RICS Level 2 Survey in Everton

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property. Our surveyor will examine the roof structure, walls, windows, doors, plumbing, electrical installations, and damp proof courses. In Everton's older housing stock, we pay particular attention to signs of rising damp, which is common in Victorian terraced properties that were built without modern damp-proofing. We also inspect the condition of roof timbers, as many properties in this area feature original slate roofs that may be reaching the end of their lifespan. Our inspectors probe accessible timber elements to assess condition, checking for signs of woodworm, wet rot, or dry rot that can compromise structural integrity.

The report uses an easy-to-understand traffic light system to rate different elements of the property. Green indicates no issues requiring attention, amber highlights defects that need attention but are not immediately serious, and red flags up issues that require urgent repair. This clear format helps you prioritise any remediation work and provides solid evidence for negotiating the purchase price. If significant problems are discovered, you can request a quote for the necessary repairs and use this to renegotiate with the seller. Our team can recommend reputable contractors who can provide costings for any remedial work identified during the survey.

We inspect both the interior and exterior of the property, including any accessible loft space, under-floor areas, and outbuildings. Our surveyors note the construction type of walls (solid brick versus cavity wall), the condition of pointing and brickwork, and any visible signs of structural movement such as cracking to walls or uneven floors. In Everton's terraced properties, we pay particular attention to shared walls and boundary structures, as issues with these elements can affect multiple properties.

• Roof and loft structure
• Walls, brickwork and render
• Windows and doors
• Plumbing and water systems
• Electrical wiring and consumer unit
• Damp and timber condition
• Foundations and sub-floor visibility
• External areas and boundaries

Everton's housing stock predominantly consists of traditional brick construction, with most properties built using solid brick walls rather than modern cavity wall construction. Many Victorian terraced houses in the area feature red brick facades with render to the rear elevation. Roofs are typically constructed with timber rafters and purlins, covered with natural slate or clay tiles. Original slate roofs are common on older properties, and while well-maintained slates can last indefinitely, the supporting timbers, felt underlay, and lead flashings often deteriorate over time. Our surveyors understand these traditional construction methods and know how to identify the specific defects that affect each element.

Internal floors in Everton properties are typically constructed with timber floor joists supporting floorboards, which can be prone to sagging or rot if exposed to damp over many years. Many properties have original cast iron or steel beams supporting party walls in terraced houses. Our inspectors assess the condition of these structural elements, checking for signs of corrosion or movement that could indicate structural concerns. Windows in older properties are often original timber sash windows, which may be in varying condition depending on how well they have been maintained over the years.

Understanding the local geology is also important for Everton buyers. Liverpool generally sits on Triassic sandstones, and clay content in superficial deposits can contribute to shrink-swell risk in some areas. While Everton is not specifically identified as a high-risk subsidence area, our surveyors are alert to signs of ground movement, particularly in properties with mature trees nearby or those built on ground with higher clay content. We note any cracking to walls, uneven floors, or doors and windows that do not close properly, as these can indicate foundation movement that may require further investigation.

Given the age of Everton's housing stock, our surveyors frequently identify several recurring issues during Level 2 inspections. Rising damp is perhaps the most common problem, affecting properties that were built with solid walls and no damp-proof course. This manifests as tide marks on ground-floor walls, peeling wallpaper, and musty smells. While not always urgent, rising damp requires proper remediation to prevent long-term damage to plasterwork and timber floor joists. Our surveyors use moisture meters to assess damp levels and can recommend appropriate specialist contractors if damp proofing work is needed.

Roof conditions are another frequent concern in Everton. Many properties still feature their original slate roofs, which may be over 100 years old. While well-maintained slates can last indefinitely, the supporting timbers, felt underlay, and lead flashings often deteriorate over time. Our surveyors inspect for slipped tiles, daylight visible through roof spaces, and signs of past or current leaks. We also check the condition of valley gutters and abutments, which are common sources of penetrating damp in older properties. Electrical wiring is also a common issue, as many Victorian and Edwardian properties still have their original rubber-insulated cabling, which poses a fire risk and would not pass current regulations.

Timber defects including woodworm and rot affect numerous properties in the area. Wet rot typically occurs in persistently damp locations such as window frames, door frames, and floor joists adjacent to leaking pipes or poor ventilation. Dry rot is more serious as it can spread through timber even in relatively dry conditions. Our surveyors probe accessible timber to assess its condition and recommend appropriate treatments where necessary. Additionally, many properties in Everton lack modern wall insulation, resulting in poor energy efficiency and higher heating costs for buyers. The absence of cavity wall insulation in solid brick properties is a common finding that can significantly impact running costs.

Structural movement, while not always serious, is frequently observed in older Everton properties. Minor cracking to walls is common as buildings settle over time, but our surveyors know how to distinguish between harmless age-related movement and more serious structural issues that may require further investigation by a structural engineer. We also check for signs of previous movement that may have been repaired, as this can indicate ongoing instability. Asbestos-containing materials may be present in properties built before 2000, particularly in older pipe insulation, ceiling tiles, and textured coatings - our surveyors note any suspected asbestos but do not test for it as part of a standard Level 2 survey.