RICS Level 2 Survey in Blackpool

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property. In Blackpool's diverse housing stock, this means examining everything from the traditional brickwork found in many pre-war properties along Queens Promenade to the more modern construction methods used in new developments like those around Redwood Boulevard. The survey includes a detailed assessment of the property's condition, identifying any defects that might affect value or safety. Our surveyors examine the main structural elements including walls, floors, ceilings, roofs, and foundations, providing you with a clear understanding of the property's current state.

We specifically look for signs of movement, dampness, and rot that can be particularly problematic in Blackpool's coastal environment. Salt air and moisture exposure from the Irish Sea can accelerate weathering of external materials, so our inspectors pay close attention to render condition, brickwork deterioration, and window frame integrity in older properties. The glacial till geology underlying much of Blackpool, particularly in areas like Marton and Great Marton, can present shrink-swell risks during periods of heavy rainfall or drought, so our surveyors are trained to identify any signs of subsidence or ground movement that may indicate foundation issues.

We also assess the condition of key building services such as plumbing, electrical installations, heating systems, and drainage. For properties in flood-risk areas near the coast or those with older drainage systems common in the town, this element of the survey provides essential information about the condition of hidden infrastructure. The resulting report includes clear traffic light ratings for each element, making it easy to understand which issues require immediate attention and which merit monitoring over time. This transparent rating system helps you prioritise any remediation work and understand the overall condition of the property you are purchasing.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof structure and coverings
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Dampness and timber condition
• Plumbing and drainage
• Electrical installations
• Heating systems
• External finishes

Blackpool's property market reflects its history as a popular seaside resort town. The housing stock includes a significant proportion of Victorian and Edwardian terraces, particularly in areas like South Shore, Central Blackpool, and along the Promenade. These properties, while full of character, often feature solid brick walls that can be prone to damp penetration if maintenance has been neglected. Our surveyors are experienced in identifying the tell-tale signs of condensation and penetrating damp that affect many period properties in the area. Many of these older properties also feature render or pebble-dash finishes that can deteriorate over time when exposed to Blackpool's maritime climate.

The predominance of semi-detached properties in Blackpool, accounting for approximately 39.5% of sales, means that many purchasers will be looking at this popular housing type. Semi-detached homes built between the 1920s and 1960s are common in residential areas like Marton, Great Marton, and Poulton-le-Fylde. These properties typically feature cavity brick construction but may have issues with roof coverings, pointing, and original windows that have deteriorated over decades of exposure to the maritime climate. Our inspectors pay particular attention to the condition of roof tiles, chimney stacks, and flashings on these properties, as these are common areas where defects are discovered.

Newer properties in Blackpool, while representing a smaller portion of the market, are increasingly being built in areas like Marton Moss. The Shore at Redwood Gardens development offers modern detached homes with prices typically ranging from £250,000 to £400,000. These modern homes still benefit from a Level 2 Survey to identify any construction defects or issues with workmanship that may not be apparent during a casual viewing. Our surveyors inspect new builds to the same exacting standards as older properties, ensuring that even recently constructed homes meet acceptable quality thresholds. With 90 new build sales recorded in the Blackpool postcode area in the last year, the modern housing stock is growing and deserves the same careful scrutiny.

Blackpool also has several conservation areas, including parts of Stanley Park and areas along the promenade, where properties may have specific restrictions or requirements. Our surveyors understand these designations and can advise on how they might affect future renovation or maintenance plans. Additionally, with areas of Blackpool susceptible to coastal flooding during storm surges and high tides, and urban surface water flooding in more built-up areas, our inspectors are trained to identify visible signs of water damage or flood mitigation measures that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Your RICS Level 2 Survey report follows a standardised format that makes it easy to understand the condition of the property. Each element of the building is assigned a condition rating: 1 (No repair currently needed), 2 (Defects requiring attention but not serious or urgent), or 3 (Serious defects requiring urgent attention). This clear rating system helps you prioritise any remediation work and understand the overall condition of the property you are purchasing. The report also includes a summary section that highlights the most important findings, so you can quickly identify any major concerns before reading through the detailed sections.

The report includes practical recommendations for addressing any issues identified during the inspection. For Blackpool properties, these recommendations often include advice on improving ventilation to reduce condensation, maintaining external render and brickwork to prevent damp penetration, and ensuring that drainage systems are functioning correctly, particularly in areas prone to surface water flooding. Our surveyors provide estimated costs where possible, helping you budget for any necessary works after completion. They also identify any maintenance items that should be addressed to prevent problems from developing in the future.

If significant issues are identified, you may wish to instruct a specialist to carry out further investigations. For example, if our surveyor suspects subsidence or significant structural movement, we may recommend a structural engineer. If Japanese Knotweed or other invasive species are suspected, a specialist survey may be advised. These additional investigations are not included in the Level 2 Survey but the recommendation ensures you have all the information needed to make safe decisions about your purchase. Our goal is to ensure you have complete confidence in your property decision, with full knowledge of any issues before you commit to the purchase.