RICS Level 2 Survey in Falkirk

Our chartered surveyors conduct thorough visual inspections of all accessible areas of your potential Falkirk property. We examine the main walls, roof structure, windows and doors, damp-proof courses, and the condition of any extensions or alterations. Given Falkirk's mining heritage, we pay particular attention to signs of subsidence, cracking, or movement that may indicate historical mining activity or ground instability. Our team has extensive experience identifying the subtle indicators of mining-related ground movement that can affect properties throughout the Falkirk area, particularly in areas close to former collieries.

The survey covers all major building elements including foundations, floors, walls, ceilings, stairs, and balconies where applicable. We inspect the condition of rainwater goods, gutters, and drainage systems, which is especially important for older properties in areas like Falkirk town centre where Victorian and Edwardian housing stock may have aging pipework. In properties near the River Carron, we also assess the drainage layout and note any visible signs of previous water ingress that could indicate flood risk concerns for the specific location.

We assess the condition of key services including the electrical installation, gas supply (where applicable), and plumbing. While we do not test or certify these systems, we identify visible defects, outdated wiring, or potential safety concerns that should be investigated by qualified specialists. Our inspectors regularly find older electrical installations in Falkirk properties that do not meet current regulations, particularly in homes that have not been updated since the 1970s or earlier.

We examine outbuildings such as garages, sheds, and boundary walls, providing you with a complete picture of the property's condition. For properties in newer developments such as The Laurels at Lathallan Grange in Polmont, we also note any snagging issues common to newly constructed homes that may still be covered under builder warranties.

• Wall structure and pointing
• Roof covering and chimneys
• Damp and timber defects
• Windows and doors
• Electrical condition (visual)
• Plumbing and drainage

Properties in Falkirk range from modern new builds near Polmont to traditional Victorian and Edwardian houses in established residential areas. Older properties, particularly those built before 1970, often present common issues that our surveyors regularly identify during inspections. These include rising damp due to missing or damaged damp-proof courses, deteriorating roof coverings with slipped slates or damaged felt, and outdated electrical installations that may not meet current safety standards. The prevalence of older housing stock in areas like Falkirk town centre and Camelon means these issues appear frequently in our survey reports.

The mix of property types in Falkirk means each survey is tailored to the specific construction and age of the building. Semi-detached houses in areas like Larbert may have different characteristics compared to terraced properties in Camelon or flats in Grangemouth. Our inspectors adjust their approach accordingly, ensuring that relevant issues for each property type are thoroughly assessed and reported. For example, shared drainage systems in flats require different consideration than individual systems in detached homes.

For properties near the River Carron or in areas prone to surface water flooding, we note the position of the property relative to flood risk areas and identify any visible evidence of previous flooding or water damage. While our survey is visual and does not replace a specialist flood risk assessment, we provide observations that help you understand potential environmental concerns affecting the property. Properties in lower-lying areas of Falkirk may have different risk profiles that warrant additional investigation.

We also see various structural issues in Falkirk properties, including cracking in walls that may indicate movement, timber decay in roof structures, and condensation issues in properties with inadequate ventilation. Our detailed reports help you understand which issues are cosmetic, which require urgent attention, and which may need specialist structural engineering assessment before proceeding with your purchase.

• Signs of subsidence or structural movement
• Roof defects and weathering
• Damp and condensation issues
• Outdated electrical wiring
• Window and door deterioration
• Timber decay and rot