RICS Level 2 Survey in Kimberley

The RICS Level 2 Survey, formerly known as the HomeBuyer Report, provides a comprehensive assessment of a property's condition without the invasive inspections of a Level 3 building survey. Our inspectors examine all accessible areas of the property, including the roof space where we assess the condition of tiles, flashing, and insulation, as well as the walls where we look for signs of damp, cracking, or structural movement. We inspect floors for signs of subsidence or rot, windows for double-glazing seals and frame condition, and doors for proper operation and structural integrity. The services including plumbing, electrical consumer units, and heating systems are also visually examined for obvious defects or safety concerns.

In Kimberley, where the housing stock includes a significant proportion of properties built before 1980, our surveyors pay particular attention to common issues such as damp penetration, roof condition, and the integrity of load-bearing walls. The predominance of detached and semi-detached properties in the area, accounting for nearly 78% of sales according to recent market data, means we also examine extensions and conservatories that are frequently added to family homes in this market. Our surveyors are particularly alert to signs of past mining activity that may have affected foundations, including cracking patterns, door and window sticking, and uneven floor levels that can indicate ground movement.

Our Level 2 survey includes a clear traffic light rating system highlighting conditions ranging from green (satisfactory) through amber (requires attention) to red (urgent attention required). We provide practical advice on any remedial works needed and prioritise issues that require immediate attention from those that can be scheduled for future maintenance. This detailed assessment is particularly valuable in Kimberley, where property types vary considerably from Victorian terraces to new build developments. We also provide a market valuation as part of the survey, giving you confidence that the price you are paying reflects the true condition of the property.

The survey report we produce is designed to be clear and actionable, with a summary at the front highlighting the most important findings followed by detailed sections covering each area of the property. We use plain English rather than technical jargon wherever possible, and when we do use technical terms we explain them. This means you can use the report whether you are a first-time buyer or an experienced property investor, and you can share it with contractors to obtain quotes for any remedial works identified.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Assessment of property valuation
• Traffic light condition ratings
• Advice on remedial works and maintenance
• Market valuation insight
• Specific analysis for your property type

Kimberley's housing market offers considerable variety, with detached properties comprising approximately 42% of sales and semi-detached homes accounting for 36% according to recent market data from Robert Ellis. This predominance of family homes means our surveyors frequently examine properties with multiple floors, loft conversions, and extensions that have been added over the years. We assess the condition of roofing systems in detail, which is particularly important given the age profile of many properties in the area where a significant proportion of housing was constructed before 1980. The condition of flat roofs on extensions and conservatories is a common area of concern that we identify regularly in our surveys.

Terraced properties, representing about 20% of the market, often require attention to shared walls and structural elements that form part of the attached properties. Our Level 2 surveys examine the condition of these common elements and identify any issues that may affect the property's structural integrity, including signs of movement that may have occurred due to ground conditions or mining legacy. We also check the condition of boundary walls and fences that are the responsibility of the property owner, as these can require significant maintenance in older terraced properties.

Flats in Kimberley, while representing only 2.4% of sales, require specific attention to leasehold terms and any service charge provisions that may affect your ongoing costs as a property owner. Our surveyors review the condition of communal areas where information is available and flag any concerns about the maintenance of shared elements. We can advise on whether the service charges appear reasonable for the level of maintenance required and identify any major works that may be planned that could affect future costs.

The new developments in Kimberley, including the former Hardy & Hansons brewery site and town centre apartment schemes, bring modern construction methods and materials into the local market. Our surveyors are experienced in assessing new build properties, including checking for defects common to recently constructed homes such as inadequate sealing around windows and doors, insulation issues in roof spaces, and construction tolerances that may not meet the standards expected in traditionally built properties. Even with NHBC warranty coverage, an independent survey provides valuable about the quality of your new home.

• Period properties (pre-1919)
• Post-war construction (1945-1980)
• Modern developments (post-1980)
• New build apartments
• Extended and converted properties