RICS Level 2 Survey in Kirkland

The RICS Level 2 Survey is designed for properties in reasonable condition that are built with conventional materials such as brick and tile. During the inspection, our surveyor examines all accessible parts of the property including the roof, walls, floors, doors, windows, and plumbing installations. In Kirkland, where many properties are detached homes, the surveyor will pay particular attention to the roof structure and any signs of movement or subsidence that can affect Cumbrian properties.

The survey includes a thorough assessment of the property's condition with ratings of "OK," "Needs Attention," or "Needs Urgent Attention" for each element. You'll receive a comprehensive written report typically within 5 working days of the inspection. For properties in the Kirkland area, our surveyors are familiar with common issues affecting homes in this part of Cumbria, including those related to local stone construction and older properties that may require additional scrutiny.

Unlike a basic mortgage valuation, the Level 2 survey provides practical advice on repairs and maintenance, helping you understand what work might be needed now and what could become an issue in the future. This is particularly valuable in Kirkland where the housing mix includes both newer properties and older homes that may have hidden defects. Our surveyors will check the condition of any extensions or alterations that may have been carried out over the years, which is especially important for properties that may have been extended without proper building regulation approval.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, windows, and doors
• Plumbing and drainage systems
• Electrical installations (visual check)
• Damp and rot assessment
• Floor structures
• Boundary walls and outbuildings
• Garage and parking areas

Properties in the Kirkland and wider Cumbria area face specific challenges that our surveyors know to look for. The traditional stone-built properties common in this region, particularly those built before 1919, often require more scrutiny than modern brick-built homes. One of the most frequent issues we identify in older Cumbrian properties is deteriorating stone pointing, where the mortar between stones has washed out over decades of exposure to heavy rainfall.

The roof structures on period properties in the Kirkland area frequently show signs of wear that aren't immediately obvious from the ground. Slates may be cracked or missing, lead flashing may have deteriorated, and timber rafters can show signs of rot or insect damage. Our surveyors will access the roof where safe to do so and provide detailed findings on its condition. Given that Cumbria experiences some of the highest rainfall in England, gutters and drainage systems deserve particular attention, as blocked or damaged gutters can lead to serious damp problems that affect the internal fabric of the property.

Another common issue in Kirkland properties is damp penetration, particularly in properties with solid walls rather than cavity wall construction. Traditional solid walls lack the built-in damp-proof course that modern properties have, making them more vulnerable to rising damp and moisture ingress. Our surveyors use moisture meters and their expertise to identify areas where damp may be present, even if it's not immediately visible to the untrained eye.

Understanding the construction methods used in Kirkland properties helps explain why a professional survey is so valuable. The majority of properties in the CA26 area around Kirkland and Frizington were built using traditional methods, with solid load-bearing walls constructed from local stone or brick. Many older properties feature rubble-filled walls rather than the cavity wall construction that became standard in the latter half of the twentieth century.

Detached properties in the Kirkland area, which average around £370,000, often feature more complex roof structures including purlin roofs and traditional truss designs. These older roof structures can develop issues over time, particularly where original timber has been repaired with modern materials or where roof coverings have been partially replaced. Our surveyors are experienced in identifying these hybrid construction approaches and can advise on their condition and any implications for future maintenance.

The semi-detached and terraced properties in Kirkland, priced around £247,000 and £185,000 respectively, often share structural elements with their neighbours, including shared walls and drainage systems. This shared nature means that defects in an adjoining property can sometimes affect your own, and our surveyors will note any issues visible from your property that may require further investigation. Flats in the area, averaging £133,000, typically feature in conversions of larger period properties, and our survey will clearly identify any issues affecting the common parts of the building.

Your survey report uses the RICS traffic light rating system to clearly indicate the condition of each element inspected. Green-rated items are in acceptable condition, amber indicates areas that need attention, and red highlights urgent defects requiring immediate action. This system makes it easy to prioritize repairs and budget accordingly, buying a £185,000 terraced property or a £370,000 detached home in Kirkland.

The report also includes a Section A summary that provides an overall assessment of the property and highlights the most significant issues discovered during the inspection. For properties in Kirkland, this might include recommendations for investigating the roof structure, checking for damp in older properties, or assessing the condition of drainage systems that serve the property. Our surveyors will always flag any issues that might affect the value of the property or require significant expenditure to put right.

If the survey reveals serious issues, you may wish to instruct a RICS Level 3 Building Survey, which provides a more detailed assessment and is particularly suitable for older properties, those in poor condition, or buildings with non-standard construction. Our team can advise on whether a Level 3 survey might be more appropriate for your Kirkland property. In some cases, we might also recommend specialist reports for specific issues such as electrical testing or timber and damp surveys by qualified specialists.