RICS Level 2 Survey in Fishburn

Our RICS Level 2 Home Survey provides a thorough inspection of the property's condition, identifying any defects or areas of concern that may affect its value or require future investment. The survey includes a detailed assessment of all accessible areas of the property, from the roof space and foundations to the internal fittings and finishes. We examine the condition of walls, floors, ceilings, doors, and windows, along with the property's thermal efficiency and any obvious signs of damp, rot, or structural movement. Our inspectors physically access the roof void where safe access permits, check behind furniture and fittings where possible, and examine outbuildings and boundaries that form part of the property.

For Fishburn properties specifically, our surveyors pay particular attention to the common issues found in the area's housing stock. Many properties here date from the early 20th century when the village expanded rapidly to accommodate workers at Fishburn Colliery, which employed over 1,500 people at its peak in 1935. These older properties often require scrutiny for outdated electrical systems that may not meet current regulations, aging roof structures with original coverings now approaching the end of their service life, and the effects of decades of wear and tear on brickwork and pointing. We have found that terraced properties along the main roads through Fishburn frequently exhibit signs of deterioration in gutter systems and downpipes, while some rendered properties show evidence of damp penetration where the render has cracked or failed.

The mining heritage of Fishburn adds another important dimension to our inspections. While the colliery closed in 1973 and the coking plant followed in 1986, the legacy of underground mining can affect properties across the village. Our surveyors are trained to identify the subtle signs that might indicate ground instability or historical mining features, including diagonal cracking patterns in walls, doors and windows that have become difficult to close, and uneven floor levels. We cannot confirm the presence of mining activity beneath a property without a full geotechnical investigation, but we can identify symptoms that suggest further professional advice may be warranted.

The RICS Level 2 Survey concludes with a clear traffic light rating system that highlights defects by their severity, along with a summary of the overall condition of the property. We provide practical advice on any urgent repairs needed and estimate costs for future maintenance, giving you the information needed to negotiate confidently with sellers or budget appropriately for renovation work. Our reports include clear photographs of any defects found, making it easy for you to understand exactly what issues have been identified and their potential significance.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof condition and coverings
• Damp and timber decay
• Electrical systems
• Plumbing and heating
• Windows and doors
• External finishes
• Thermal efficiency

Fishburn continues to grow with new developments bringing modern family homes to the village. The Hardwick Court development by Mallard Homes offers thirteen four-bedroom detached properties with prices starting from £335,950 and reaching £389,950. These new homes feature energy-efficient construction including air source heat pumps, solar PV panels, and high-performance insulation, with full completion scheduled for October 2025. We have surveyed properties in similar developments across County Durham and understand the specific construction methods used by modern builders, including the internal insulated wall systems and heat pump installations that require particular attention during inspection.

Additionally, planning permission has been submitted for a significant new development north of Salvin Terrace, where Gleeson Regeneration Ltd proposes to build 83 new homes including two, three, and four-bedroom properties, bungalows, and affordable housing options. This proposed development will add substantially to the village's housing stock if approved, with construction likely to begin in the coming years. For buyers considering these new-build properties, a RICS Level 2 Survey can still provide valuable insight, checking the quality of construction, identifying any snagging issues, and verifying that the property matches the specifications outlined in the developer's contracts. Even new properties can have defects that are not immediately apparent to an untrained eye, and our surveyors know what to look for in recently constructed homes.

Even new properties benefit from professional inspection. Our surveyors can identify construction defects, inadequate finishes, or installations that do not meet building regulations, ensuring that your substantial investment in a new Fishburn home is sound from the ground up. We have found issues in new build properties ranging from minor cosmetic defects through to more significant problems with damp penetration, inadequate ventilation, and electrical installations that were not properly commissioned. While new homes typically come with NHBC or similar warranties, these primarily cover major structural defects and may not address the smaller issues that can cause problems down the line. Our survey gives you that your new home is of the quality you expect, and provides documentation of any issues that can be addressed by the developer before your warranty period progresses.

The average property price in Fishburn now exceeds £124,000, representing a significant investment for most buyers. Without a professional survey, you risk discovering expensive problems only after you have committed to the purchase. Common issues found in Fishburn properties include deteriorating roof coverings on older terraced houses, outdated electrical wiring in properties built before modern safety standards, and the gradual effects of damp in properties that may have compromised insulation and internal finishes over decades. With 594 properties selling in the Fishburn area over the past year, the market is active, and making an informed decision based on professional advice is essential to protect your investment.

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides the clarity you need before completing your purchase. The report highlights defects that might not be apparent during a viewing, from hidden damp problems to structural concerns that could require substantial investment to rectify. We have found everything from serious structural issues requiring immediate attention through to minor defects that can be addressed over time. With this information in hand, you can negotiate with confidence, either securing a price reduction to cover necessary repairs or requesting that the seller address specific issues before completion. Many buyers have told us that the survey report gave them the leverage they needed to negotiate a fair price.

The mining heritage of Fishburn adds another dimension to property purchasing that makes professional surveys particularly valuable. While not all properties in the area will be affected by mining-related issues, properties in certain locations may have been constructed on land with historical mining activity. Our surveyors are experienced in identifying the signs of ground instability or subsidence that might indicate mining legacy issues, ensuring you have complete information about the property you are purchasing. We cannot guarantee to identify every possible issue, but our trained eyes can spot the warning signs that suggest further investigation is needed before you commit to your purchase.

The majority of properties in Fishburn were built before 1980, meaning they are now over 40 years old and likely to have accumulated wear and tear that needs assessment. Whether you are buying a terraced property that represents the majority of sales in the area, a semi-detached house from the mid-20th century, or a detached home from a later development, understanding the condition of the property is crucial. Our surveys give you the information you need to make a confident decision and budget appropriately for any work your new property may need.