RICS Level 2 Survey Eastwood, Nottinghamshire

Our RICS Level 2 Survey in Eastwood provides a thorough inspection of all accessible areas of the property. We examine the condition of the roof, walls, windows, doors, floors, ceilings, and stairs, as well as the condition of services such as plumbing, electrical wiring, and heating systems. For properties in Eastwood, this is particularly valuable given the mix of housing stock, from Victorian cottages with original features to newer homes in developments like Lawrence Grange. Our surveyors are experienced in identifying issues common to both period properties and modern constructions.

The report includes a market valuation specific to the Eastwood area, taking into account local property trends and the current state of the NG16 housing market. We also provide a rebuilding cost for insurance purposes, which ensures you have adequate cover for your new home. The condition rating system uses red, amber, and green ratings to clearly indicate the severity of any issues found, from urgent defects requiring immediate attention to cosmetic matters that may not require immediate action. This colour-coded approach makes it easy to prioritise repairs and negotiate with sellers if needed.

For buyers considering properties in Eastwood's conservation area, our surveyors pay particular attention to the condition of period features, original brickwork, and slate roofs that characterise many homes on Nottingham Road and Church Street. We note any alterations that may require further investigation or that could affect the listed building status of certain properties in the area. With 13 listed buildings in the Eastwood parish, understanding these restrictions is crucial for any renovation plans you might have.

We also include energy efficiency considerations in our Level 2 surveys, noting the condition of insulation, glazing, and heating systems. Given the age range of properties in Eastwood from Victorian through to brand new builds at Lawrence Grange, energy performance can vary dramatically between properties, and our report highlights areas where improvements could be made.

• Full visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Condition ratings (red, amber, green)
• Market valuation for Eastwood area
• Rebuild cost for insurance
• Advice on repairs and maintenance
• Energy efficiency considerations
• Flood risk observations for properties near watercourses

Eastwood's housing stock presents a variety of considerations for buyers. The town has seen significant new development in recent years, with the Lawrence Grange development on Chewton Street bringing modern homes to the area. This Gleeson Homes development offers 2, 3, and 4-bedroom semi-detached and detached homes, along with 2-bedroom bungalows, with prices starting from £234,995 for a 3-bedroom home. While these new builds come with modern warranties, our survey can still identify any snagging issues or defects that may not be apparent during a viewing.

Many properties in Eastwood date back to the Victorian and Edwardian periods, particularly around the conservation area on Nottingham Road and Church Street. These older properties, while often featuring attractive period details like original red brickwork, dentilled eaves, and slate roofs, may have hidden issues that only a professional survey can uncover. The conservation area, established in 1977 and extended in 2008 to include Argyle Mews, encompasses three distinct zones with buildings that reflect Eastwood's industrial heritage.

The area's history as a former coal mining town means that some properties may be built on land with past mining activity. While major mining subsidence is rare today, our surveyors are trained to identify signs of movement or settlement that could indicate underlying issues. We look for cracking patterns, door and window alignment issues, and other tell-tale signs that might suggest ground instability, which is particularly important given the hilly topography and natural valleys that characterise parts of Eastwood.

Flood risk is another critical consideration for certain properties in Eastwood. Following significant flooding events in October 2023 during Storm Babet, 76 properties were affected near Beauvale Brook, particularly on the Coach Drive estate next to the Eastwood Town Cricket Club ground. Previous flooding in July 2013 also affected areas around Coach Drive and Greenhills Road, caused by a combination of fluvial flooding from Beauvale Brook and Brinsley Brook, pluvial surface water issues, and highway drainage problems. Our Level 2 survey includes observations on the property's setting and any visible signs of previous flooding or water damage, and we can advise on whether a more detailed flood risk assessment might be warranted.

The combination of older period properties, newer developments, and the local geography makes a RICS Level 2 Survey an essential part of the buying process in Eastwood. It provides the information you need to make an informed decision, negotiate repairs with sellers, or budget for future maintenance. buying a Victorian terrace on Nottingham Road, a modern semi-detached at Lawrence Grange, or a period cottage near the conservation area, our survey gives you the confidence to proceed with your purchase.

Based on our experience surveying properties throughout Eastwood and the surrounding NG16 area, we commonly identify several recurring issues that buyers should be aware of. In Victorian and Edwardian properties, which make up a significant portion of the older housing stock, we frequently find original timber sash windows that require maintenance, aging roof coverings with slipped or damaged slates, and outdated electrical installations that may not meet current regulations.

Damp is another common finding in period properties, particularly those with solid wall construction that lacks modern cavity wall insulation. Our surveyors check for signs of penetrating damp, rising damp, and condensation, and we note any remedial work that may be required. In properties with larger gardens or those built on the hilly terrain that characterises parts of Eastwood, we also pay attention to boundary walls and retaining structures that may show signs of movement or deterioration.

For newer properties, particularly those at Lawrence Grange and other recent developments, we commonly identify snagging issues such as poorly sealed windows, minor cracks in plasterwork, and issues with fixtures and fittings. While these are typically minor, having them identified before you complete the purchase means you can address them with the developer or factor them into your moving budget.

Properties near Beauvale Brook or in low-lying areas may show signs of previous water ingress or flood damage. We look for water marks, damaged plasterwork, and evidence of damp that might indicate a history of flooding. Given the significant flooding events in October 2023, this is particularly important for properties in the Coach Drive area and other areas adjacent to the brook.