RICS Level 2 Survey in Gerrards Cross

A RICS Level 2 Survey from our team provides a detailed assessment of the property's condition, focusing on issues that are both visible and accessible during our inspection. We examine the main structural elements including walls, roofs, floors, doors, and windows, along with built-in fixtures and fittings. Our surveyor will identify defects, explain their cause, and advise on necessary repairs or further investigations. The report uses a clear traffic light system to highlight areas of concern, making it easy for you to prioritise actions.

For Gerrards Cross properties, our inspectors pay particular attention to issues common in the local housing stock. Many homes in this area feature traditional brick construction, often red brick from the Victorian and Edwardian eras, with solid wall construction or early cavity wall systems. These older properties frequently have original features that require careful assessment, from timber sash windows to decorative plasterwork and period fireplaces. We check the condition of these features and advise on any maintenance or restoration work needed.

The survey also includes a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost estimate, helping you understand the property's true worth in the current Gerrards Cross market. Given that property values in this area have seen changes of around -2.6% to -11.8% over recent periods, having an accurate valuation alongside the condition assessment proves invaluable for negotiation. Our surveyors use their local market knowledge to provide realistic valuations based on comparable sales data for the SL9 area.

Our Level 2 survey covers ten key areas of the property, each inspected thoroughly and reported on using the RICS traffic light system. We check structural walls and foundations, the roof structure and covering, chimneys and flues, damp courses and dampness levels, windows and doors, visible plumbing and electrical elements, floors and stairs, timber elements for rot or beetle damage, garages and outbuildings, and boundary walls and fences.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof structure and covering
• Chimneys and flues
• Damp course and dampness
• Windows and doors
• Plumbing and electrical visible elements
• Floors and stairs
• Timber elements for rot or beetle
• Garages and outbuildings
• Boundary walls and fences

Properties in Gerrards Cross span several decades of construction, from period homes dating back to the late 1800s through to more recent developments. This varied housing stock presents specific challenges that our surveyors regularly identify. Damp remains one of the most common issues, particularly in Victorian and Edwardian properties where original damp-proof courses may have failed or been breached over time. Rising damp and penetrating damp can affect external walls, particularly where pointing has deteriorated or render has cracked. Our inspectors use moisture meters to assess damp levels in walls and floors throughout the property.

Roof conditions frequently require attention on older Gerrards Cross homes. Original clay or slate tiles may have become brittle or suffer from cracked mortar joints, while lead flashing around chimneys often deteriorates after decades of exposure. Our inspectors examine roof spaces where accessible, checking for signs of timber rot, fungal growth, or structural movement that could indicate more serious issues. Many properties in the SL9 area have complex roof structures with multiple valleys and hips that require careful assessment.

Electrical systems in properties built before the 1980s frequently require updating to meet current regulations. Original wiring may be cloth-covered rather than modern PVC, presenting both safety concerns and potential insurance implications. Similarly, plumbing systems in older homes often comprise galvanized steel or lead pipes that deteriorate internally and restrict water flow. We visually inspect accessible electrical consumer units and pipework, noting any apparent deficiencies.

The local geology presents additional considerations for Gerrards Cross buyers. Properties built on London Clay are at risk of subsidence or heave, particularly those with trees planted close to the property. Ground movement can cause cracking in walls, sticking doors or windows, and damage to damp-proof courses. Our surveyors look for signs of this type of movement and recommend appropriate action if concerns are identified.

• Rising or penetrating damp
• Roof tile damage or slippage
• Chimney deterioration
• Foundation movement or subsidence
• Outdated electrical wiring
• Aging plumbing systems
• Woodworm or timber rot
• Window frame deterioration
• Drainage issues
• Missing or damaged roof felt