RICS Level 2 Survey in E6 6

When our chartered surveyors visit a property in E6 6, we conduct a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas. This includes examining the walls, ceilings, floors, doors, and windows, as well as the roof space where safe access is possible. We check the condition of the property's structural elements, looking for signs of movement, damp, rot, or deterioration that could affect the building's integrity or your future living conditions. Our surveyors carry moisture meters and use thermal imaging equipment where appropriate to detect issues that aren't immediately visible to the naked eye.

The inspection covers essential building services including the plumbing system, electrical installations, heating, and drainage. Our surveyors note the age and condition of these systems, flagging any components that appear outdated, unsafe, or likely to require replacement within the near future. For properties in E6 6, where Victorian housing stock is prevalent, we pay particular attention to older electrical wiring that may date from the original construction or have been partially upgraded over the years. We check the consumer unit (fuse board) to see if it meets current regulations, as many older properties still have legacy fuse boxes that would not pass an EICR test.

We also assess exterior elements such as the roof covering, chimneys, gutters, fascias, and external walls. The condition of these elements is crucial for weatherproofing and preventing water ingress, which is particularly important given the British climate. Our Level 2 survey provides you with a clear RICS Condition Rating system (1, 2, or 3) for each element, making it easy to understand which issues require urgent attention and which are cosmetic. We take photographs of all significant findings so you can see exactly what we've identified.

Our inspection also includes checking boundaries, outbuildings, and shared areas where applicable. For terraced properties common in Forest Gate and Upton Park, we examine the condition of any attached walls and check for signs of movement or structural stress that might indicate subsidence or foundation issues - though we note that no specific mining or ground stability concerns were identified in our research for this area.

• Wall and ceiling conditions
• Roof and chimney structure
• Windows and doors
• Plumbing and water pressure
• Electrical wiring and fuse board
• Heating system and controls
• Damp and rot detection
• Boundary walls and fences

Our experience inspecting properties throughout Forest Gate and Upton Park means we know exactly what defects to look for in local housing. Victorian terraced houses, which make up a significant portion of the housing stock in E6 6, commonly present with rising damp issues where the original damp-proof course has failed or was never installed. We frequently find damaged or missing pointing on external walls, particularly on north-facing elevations where weathering is most severe.

Electrical systems in older properties often require particular attention. Many Victorian and Edwardian homes in the area still have their original wiring, which may have been partially upgraded over the decades but rarely meets current 18th Edition regulations. We check the consumer unit, visible wiring, socket positions, and earthing arrangements to identify potential fire hazards and safety concerns that would need addressing before or shortly after you move in.

Roof conditions vary significantly across the area, with some properties having original slate roofs now over 100 years old while others have been re-roofed with concrete tiles or modern materials. We examine the roof covering, flashings, chimneys, and gutters for signs of damage, missing tiles, or inadequate drainage. Given the area's proximity to Gallions Reach DLR and the general age of properties, we also check for any signs of settlement or movement that might indicate foundation issues, though our research did not identify specific ground stability concerns for this postcode.

Your RICS Level 2 Survey report follows a standardised format that makes it easy to understand the findings. Each section of the property is assigned a Condition Rating: 1 means no repair is currently needed, 2 indicates repairs are required but are not urgent, and 3 signals serious issues that require urgent attention or specialist investigation. This clear system helps you prioritise any remediation work and understand exactly what you're getting into with your purchase. The report uses a traffic light colour coding system to make it even easier to scan and identify the most important issues.

The report includes an overall valuation and a rebuilding cost assessment, which is particularly useful for insurance purposes. If the survey identifies issues that might affect the property's value, your surveyor provides an adjusted valuation reflecting the property's actual market condition. This information becomes valuable leverage when negotiating the purchase price with the seller. We base our valuations on current market data for the E6 6 area, including recent sales evidence from Rightmove and Zoopla.

For properties in E6 6, where prices have been rising steadily (with some streets seeing 12% annual increases), having an independent professional assessment protects you from paying over the odds for a property with hidden problems. Our reports also include a section on legal considerations, flagging any issues that your conveyancing solicitor should investigate further, such as boundary disputes or rights of way. We can advise on whether any building regulation approvals appear to be missing for alterations or extensions.