or if a more comprehensive RICS Level 3 Building Survey would be better suited to your property, particularly for historic buildings that may require listed building consent for certain repairs.

While the Nelson area currently has no flood warnings from rivers, the sea, or groundwater, surface water flooding can occur in certain areas. Properties in lower-lying parts of Brierfield and near watercourses should be checked carefully. Our surveyors will note any factors that could contribute to surface water flooding, including the condition of drainage systems, the slope of the land, and the proximity to water bodies. We provide practical advice on flood risk mitigation where appropriate.

If you're considering a new build property in the BB9 0 area, a Level 2 survey is still valuable, even for recently constructed homes. While new builds come with NHBC or similar structural warranties, these warranties often have limitations and may not cover all issues. Our survey can identify defects in the construction, such as poorly installed insulation, inadequate damp-proofing, or issues with windows and doors that haven't been properly fitted. We also check that the property has been built in accordance with building regulations, though a separate building control inspection may also be required.

Recent new build activity in the Nelson area includes developments at Further Clough Head, where plans were submitted in May 2023 for 129 new family homes by Pearl Together, and the Foxhills development in Brierfield, where Barnfield Construction completed 36 homes in partnership with Pendle Council. If you're purchasing a property on one of these new developments, our surveyors can check the quality of construction and identify any issues before you complete. We understand the common issues that can affect new build properties, including snagging issues, inadequate ventilation, and problems with thermal bridging.

Even new properties can have hidden defects that aren't immediately visible. Our thorough inspection includes checking the condition of the property's fabric, looking for signs of water ingress, assessing the quality of workmanship, and ensuring that all installations are functioning correctly. We provide you with a detailed report that gives you buying a brand-new property or one that's just a few years old.