RICS Level 2 Survey Durham

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a thorough inspection of the property's visible and accessible areas, including the roof space, walls, floors, windows, doors, and plumbing and electrical systems. The survey uses a traffic light rating system to clearly indicate the condition of each element, with red indicating urgent defects requiring immediate attention, amber highlighting issues that need future repair, and green confirming satisfactory condition. Our inspectors examine both the interior and exterior of the property, gaining access to lofts where safe and accessible, and testing windows, doors, and services during the visit.

In Durham, where properties range from pre-Victorian sandstone buildings to contemporary new builds, our surveyors pay particular attention to local construction characteristics and common defect patterns. The report includes detailed findings on damp and moisture problems, which are frequently encountered in older stone-built homes, as well as roof conditions, structural movement, and the condition of electrical and plumbing installations. Each section of the report provides practical recommendations, from immediate repairs to planned maintenance, giving you a clear roadmap for addressing issues both now and in the years ahead.

The survey also includes a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost estimate, helping you understand the property's true worth in the current Durham housing market. With recent data showing average prices at £212,224 and significant variation between property types, this valuation component proves invaluable for mortgage negotiations and financial planning. Our reports are delivered digitally within 24 to 48 hours of the inspection, ensuring you receive the information quickly enough to meet your transaction deadlines.

We assess all key structural elements and building systems, documenting any defects found with photographs and clear explanations. The report covers visible structural defects, roof condition and insulation, damp and moisture assessment, electrical and plumbing overview, window and door condition, and boundary and exterior elements. Each element receives a condition rating that helps you prioritise repairs and understand the overall maintenance requirements of the property.

• Visible structural defects
• Roof condition and insulation
• Damp and moisture assessment
• Electrical and plumbing overview
• Window and door condition
• Boundary and exterior elements

Properties in Durham face several area-specific challenges that our surveyors examine carefully during every inspection. The clay-rich soils found throughout County Durham create shrink-swell risks, particularly during periods of drought followed by wet weather. This ground movement can affect foundations, particularly in older properties with shallower foundations than modern standards require. Trees planted near properties, common in many residential areas, can exacerbate these issues as their roots seek moisture in clay soils, causing subsidence that manifests as cracks in walls and sticking doors or windows.

The River Wear running through Durham city creates flood risks that particularly affect properties in low-lying areas and those with river frontage. Surface water flooding also occurs in urban areas where extensive concrete and tarmac surfaces overwhelm drainage systems during heavy rainfall. Our surveyors note the property's proximity to flood risk areas and can advise on appropriate flood resilience measures. While Durham is an inland location and not subject to coastal erosion, the combination of river and surface water flooding means that understanding drainage and flood history remains important for buyers.

Many Durham properties feature traditional construction methods that differ significantly from modern building practices. Sandstone construction, common in historic buildings including those near the UNESCO World Heritage Site, requires specific expertise to assess correctly. Victorian and Edwardian terraced properties, which form a significant portion of the housing stock, often have hidden issues such as defective damp-proof courses, inadequate insulation, and original electrical wiring that no longer meets current safety standards. Our surveyors understand these local characteristics and know what to look for when inspecting properties across Durham's diverse neighbourhoods.

Properties in new build developments such as Bishops Walk, Old Durham Gate, and Sniperley Park require different assessment considerations. While these homes are built to modern standards and typically come with NHBC guarantees, our surveyors still check for common new build issues including cracking from settlement, boiler performance, insulation installation, and the condition of windows and doors. Even new properties can have defects that become apparent only after occupation, and our thorough inspection ensures you receive a complete picture before completing your purchase.