RICS Level 2 Survey Heywood

Heywood's housing stock predominantly consists of Victorian red brick terraced properties, built during the town's significant growth period linked to the cotton trade and Industrial Revolution. These older properties, while full of character, often come with age-related issues that our surveyors know exactly how to identify and assess. We have inspected hundreds of properties throughout Heywood, from the terraced streets near the town centre to the semi-detached homes in Pilsworth and Hopwood.

During your RICS Level 2 survey, we examine the property's condition inside and out, looking for structural issues, damp, roof defects, and problems with windows and doors. Given that many Heywood properties are over 50 years old, we pay particular attention to the condition of original features, including period chimneys, sash windows, and older roofing materials that may have deteriorated over decades. Our surveyors are trained to spot the subtle signs of problems that a standard mortgage valuation would miss entirely.

We also assess any extensions or modifications that may have been made to the property, checking whether they were properly constructed and whether they comply with building regulations. This is particularly relevant in Heywood, where properties may have been expanded over the years to accommodate growing families. Many Victorian terraces in the area have had rear extensions added over the years, and we carefully assess these to ensure they were constructed properly and do not compromise the structural integrity of the property.

Our surveyors understand that Heywood properties face specific challenges related to their age and construction. We check for common issues in Victorian red brick properties, including rising damp, penetrating damp through degraded pointing, rotten timber in original windows and doors, and deterioration of original roofing materials. We also assess the condition of chimneys, which are a common feature on Victorian properties and often require attention due to age and weathering.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof condition and covering
• Damp and timber decay
• Windows and doors
• Chimneys and flues
• Extensions and modifications
• Plumbing and electrical condition

Your RICS Level 2 survey report uses a simple traffic light system to rate different areas of the property. Green indicates no issues requiring attention, amber highlights defects that need reporting but may not be critical, and red flags areas requiring urgent attention or further investigation. This straightforward system makes it easy to understand the overall condition of the property at a glance while still providing detailed information about specific issues.

The report also includes a clear summary of the overall condition of the property, giving you a clear picture before you commit to the purchase. If our surveyor identifies issues that require specialist investigation, such as potential subsidence or significant structural movement, we will recommend appropriate next steps and may suggest engaging a structural engineer for a more detailed assessment. We always err on the side of caution structural concerns.

For Heywood properties, where Victorian and Edwardian buildings are common, our surveyors are particularly experienced at identifying issues typical of this era. We regularly see cracked render on exposed walls, deteriorating brickwork in older properties, timber rot in original windows, and outdated electrical systems that may not meet current regulations. Our experience with local properties means we know exactly what to look for and can provide you with accurate, practical advice.

The report includes optional market valuation and rebuild cost assessment if requested. The market valuation gives you an independent assessment of the property's value based on current market conditions in Heywood, while the rebuild cost assessment is useful for insurance purposes. Both of these add value to your survey report and help you make fully informed decisions about your property purchase.

• Condition ratings for each element
• Clear summary of defects found
• Recommended actions and next steps
• Market valuation (optional)
• Rebuild cost assessment (optional)