RICS Level 2 Survey in Kirkham

Our RICS Level 2 survey provides a thorough inspection of the property's accessible areas, assessing the overall condition and identifying defects that may affect value or require future maintenance. We examine the walls, roof, floors, windows, doors, and fixtures, producing a clear traffic-light rating system that immediately highlights areas of concern. This visual inspection covers the main building and permanent outbuildings, giving you a realistic picture of the property's current state. Our team documents everything with detailed photographs and descriptions, ensuring you have clear evidence of any issues discovered during the inspection.

Kirkham's housing stock presents varied challenges for our surveyors. The town centre features numerous Georgian and Victorian properties, many of which are listed buildings (20 in total across the town, including one Grade II*). These older properties often require careful assessment for damp, timber decay, and outdated services. Properties like Hillside on Preston Street and St John the Evangelist on Ribby Road represent the historical character that dominates the conservation area. Meanwhile, newer developments like Prince's Meadows on the outskirts and Heaton Green in Dowbridge represent modern construction using sandstone, brickwork, and render that may present different inspection priorities.

The Level 2 survey is particularly valuable in Kirkham given the mix of property ages and types. With semi-detached homes comprising 37.27% of sales and terraced properties prevalent in Kirkham South ward, understanding the condition of these common property types helps you budget for any remedial work. We check for signs of structural movement, which can affect older properties, as well as any issues with modern construction methods. The report also includes a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost estimate, essential for properties in areas where property values have shown recent fluctuations. This valuation helps you arrange adequate insurance cover and understand the true worth of your investment.

Our surveyors pay particular attention to issues common in the Fylde region, including the condition of roof coverings given our exposure to coastal weather, the state of damp proof courses in period properties, and the integrity of windows and doors in both older and newer builds. We assess the electrical and gas services visually, flagging any obvious safety concerns or outdated installations that would benefit from professional inspection by a qualified electrician or gas engineer. The report also covers floors, ceilings, and internal walls, checking for signs of settlement, water damage, or general wear and tear that might not be immediately visible to the untrained eye.

• External walls, roof structure, and coverings
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Damp and timber defect assessment
• Services (electricity, gas, water)
• Floors, ceilings, and internal walls
• Outbuildings and boundaries

Kirkham offers a diverse range of properties that benefit from professional survey assessment. The town centre contains Georgian and Victorian buildings, several of which are listed, requiring careful handling during inspection. Properties like Hillside on Preston Street, Kirkham United Reformed Church on Poulton Street, and St John the Evangelist on Ribby Road represent the historical character of the area. These older properties may have hidden defects common to their era, including structural movement, damp penetration, and outdated electrical systems. Our surveyors know exactly which details to check in period properties, from the condition of original sash windows to the state of Victorian-era drainage systems.

The newer developments in Kirkham present their own considerations. Heaton Green by Story Homes in Dowbridge offers contemporary mews, semi-detached, and detached properties with specifications ranging from three to five bedrooms. Prince's Meadows, a joint development by Morris Homes and Auxesia Homes, provides both market housing and shared ownership options with two to five bedroom homes. While these newer properties generally require less maintenance, our surveyors still check for construction defects, snagging issues, and ensure all installations meet current building regulations. We have extensive experience surveying new builds across these developments and understand the common issues that can arise in recently constructed properties.

For properties near the conservation area or those marked as listed buildings, please note that a standard Level 2 survey may require additional time and expertise. We recommend discussing any listed property requirements with our team when booking, as special considerations apply to properties with protected status. The Level 2 survey remains suitable for conventional properties in reasonable condition, while more complex or historic buildings may benefit from our comprehensive RICS Level 3 Building Survey. Our team can advise you on the most appropriate survey type based on the specific property you're considering purchasing in Kirkham.

Kirkham's location the Fylde agricultural area, with easy access to Preston, Blackpool, and Lytham via the M55 motorway, makes it an attractive location for commuters and families alike. The town has seen various phases of development, from the historic town centre with its Georgian and Victorian architecture to the modern residential estates that have expanded the town outward. This varied development history means that properties in Kirkham can range from characterful period homes requiring ongoing maintenance to relatively modern properties that may still have hidden defects. Our local knowledge of these different property types ensures we provide you with the most relevant and useful survey report for your specific property.