RICS Level 2 Survey in Easington Colliery

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a detailed assessment of a property's visible condition without invasive investigation. We inspect the roof structure, walls, windows and doors, plumbing and electrical systems, damp levels, and the general integrity of the building. The survey includes a traffic light rating system that clearly highlights urgent defects requiring immediate attention, moderate issues to monitor, and satisfactory elements of the property.

For properties in Easington Colliery, our inspectors pay particular attention to the Colliery-era housing stock that characterises much of the area. These properties, built from local red brick with slate roofing, often feature decorative brick-banding details but can suffer from deteriorating mortar, weathered brickwork, and aging roof materials. Our surveyors document these issues thoroughly, giving you leverage in price negotiations or ensuring you budget for necessary repairs.

The survey also includes a market valuation and an insurance reinstatement figure, which proves invaluable for mortgage purposes and insurance quotes. We base our valuations on current Easington Colliery market data, where properties have shown strong growth of 5-8% over the past year, with terraced properties averaging around £68,000 and semi-detached homes reaching approximately £115,000.

Given that the majority of housing in Easington Colliery was built before 1945, our surveyors are experienced in identifying the specific defects that affect older properties. Properties from the Colliery era often require more careful assessment due to their age and the construction methods used at the time, which may include shallow foundations, original timber floor structures, and outdated building regulations compliance.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, brickwork and pointing
• Windows, doors and joinery
• Damp and moisture detection
• Electrical systems overview
• Plumbing and drainage
• Floor structures and ceilings
• External finishes and boundaries

Easington Colliery's mining history significantly influences the local housing stock and presents specific considerations for property buyers. The colliery, sunk in 1899, dominated the area's development until its closure in 1993, resulting in the loss of 1,400 jobs and a dramatic transformation of the local economy. Properties built during this period were constructed quickly to house mine workers, often using local red brick and slate, with simple "two up two down" layouts that remain characteristic of the area today.

The village sits atop coal seams, and while the Coal Authority maintains a reserved area underneath to safeguard against subsidence, any property purchase in Easington Colliery should consider potential mining-related issues. Our surveyors are experienced in identifying signs of ground movement, subsidence indicators, and structural concerns that may relate to historical mining activity. We recommend that buyers factor in the cost of any necessary Coal Mining Risk Assessments, particularly for properties in areas indicated by the Coal Authority.

Properties from the 1950s-1980s also feature prominently in Easington Colliery, built with muted brick tones and occasional render. These mid-century properties often present different challenges, including outdated electrical systems that may not meet current regulations and original features that may require updating. Our Level 2 Survey identifies these issues clearly, helping you understand exactly what you're purchasing.

The nearby Easington Village, just a short distance from the Colliery, was designated a conservation area in 1974 and contains buildings ranging from the 13th century to the present day. If you're considering properties in or near this area, be aware that listed building status or conservation area requirements may apply, potentially requiring specialist surveys beyond a standard Level 2 assessment. The area also features unique geological characteristics, as Easington is the only place on earth with dolomitic limestone cliffs along its coastline.

• Historical mining activity
• Subsidence risk assessment
• Colliery-era construction methods
• Mid-century property conditions
• Conservation area considerations
• Coastal proximity factors

Our experience surveying properties throughout Easington Colliery reveals several recurring issues that buyers should be aware of. Damp problems feature prominently, particularly in the older Colliery-era terraced properties where original damp-proof courses may have failed or been compromised over more than a century of use. Rising damp and penetrating damp can lead to structural deterioration and health issues if left untreated, making early identification essential.

Roof deterioration is another common finding, with slate and tile roofs on older properties showing signs of wear, slipped tiles, and degrading mortar in verges and ridges. The local red brickwork, while durable, can suffer from mortar erosion and brickface spalling, particularly where exposure to coastal weather has accelerated weathering. Our surveyors photograph and document these issues comprehensively in your report.

Electrical systems in properties built before the 1980s frequently fail to meet current electrical safety standards. Original fuse boards, twisted wire cabling, and insufficient socket outlets represent significant safety concerns that require immediate attention from a qualified electrician. We flag these issues clearly in our report and recommend follow-up inspections by registered electrical contractors.

Given the coastal location of Easington Colliery on the Durham Heritage Coast, properties very close to the cliff edge may face long-term coastal erosion considerations. While not a widespread issue for the village as a whole, extremely close proximity to the coastline warrants additional investigation. Surface water and groundwater flooding can also affect certain areas, particularly where clay soils combined with high groundwater create drainage challenges. Our surveyors check for signs of previous flooding and advise on appropriate investigations where needed.