RICS Level 2 Survey in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

A RICS Level 2 Survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of the property's accessible areas. Our surveyors examine the main elements of the building including walls, floors, ceilings, roofs, and joinery. We assess the condition of each element and provide clear ratings ranging from "Not inspected" through to "Urgent repairs needed." The survey also includes a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost, giving you a complete picture of the property's worth and potential future costs. Our reports include a detailed assessment of the property's current market value based on our surveyor's professional judgment and analysis of local market conditions in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

The inspection covers both the interior and exterior of the property, as well as any visible permanent outbuildings such as garages or sheds. Our surveyors will identify any visible defects, potential issues that may require further investigation, and highlight areas where immediate attention is needed. The resulting report uses traffic light coding to make it easy for you to identify the most serious issues at a glance. We photograph all significant defects and provide clear descriptions that help you understand exactly what our surveyors found during the inspection.

For properties in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, our Level 2 surveys pay particular attention to issues commonly found in the local housing stock. This includes checking for damp in older properties, assessing roof conditions on period homes, and identifying any signs of subsidence related to the local geology. The survey also examines the condition of windows, doors, and utility connections, ensuring you have a complete understanding of the property's condition before committing to the purchase. Our surveyors are familiar with the various construction methods used across the area, from the solid brick walls of Victorian terraces to the cavity wall construction of inter-war properties.

The RICS Level 2 Survey also includes an energy efficiency assessment, where visible elements such as insulation, heating systems, and double glazing are noted. While this is not a full Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), it provides useful guidance on the property's thermal efficiency. For properties in conservation areas such as Poole Old Town, Bournemouth Town Centre, or the exclusive Canford Cliffs area, our surveyors will note any visible alterations that may require listed building consent.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Condition ratings for key building elements
• Market valuation and rebuild cost
• Traffic light coding for easy identification of issues
• Assessment of potential risks and urgent repairs
• Energy efficiency considerations (where visible)

Understanding the construction of properties in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is essential for identifying potential issues. The area boasts a rich variety of architectural styles, from Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses in Southbourne and Winton to the more modern developments in Broadstone and Merley. Victorian and Edwardian properties, which make up a significant proportion of the housing stock in established areas, typically feature solid brick walls, original timber sash windows, and slate or clay tile roofs. These properties often have suspended timber floors and lath and plaster internal walls, which can be susceptible to damp and structural movement over time.

The inter-war period (1919-1945) saw significant development across the area, with properties featuring cavity wall construction that offers better thermal performance than solid walls. These homes often have tiled roofs and may include decorative render finishes. Post-war construction (1945-1980) expanded the conurbation significantly, with housing estates featuring both traditional brick and non-traditional construction methods. Many of these properties are now approaching 50-80 years old and may require increasingly detailed assessment as they age.

Modern developments (post-1980) include everything from harbour-side apartments in Poole to individual houses in new estates at Canford Park and Jumpers Common. These properties generally feature modern cavity wall construction, concrete tile roofs, and uPVC windows. However, even newer properties can have defects, and our Level 2 surveys are suitable for all conventional properties regardless of age. For properties in the numerous conservation areas across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, including parts of Christchurch town centre, Poole Old Town, and the coastal areas of Southbourne and Branksome, our surveyors pay particular attention to original features and any alterations that may require planning permission.

The local geology also plays a significant role in property condition. The Bournemouth area sits on a mixture of sands, silts, clays, and gravels, with the "Bournemouth Formation" underlying much of the conurbation. Areas with significant clay content can experience shrink-swell movement during periods of dry weather followed by heavy rain, potentially causing subsidence in properties with shallow or inadequate foundations. Our surveyors are trained to identify the signs of this type of movement, including crack patterns in walls and doors that stick or bind.

The coastal environment of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole creates specific challenges for property owners. Properties near the seafront, particularly in areas like Canford Cliffs, Sandbanks, and the cliffs at Barton-on-Sea (close to the BCP boundary), face risks from coastal erosion and salt-laden air that can accelerate the deterioration of building materials. Our surveyors are trained to identify the early signs of these issues and will flag any concerns in your report. The local geology, which includes various sands, clays, and gravels, can also contribute to movement in some properties, particularly where clay soils are present. Properties with large trees nearby may be at particular risk from root-induced subsidence.

Damp is one of the most common issues our surveyors find in properties across the conurbation. The coastal climate, combined with the age of many properties in the area, creates ideal conditions for both rising damp and penetrating damp. Victorian and Edwardian properties with solid walls are particularly susceptible, especially where original ventilation has been compromised by modern alterations such as the installation of double glazing or solid flooring. Our surveyors will thoroughly assess all walls, floors, and joinery for signs of damp and provide recommendations for remediation. We use moisture meters and thermal imaging where appropriate to identify areas of damp that may not be visible to the naked eye.

Roof conditions are another frequent area of concern. Many properties in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole feature original slate or clay tile roofs that are now approaching or exceeding their expected lifespan. Our inspection covers the condition of roof coverings, fascias, soffits, and any visible defects in the roof structure. We also check for issues with leadwork, which is particularly important on period properties where original lead flashing may be deteriorating. Areas to watch include valley gutters, abutments with walls, and around chimney stacks, all of which are common sources of leaks in older properties.

Electrical and plumbing systems in older properties often require updating to meet current safety standards. Many Victorian and Edwardian properties still have original or early consumer units, cloth-covered wiring, and lead or galvanised steel pipes. Our surveyors will visually inspect the electrical consumer unit and note any obvious concerns, while also checking for the presence of modern RCD protection. For plumbing, we note the type of pipework visible and check for any signs of leaks or corrosion. These issues are particularly common in properties along the older residential streets of Bournemouth and Christchurch town centres.

• Coastal erosion and salt damage
• Rising damp and penetrating damp
• Roof deterioration and slipped tiles
• Subsidence related to clay soils
• Outdated electrical systems
• Timber defects including woodworm and rot
• Surface water flooding in low-lying areas

Once your RICS Level 2 Survey is complete, you will receive a detailed report that clearly outlines our findings. The report uses a traffic light system to highlight the condition of different elements, making it easy to identify which issues require urgent attention. Red ratings indicate serious defects that require immediate repair, while amber ratings highlight areas that will need attention in the near future. Green ratings indicate that no issues were found in that particular element. Each section of the report includes a clear description of what was inspected and any defects identified, along with photographs to help you understand the issues.

Your report also includes a market valuation, which is based on our surveyor's assessment of the property in its current condition. This valuation takes into account any defects identified during the inspection and can be used to renegotiate the purchase price if significant issues are found. Our valuation is based on our knowledge of the local Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole property market, including recent sales of comparable properties and current market conditions. Additionally, the report includes a rebuild cost for insurance purposes, ensuring you have accurate information for your buildings insurance. This rebuild cost is calculated based on the size, construction, and finish of the property.

If our surveyors identify any issues that require further specialist investigation, such as potential subsidence, timber infestation, or asbestos-containing materials, these will be clearly flagged in your report with recommendations for appropriate next steps. For example, if we identify signs of movement that may be related to the local clay geology, we may recommend a structural engineer inspection. Similarly, if we find evidence of timber decay or insect infestation, a specialist timber preservation survey may be advised. Our goal is to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your property purchase.