RICS Level 2 Survey in Bushwood

The housing stock in Bushwood primarily consists of Victorian and 1930s properties, representing some of the most desirable period homes in the area. These properties were built using traditional construction methods including solid brick walls, timber floor joists, and pitched roofs with slate or tile coverings. While these homes often have significant character and charm, they also come with age-related issues that only a qualified surveyor can identify. Our inspectors understand how these traditional construction methods perform over time and what to look for when assessing their current condition.

We frequently encounter common defects in Bushwood's older properties, including rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation problems that affect solid brick walls. The Victorian and interwar construction in this area often lacks modern damp-proof courses, making moisture ingress a persistent concern. Our surveyors check wall surfaces for staining, timber floors for signs of rot, and plaster for soft spots that indicate ongoing damp problems. The older properties in the E11 area are particularly susceptible to these issues due to the solid brick construction that was standard before the introduction of cavity wall insulation.

Roof conditions also require careful assessment in Bushwood, with defective flashings, worn tile or slate coverings, and deteriorating timber rafters being frequent findings. Our inspectors access the roof space where safe and accessible to examine the condition of rafters, purlins, and any visible timbers for signs of woodworm or rot. We also check the integrity of the roof covering from the exterior, looking for missing or damaged slates, cracked tiles, and deteriorated mortar on ridge lines. Given the age of many properties in Bushwood, roof coverings are often approaching the end of their expected lifespan and may require renewal within the next few years.

Outdated electrical systems represent another significant concern in Bushwood's older properties. Many Victorian and 1930s homes still contain original wiring that does not meet current electrical safety standards. Our Level 2 Survey includes a visual inspection of the electrical installation, highlighting any obvious deficiencies or safety concerns that warrant further investigation by a qualified electrician. We check the consumer unit, visible wiring, socket outlets, and light switches for signs of age, damage, or non-compliance with current regulations.

• Damp and moisture penetration
• Roof condition and coverings
• Electrical safety observations
• Timber defects and rot
• Window and door condition
• Foundation and structural indicators

Properties in Bushwood were predominantly built during two distinct periods - the Victorian era (1837-1901) and the interwar period (1919-1939). Victorian properties in this area typically feature solid brick external walls, sometimes with render finishes, timber suspended floors, and traditional lime-based mortars and plasters. Understanding these construction methods is essential for our surveyors to accurately assess condition and identify defects that may not be apparent to less experienced inspectors. The solid brick walls, while durable, can suffer from moisture penetration if the external pointing deteriorates or if there's no functioning damp-proof course.

The 1930s properties in Bushwood represent a slightly different construction approach, often incorporating some modern building practices that were emerging during this period. Many 1930s homes in the area feature cavity wall construction (though not always), concrete tile roofs, and more standardized window sizes. However, these properties are not without their own issues - the concrete tiles used during this era can become brittle with age, and the timber frames used in windows and doors may have deteriorated over nearly a century of use. Our surveyors are trained to identify the specific issues affecting each construction period found in Bushwood.

The foundations of properties in Bushwood typically consist of traditional strip footings laid on the London clay geology that underlies much of East London. While generally stable, clay soils can be susceptible to shrink-swell movement in response to moisture changes, particularly during periods of drought or where large trees are present near the property. Our inspectors look for signs of foundation movement, including cracking to walls, doors and windows that stick, and uneven floor levels. While no specific subsidence issues were identified in our research for Bushwood, vigilance is always required with properties on clay subsoils.

The RICS Level 2 Survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of the property's condition, covering all major structural elements and building services. Our surveyor examines the walls, roof, floors, doors, windows, chimneys, and boundaries, providing you with a clear understanding of the property's current state. We inspect both the interior and exterior of the building, including any outbuildings and the grounds around the property. Every accessible area is examined to ensure nothing significant is missed.

The report uses a traffic light rating system to indicate the condition of each element: red for urgent issues requiring immediate attention, amber for defects that need attention but are not urgent, and green for satisfactory condition. This clear formatting helps you prioritise any remediation work and negotiate with the seller if necessary. Each section of the report includes a clear condition rating followed by our detailed observations and recommendations. This system makes it easy to see at a glance which areas require the most urgent attention.

For Bushwood's older properties, this survey is particularly valuable as it highlights issues common to Victorian and 1930s construction, including the condition of load-bearing walls, the state of timber floor joists, and the integrity of solid brick foundations. The report also includes a market valuation and an insurance reinstatement figure, useful for mortgage and mortgage protection purposes. The valuation aspect is particularly useful given the high property values in Bushwood, helping you ensure you're paying a fair price for the property.

• Structural inspection of walls, floors, and roof
• Damp and timber condition assessment
• Electrical and plumbing observations
• Boundary and outside space inspection
• Market valuation
• Condition ratings and recommendations