RICS Level 2 Survey in Fivemiletown BT75

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a thorough inspection of the property's condition, focusing on all accessible areas including the roof, walls, floors, doors, and windows. Our inspectors examine the structural integrity of the building, checking for signs of damp, rot, timber defects, and any issues with the roof covering or flashing. In Fivemiletown, where many properties date back to the early 20th century or earlier, our surveyors pay particular attention to common issues found in older properties, including rising damp, outdated electrical systems, and the condition of traditional roof coverings. We inspect both the interior and exterior of the property, taking photographs of any defects we discover so you can see exactly what we mean.

The survey includes a comprehensive assessment of the property's services, covering plumbing, electrical wiring, and heating systems. Our inspectors will identify any outdated or potentially dangerous installations that require attention from qualified tradespeople. For properties in the BT75 area, we commonly find older fuse boards, original plumbing that may be reaching the end of its service life, and heating systems that would benefit from upgrading to more efficient modern alternatives. Properties built before the 1990s often have consumer units that would not meet current electrical safety standards, and we flag these issues clearly in our reports so you can budget for necessary upgrades.

We also examine the external environment of the property, including boundaries, outbuildings, and any signs of movement or subsidence. While specific geological data for BT75 is limited, our surveyors are trained to identify potential issues related to clay soils that can cause movement in properties across Northern Ireland. The report will highlight any areas of concern and provide clear recommendations for further investigation or repairs. We also check drainage, looking at guttering, downpipes, and soakaways to ensure water is being directed away from the building properly.

Our surveyors are experienced in assessing all types of construction common to the Fivemiletown area, including traditional stone-built properties with solid walls, more recent cavity wall constructions, and modern timber-frame developments. Each construction type has its own set of typical issues, and our inspectors know what to look for in each case. For solid wall properties, we pay extra attention to damp penetration, while for newer homes we check for signs of poor workmanship or missing insulation. The report will clearly explain any issues we find and their implications for the property's long-term condition.

• Structural condition assessment
• Damp and timber inspection
• Roof and chimney survey
• Electrical and plumbing check
• Boundary and outbuilding review
• Energy efficiency advisory

Our inspectors frequently identify several recurring issues when surveying properties in the Fivemiletown BT75 area. Damp is perhaps the most common problem, particularly in older properties built with solid walls rather than cavity wall construction. Rising damp can affect ground floor walls, especially where original damp proof courses have failed or were never installed. Penetrating damp often appears in properties with aging roof coverings, particularly where slate or tile has become damaged or displaced over time. In properties with solid walls, lack of proper ventilation can also lead to condensation issues, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms where moisture levels are highest. Our surveyors use moisture meters and thermal imaging equipment to identify damp problems accurately.

Timber defects represent another significant area of concern in this region. Properties with original wooden windows, floorboards, and roof structures may show signs of woodworm infestation or rot, particularly in areas where moisture has penetrated over the years. Our surveyors are trained to identify these issues and assess their severity, distinguishing between minor problems that can be treated easily and more serious structural concerns that require immediate attention. Woodworm is particularly common in older properties where timbers have been in place for many decades, and we always recommend that any significant timber issues be addressed by a qualified specialist before completion. We also check for signs of wet rot and dry rot, which can compromise the structural integrity of wooden elements if left untreated.

The condition of roofs in the BT75 area deserves particular attention. Many properties feature traditional pitched roofs with slate or tile coverings that may be approaching the end of their service life. Our inspectors check for slipped or missing tiles, damaged flashing, and signs of past or current leaks. In some cases, we find that roof structures have been modified or adapted over the years, and we assess whether these changes were carried out properly and whether they comply with current building regulations. The roof space is one of the most important areas we inspect, as problems here can lead to extensive damage throughout the property if not addressed promptly. We also check the condition of chimneys, which are a common source of issues in period properties.

Electrical systems in older properties often require updating to meet modern safety standards. Original wiring may be cloth-covered or rubber-insulated, both of which degrade over time and pose fire risks. Consumer units (fuse boards) in properties built before the 1990s are frequently inadequate by current standards. Our survey will identify these issues and recommend that a qualified electrician inspect and upgrade the installation as necessary. We also check the condition of plumbing, looking for signs of corrosion, leaks, or outdated materials that might need replacement. In many older properties, we find that the plumbing system has been added to piecemeal over the years, which can lead to poor water pressure or drainage issues.

In addition to these common issues, our surveyors also check for signs of structural movement or subsidence. While the geological conditions in the BT75 area are generally stable, properties on clay soils can experience movement as the ground dries and shrinks during periods of dry weather. We look for cracks in walls, particularly those that are diagonal or stair-step in pattern, which can indicate structural issues. We also check that doors and windows operate properly, as sticking or difficulty opening can be a sign of movement in the building's structure. If we identify significant concerns, we will recommend that you commission a structural engineer's report before proceeding with the purchase.