RICS Level 2 Survey in CH45 2 Wallasey

Our RICS Level 2 survey provides a thorough inspection of the property's condition, identifying any significant issues that could affect its value or require costly repairs. The survey includes a detailed assessment of all accessible areas of the property, from the roof space to the foundations, examining walls, floors, windows, doors, and installed fixtures. Our inspectors check for visible signs of damp, structural movement, timber defects, and roof condition, producing a comprehensive report that highlights both urgent defects and long-term maintenance considerations. We examine the general condition of the building fabric, test doors and windows for proper operation, and visually assess the condition of sanitary fittings and kitchen facilities.

For properties in CH45 2, our surveyors pay particular attention to issues commonly found in the local housing stock. Many properties in this area date from the early to mid-20th century, meaning outdated electrical systems, original lead pipework, and aging roof coverings are frequently encountered. The coastal location also means we specifically assess for salt corrosion on external metalwork, deterioration of render due to sea air, and any signs of damp penetration that can be more prevalent in properties near the shoreline. We have found that many Victorian and Edwardian properties in New Brighton still retain their original timber sash windows, which often require careful repair rather than replacement to maintain character.

The Level 2 survey uses a traffic light rating system to clearly indicate the condition of each element inspected, making it easy for you to prioritise repairs and negotiate with the seller if necessary. Red rated issues require urgent attention, amber ratings indicate defects that need repairing but are not immediately critical, and green ratings confirm the element is in satisfactory condition. This clear formatting helps you understand exactly what you are purchasing and budget accordingly for any remedial work. Each section of the report includes a clear summary of the inspector's findings, followed by a more detailed technical assessment of the specific defects identified.

Our reports also include a market valuation and an insurance rebuild cost, which can be useful for mortgage purposes and building insurance quotes. We provide practical recommendations for ongoing maintenance that can help you protect your investment once you move in. The report format follows RICS standards precisely, ensuring consistency and reliability regardless of which of our surveyors conducts your inspection.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, floors, and ceilings
• Windows and doors
• Damp and timber inspection
• Electrical and plumbing visible aspects
• Boundary walls and outbuildings
• Thermal efficiency observations
• Market valuation and rebuild cost

Purchasing a property in CH45 2 presents unique considerations that make a Level 2 survey particularly valuable. The area's coastal position means properties are exposed to sea air, which accelerates wear on external materials and can cause rapid corrosion of untreated metalwork. Our surveyors regularly identify issues with original cast iron gutters and downpipes that have deteriorated over decades of exposure to salt-laden air. These defects are not always visible from ground level and require careful inspection to identify the full extent of any deterioration.

The geology in this area consists of beach sand overlying boulder clay, which can create specific foundation considerations for properties. While not all properties will be affected, clay in the subsoil can lead to ground movement during periods of drought or heavy rainfall, potentially causing subsidence or settlement issues in older buildings. Our inspectors are trained to identify signs of structural movement, including cracking to walls, doors that stick, and uneven floor levels, which may indicate foundation problems that require further investigation.

Many properties in the CH45 2 area were constructed before modern building regulations were introduced, meaning they may have outdated electrical wiring, limited insulation, and non-compliant extensions. We frequently find that original electrical consumer units do not meet current safety standards, and lead pipework may still be in use for water supply. A Level 2 survey identifies these issues so you can factor the cost of upgrades into your purchase decision rather than facing unexpected expenses after completion.

The Wallasey coastline presents specific challenges for property owners that our surveyors are trained to identify. Properties in CH45 2 are exposed to sea air, which can accelerate the deterioration of external metalwork, render, and brickwork. Salt deposition on surfaces can cause rapid corrosion of untreated steel or iron elements, and our inspectors specifically examine gutters, downpipes, railings, and structural fixings for signs of this type of damage. We have found that properties within 500 metres of the coast typically show more advanced deterioration of external elements compared to those further inland.

The area also has ongoing coastal erosion concerns near the Wallasey Embankment, where reinforcement works have been carried out to protect surrounding properties from wave action and erosion. Significant works were completed in August 2022 to prevent undermining and reduce flood risk to over 1,269 households in neighbouring areas. While not all properties in CH45 2 are directly affected, those closer to the coastline may have specific considerations around flood risk and sea defence maintenance. Our reports include relevant observations about these environmental factors where visible from the property and where they may reasonably affect the property's condition or future value.

The Wallasey Embankment itself serves as a critical sea defence structure protecting large areas of the North Wirral hinterland, including parts of Leasowe, Moreton, and Meols, from flooding and erosion from the sea. Properties in the immediate vicinity of the embankment may have been subject to specific flood risk assessments, and we can advise on what to look for in terms of historical flood records and sea defence maintenance. The foreshore directly in front of the embankment has international conservation and environmental importance, with designations including Ramsar and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for the Mersey Narrows & North Wirral Foreshore.

Many properties in the New Brighton and Wallasey area were built using traditional brick construction with solid walls, which can be more susceptible to damp penetration than modern cavity wall constructions. Our damp inspections assess the condition of brickwork, pointing, and any existing damp-proof courses, providing you with accurate information about the current state of the property's weather resistance. We also check for evidence of previous damp treatment, as some older properties may have had remedial work carried out that may or may not have been effective.