RICS Level 2 Survey in EH17 7 Edinburgh

The RICS Level 2 Survey, also known as a HomeBuyer Report, provides a detailed assessment of the property's visible condition without invading the structure. Our inspectors examine all accessible areas including the roof, walls, floors, windows, doors, and plumbing and electrical systems. The report uses a clear traffic light rating system to indicate the condition of each element, with red highlighting serious issues requiring urgent attention, amber flagging defects that need repairing, and green indicating satisfactory condition. This visual approach makes it easy for you to prioritise any remediation work.

In EH17 7, where properties range from traditional sandstone constructions to newer developments, our surveyors pay particular attention to local building practices and common issues. The area contains properties built from various eras, each with their own characteristic defects. Older properties may have solid walls lacking modern damp-proof courses, while post-war homes might show signs of wear to original roof coverings or outdated electrical installations. Our detailed report includes specific recommendations for addressing these issues, with cost estimates where possible.

The survey also includes a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost, giving you confidence that you're paying a fair price for the property. If our inspector identifies any significant issues, you can use the report to negotiate with the seller for repairs or a price reduction. For properties in EH17 7, this is particularly valuable given the area's mix of older housing stock where defects are more likely to be found. Our valuation takes into account local market conditions specific to the Gilmerton area and recent comparable sales data.

Beyond the core inspection elements, our RICS Level 2 Survey also assesses the property's environment and external factors relevant to EH17 7 buyers. This includes checking for potential flood risk from surface water, evaluating the proximity to former mining areas, and identifying any access or rights of way issues that might affect the property's value or your enjoyment of it.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof covering and chimney stacks
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Damp and timber condition
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• External surfaces and drainage
• Garage and outbuildings
• Energy performance rating

The EH17 7 area presents several property issues that our RICS Level 2 Survey specifically checks for. Given the geological conditions in the wider Edinburgh area, which includes boulder clay and sedimentary formations, properties can be susceptible to ground movement. Our inspectors carefully examine walls for cracks that might indicate subsidence or heave, particularly important in this area where historical coal mining has left legacy issues beneath some properties. While not all of EH17 7 is affected, properties in certain streets may sit above old mine workings, making structural assessment particularly valuable. We can recommend a mining report if our visual inspection raises concerns about ground stability.

Dampness is another common issue we identify in EH17 7 properties, especially in older buildings constructed with solid walls. Traditional sandstone and brick construction found in pre-war properties often lacks modern damp-proof courses, leading to rising damp or penetrating damp problems. Our survey thoroughly assesses damp levels using professional equipment and identifies necessary remediation. Additionally, roof condition is a frequent finding, with many properties over 30-40 years old showing wear to slate or tile coverings, defective leadwork, or blocked gutters that require attention. In Gilmerton, where many homes date from the 1950s and 1960s, original roof materials are often reaching the end of their serviceable life.

Electrical safety is particularly important in older EH17 7 properties where wiring may date from the 1970s or earlier. We inspect consumer units, wiring condition, and socket outlets, flagging any installations that don't meet current regulations. Similarly, heating systems in older properties may be nearing the end of their lifespan or using outdated technology. Our report highlights these concerns so you can budget for necessary upgrades or replacements after purchase.

Surface water flooding is a consideration in parts of EH17 7, particularly in low-lying areas and properties near natural drainage paths. During heavy rainfall, certain streets in the Gilmerton area can experience flooding due to drainage capacity being overwhelmed. Our survey notes any evidence of previous flooding or water damage and can advise on flood risk assessment if required. This is an important factor for buyers to understand, especially for properties with basements or ground-floor accommodations.

Even brand new properties benefit from a RICS Level 2 Survey. While The Rowans development by Barratt Homes on Gilmerton Station Road represents modern construction quality, new builds can still have defects that aren't immediately visible. Our survey checks that all installations work correctly and identifies any snagging issues that need addressing before your warranty period expires. The RICS Level 2 is ideal for these properties as it provides a clear assessment without being excessively detailed for a relatively new home.

For those considering properties in the nearby Gilmerton Heights development (EH17 8), our surveyors can also cover properties just outside the EH17 7 boundary. New build properties may appear to need less scrutiny, but the reality is that building standards can vary, and defects sometimes emerge only after residents begin living in the property. A professional survey gives you confidence in your investment and recourse with the developer if significant issues are found.

The NHBC Buildmark warranty that covers most new builds has specific timeframes for identifying and reporting defects. Having a RICS Level 2 Survey conducted shortly after you move in ensures any issues are documented within the warranty period, protecting your interests as a new homeowner. Our surveyors understand the common defects found in modern construction methods used in Edinburgh developments, including potential issues with timber frame construction, flat roof details, and modern insulation systems that can cause condensation problems if not properly ventilated.

Properties in the EH17 7 area reflect Edinburgh's diverse architectural history, with housing stock spanning multiple decades of development. The Gilmerton area saw significant expansion during the post-war period, meaning many homes were built between 1945 and 1980 using construction methods common to that era. These properties often feature cavity wall construction with brick or render finishes, timber pitched roofs, and original windows that may now be showing their age. Understanding these construction types helps our surveyors identify the most likely defects and provide relevant advice.

Older properties in EH17 7, dating from before 1945, typically feature traditional solid wall construction using local sandstone or brick. These buildings often lack modern damp-proof courses and may have solid timber floors that could be affected by rot or woodworm. Our surveyors know how to assess these traditional structures without causing damage, using visual inspection techniques refined through years of experience with Edinburgh's older housing stock. We pay particular attention to the condition of pointing, which can deteriorate over time allowing water penetration.

More recent construction in the area, including new developments like The Rowans, uses modern building methods that bring their own considerations. Modern cavity wall insulation, UPVC windows, and contemporary heating systems require specific knowledge to assess properly. Our team stays up to date with current building regulations and construction practices, ensuring our surveys of new build properties are just as thorough and accurate as those for older homes. We can identify installation defects that might not be apparent to untrained eyes but could develop into problems later.