RICS Level 2 Survey in Consett DH8 8

Our RICS Level 2 HomeBuyers Survey provides a comprehensive assessment of a property's condition, focusing on defects that significantly affect value or safety. The survey includes a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas, from the roof space and foundations to windows, doors, and internal fixtures. We examine the structural integrity of walls, floors, and ceilings, while also assessing the condition of damp-proof courses, insulation, and ventilation systems. Our surveyors check the condition of all visible and accessible elements, documenting any defects with photographs and providing clear recommendations for remedial action.

In Consett, where a significant proportion of housing dates from the Victorian and Edwardian periods, our surveyors pay particular attention to common issues found in older stone-built properties. This includes checking for signs of damp penetration in solid-walled homes, assessing the condition of original timber windows, and evaluating older roofing systems that may have exceeded their expected lifespan. Many properties in areas like Blackhill and the older parts of Consett were constructed using traditional stone masonry methods by the Consett Iron Company in the 1890s, with rows of terraced houses on streets such as Laburnum Avenue (formerly Siemens Street), Cort Street, Roger Street, and Bessemer Street. These historic properties, while well-built for their time, often lack modern damp-proof courses and may have underlying issues that only an experienced surveyor would identify.

The survey report provides a clear traffic-light rating system, highlighting defects as either red (requires urgent attention), amber (needs attention but not critical), or green (satisfactory). Each issue includes detailed commentary on the problem, its likely cause, and recommended remedial action. For properties in areas like Blackhill conservation area or streets with mining history such as Front Street, Victoria Street, and Main Street, we provide specific guidance on considerations that go beyond a standard survey. We also assess any extensions or alterations to ensure they meet building regulations and have not introduced structural problems.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof covering and condition
• Damp proofing and dampness
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• Insulation and ventilation
• External finishes and boundaries
• Outbuildings and garages

Our experience surveying properties throughout Consett and the DH8 8 postcode reveals several recurring issues that buyers should be aware of. Dampness ranks among the most common problems, particularly in older solid-walled properties built before modern damp-proof courses were standard. Rising damp affects numerous Victorian stone terraces in areas like Blackhill and the older parts of Consett, while penetrating damp often manifests in properties with aging brickwork or compromised roof coverings. Condensation is also frequently observed in older properties with inadequate ventilation, particularly during winter months when heating is used.

Roof defects are another frequent finding in our Consett surveys. Many period properties retain their original slate or tile roofs, which, despite their longevity, eventually require attention. We regularly identify slipped or broken tiles, deteriorating ridge mortar, and failing flashings that allow water penetration. In some cases, older roofs may have been patched multiple times over decades, creating complex layering that requires specialist assessment. Properties in exposed locations may also show accelerated weathering of roof coverings due to local weather patterns.

Electrical and plumbing systems in older Consett properties frequently fall below current safety standards. Original wiring installed decades ago may still be in service, presenting fire risks that mortgage lenders will require addressed. Similarly, lead or galvanised steel pipes, common in properties built before the 1970s, may still supply water to kitchens and bathrooms. Our survey identifies these outdated systems and recommends necessary upgrades. We also check for adequate insulation, as many older properties were built before modern thermal standards were required.

The local geology presents additional considerations for property buyers. Consett sits within the Coalfield Upland Fringe landscape character type, and while some areas have non-plastic underlying geology meaning no shrink-swell related subsidence risk, other parts show enhanced risk of clay-related subsidence. Our surveyors assess external ground conditions, the proximity of trees to properties, and signs of movement that may indicate foundation issues. Properties with large trees nearby, particularly those with shallow root systems, warrant particular attention.

• Rising and penetrating damp
• Roof tile damage and slipped slates
• Outdated electrical wiring
• Original lead or steel plumbing
• Structural crack movement
• Timber decay and woodworm
• Inadequate insulation
• Drainage and guttering defects

Your RICS Level 2 survey report from Homemove provides clear, jargon-free explanation of every significant finding. We structure the report to prioritise the issues that matter most, so you can focus on the defects that affect your decision to proceed or your negotiating position. Each section of the property receives a condition rating, and we clearly flag any issues that require urgent attention before completion. The report follows the RICS format, ensuring consistency and comparability with other survey reports.

For properties in Consett's conservation areas, including Blackhill conservation area, we provide specific guidance on how defects may affect your ability to alter or extend the property in future. Conservation area restrictions mean that certain works requiring planning permission elsewhere may need approval locally. Our surveyors understand these constraints and highlight any conservation considerations in your report. There are 93 conservation areas within towns and villages in County Durham, designated for their special architectural or historic interest, and Blackhill is among those relevant to DH8 8 buyers.

The report also includes a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost estimate, which proves useful for mortgage arrangements and buildings insurance purposes. Should the survey reveal significant defects, you have clear documentation to renegotiate the purchase price or request that the seller addresses issues before completion. Our team is happy to discuss any findings with you after you receive the report. We can explain technical terms and help you understand the implications of any defects identified during the inspection.