RICS Level 2 Survey in Roslin & Bilston EH25 9

Our chartered surveyors conduct a thorough visual inspection of the property, examining all accessible areas including the roof space, walls, floors, windows, and doors. In Roslin and Bilston, we pay particular attention to the age of the property since the village developed significantly as a mining settlement in the 1800s. Many properties here are pre-1919, which means they were built before modern damp-proof courses and may have solid walls that are more susceptible to penetrating damp. Our inspectors examine the age and type of construction carefully, noting whether the property uses traditional sandstone from local quarries or more modern brickwork.

We check the condition of roof coverings, which on older properties may include original clay tiles or Welsh slate, and on newer homes in developments like Rosslynlee might be modern concrete tiles. Our inspectors examine the gutters and downpipes carefully, as hidden gutter failures behind parapet walls are a common issue in older buildings that can lead to unnoticed water ingress and structural damage over time. We have found that properties in Roslin Glen, near the River North Esk, often have additional drainage challenges due to the local topography and mature tree coverage.

Given the local geology, which includes boulder clay and fluvio-glacial sands and gravels, our inspectors assess foundations carefully. The shrink-swell potential of clay soils means we look for signs of movement or subsidence, particularly where large trees are planted close to properties. We also note the proximity to the River North Esk in Roslin Glen and check whether flood risk applies to the specific postcode, as Doogal identifies several postcodes within EH25 9 including EH25 9BG, EH25 9RY, and EH25 9SA as having flood risk considerations.

Our inspection covers all major building systems including the condition of windows and doors, the operation of plumbing and electrical installations that are visible, and the overall structural integrity of the property. We take photographs of all defects we find and provide clear descriptions so you understand exactly what our inspectors have discovered.

• Roof structure and covering condition
• Damp and timber decay assessment
• Wall crack analysis and structural movement
• Plumbing and electrical visible defects
• Window and door operation
• Drainage and gutter condition

Based on our experience surveying properties throughout Midlothian, we frequently identify several recurring issues in EH25 9 homes. Dampness is perhaps the most common problem, particularly in the older stone-built properties that dominate Roslin village. Rising damp affects many pre-1919 properties that lack a proper damp-proof course, while penetrating damp often occurs through ageing sandstone brickwork or defective gutters that have been ignored for years. Our inspectors have found that properties with solid walls require particular attention to ventilation and drainage to prevent ongoing damp problems.

Roof problems are another frequent finding. Older properties may have slipped or cracked tiles, deteriorating ridge mortar, and failing flashings. Some homes that have had concrete tiles fitted over original clay tiles may suffer from roof spread due to the additional weight, which our inspectors look for carefully. We also commonly find timber defects including rot and woodworm, particularly in areas with poor ventilation or existing dampness. The presence of large trees close to properties in areas like Roslin Glen can also contribute to structural movement as roots affect soil moisture levels and cause shrink-swell related subsidence.

Electrical and plumbing issues arise regularly in homes built before modern standards. Properties constructed before 1969 may still have lead pipework, while those built before 1999 could contain asbestos in older roof materials, Artex coatings, or insulation. Our surveyors visually inspect these elements and flag any concerns that require further specialist investigation by qualified electricians or plumbers. Given that many properties in EH25 9 date from the mining settlement period, we often find outdated electrical consumer units and distribution boards that would not meet current regulations.

Foundation and structural issues also appear in our surveys, particularly given the local geology. The boulder clay deposits throughout Midlothian can cause shrink-swell movement, especially during Scotland's increasingly variable weather patterns. Our inspectors examine walls for cracking, check whether doors and windows operate properly, and look for signs of past or ongoing movement that might indicate foundation problems requiring structural engineer assessment.

Your RICS Level 2 Survey report uses a clear traffic-light system to highlight issues. Red rating means urgent issues that require attention before completion, such as significant structural movement or severe damp. Amber indicates defects that need repairing but are not urgent, while green denotes satisfactory condition. Each section of the property receives a rating, giving you a complete picture of the condition. We have designed our reports to be clear and accessible, avoiding unnecessary technical jargon while still providing accurate professional assessments.

The report includes specific advice on what to do next. For issues flagged in red or amber, we provide guidance on whether you need specialist contractors, structural engineers, or other professionals to investigate further. In the EH25 9 area, where properties may have historic mining connections or be located near the River Northesk flood plain, we may recommend specialist ground stability surveys or flood risk assessments. Our team has established relationships with local contractors and structural engineers who can provide competitive quotes for any recommended works.

Our team always prioritises clarity. We avoid technical jargon where possible and ensure you understand exactly what we have found before you make any decisions about your property purchase. If you have any questions after reading your report, our customer service team is available to discuss the findings. We want you to feel confident in your purchase decision and fully informed about the property you are buying.

Our chartered surveyors provide RICS Level 2 Surveys throughout the EH25 9 postcode and surrounding Midlothian areas. We regularly survey properties in Roslin village, Bilston, and the various new developments that have transformed this part of Edinburgh's commuter belt. Whether you are buying a flat on Main Street, a detached home at St Clair Mews, or a historic property near Rosslyn Chapel, we have the local expertise to identify any issues specific to your location. We also cover properties on streets including Widnell Square, Dentylion Park, and all other roads within the EH25 9 area.

The EH25 9 area is particularly diverse, with properties ranging from 14th-century castles and 1800s mining cottages to brand new family homes at modern developments. This variety means that our surveyors must be adaptable, understanding how different construction methods and materials behave in the local climate and geology. We bring this experience to every survey we conduct, having inspected properties across every street in the area and developed specific knowledge of local defect patterns.