RICS Level 2 Survey in IG1 2 Ilford

Our RICS Level 2 Survey, also known as the Home Survey Level 2, provides a comprehensive visual inspection of the property's condition without intrusive investigation. Our inspectors examine all accessible areas of the building, from the roof space and foundations to the internal joinery and fixtures. For IG1 2 properties, this is particularly valuable given the mix of Victorian and Edwardian housing stock in the area, where age-related issues are commonly found. We have surveyed hundreds of properties across this postcode, giving us detailed knowledge of the typical construction methods and common defects encountered in local housing.

The survey includes a detailed assessment of the property's main structural elements, including walls, floors, ceilings, and the roof structure. Our surveyors check for signs of damp, timber defects, structural movement, and any issues that may affect the property's value or require future maintenance. We also evaluate the condition of built-in appliances, sanitation, and insulation, providing you with a clear picture of the property's overall condition. Given that many properties in IG1 2 were built using traditional brick construction with load-bearing masonry walls, we pay particular attention to the condition of these structural elements and any signs of movement or deterioration.

Each report includes a traffic light rating system highlighting urgent defects in red, issues requiring attention in amber, and matters for information in green. This clear presentation helps you prioritise repairs and negotiate with sellers if significant problems are identified. For properties in IG1 2, our inspectors frequently identify issues common to older housing stock, including damp proof course failures, roof deterioration, and outdated electrical systems. The red-rated issues are clearly flagged with recommended actions, while amber items provide guidance on monitoring or addressing these matters in due course.

Our surveyors also assess the property's thermal efficiency and highlight areas where insulation could be improved. Many Victorian and Edwardian properties in Ilford were constructed without modern insulation standards, resulting in heat loss through walls, floors, and roofs. We provide practical recommendations for improving energy efficiency that can reduce your future heating costs and make the property more comfortable to live in throughout the year.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof covering and structure
• Floors, ceilings, and walls
• Damp and timber condition
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• Windows and doors
• External joinery and finishes

Our experience surveying properties across Ilford and the IG1 2 postcode has identified several recurring issues that buyers should be aware of. Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses, which form a significant portion of the housing stock in this area, commonly suffer from rising damp due to the absence or failure of original damp proof courses. Penetrating damp is also frequently observed, particularly in properties with aging roof coverings and deteriorated pointing to external walls. We often find that solid brick walls without cavity construction are particularly susceptible to damp penetration, especially when the external brickwork has become weathered or when mortar joints have eroded over time.

Roof conditions represent another major area of concern. Many original roofs on period properties in IG1 2 have exceeded their expected lifespan, with slipped or broken tiles, deteriorated felt underlay, and failing lead flashing all commonly identified during our surveys. These issues can lead to significant water ingress if left unaddressed, resulting in damage to internal decorations and structural timbers. We inspect roof spaces thoroughly, checking the condition of rafters, purlins, and any strutting that supports the roof structure. We also look for signs of previous water staining or timber decay that may indicate historic leaks that have since been patched.

Electrical and plumbing systems in older properties often require updating to meet current safety standards. Original wiring that has not been replaced may pose a fire risk, while old lead pipes and galvanized steel plumbing can affect water quality and pressure. Our Level 2 Survey includes a visual assessment of these services, highlighting any concerns that should be investigated by qualified electricians or plumbers before you complete your purchase. We note the age and condition of the consumer unit, check whether the property has modern earthing, and identify any visible wiring that appears outdated or damaged.

Structural movement is another issue we frequently identify in IG1 2 properties. While minor settlement cracks are common in older buildings, we carefully assess any cracking to determine whether it indicates more serious structural problems. Properties on clay soils can be affected by subsidence or heave, particularly where trees are planted close to the building or where drainage has been compromised. We examine internal and external walls for signs of movement, measuring crack widths and monitoring patterns that may suggest ongoing structural issues requiring further investigation by a structural engineer.

• Rising damp and penetrating damp
• Roof tile damage and felt deterioration
• Outdated electrical wiring
• Galvanized steel plumbing
• Structural movement and subsidence
• Timber decay and woodworm
• Poor insulation and thermal performance

Properties in IG1 2 reflect the construction practices of their era, with Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses typically built using solid load-bearing brick walls. These properties were constructed with red or yellow stock brick, often with decorative brickwork to front elevations that reflects the architectural style of the period. Understanding these construction methods is essential for accurate assessment, as modern building regulations and standards do not apply to these historic buildings in the same way they would to new construction.

The roofs on period properties in this area were traditionally constructed with timber rafters, purlins, and ridge boards, covered with either slate or clay tiles. Many original roofs have been partially replaced or repaired over the years, and our surveyors carefully assess the condition of both the covering materials and the underlying timber structure. We look for signs of past leaks, timber decay, and any structural alterations that may have been made to accommodate loft conversions or dormer extensions.

Internal floors in Victorian and Edwardian properties were typically constructed using timber joists with floorboards laid on top. These can be affected by woodworm, wet rot, or dry rot, particularly where there has been dampness or inadequate ventilation. We inspect accessible floor areas for signs of deterioration and note any areas where floorboards show evidence of movement or weakness that may require further investigation.