RICS Level 2 Survey in Knowsley Village

Our RICS Level 2 survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property. The surveyor will examine the walls, roof, floors, doors, and windows, along with any permanent fixtures and fittings. We identify signs of damp using moisture meters and professional assessment techniques, check for evidence of subsidence or structural movement, and evaluate the condition of the roof covering, chimneys, and rainwater goods. The inspection covers both the interior and exterior of the property where safe access is available. We use professional equipment including moisture meters, torchlights, and ladders to thoroughly inspect every accessible area of your potential new home.

In Knowsley Village properties, our surveyors pay particular attention to issues common to the area's housing stock. Many homes in this area were built between the 1920s and the mid-1970s, meaning they may have outdated electrical systems, original windows that need attention, or roofing that is approaching the end of its lifespan. The presence of boulder clay throughout most of the borough means we carefully assess foundations for signs of shrink-swell movement, particularly in properties built on the glacial drift deposits that dominate the area. We also check for signs of alterations or extensions that may not have been properly documented or approved, which is particularly relevant given the Article 4 Directions in force in the Knowsley Village conservation area, as well as in Ingoe Lane in Kirkby and St Michael's Church area in Huyton.

The geology of Knowsley includes Sherwood Sandstone bedrock in places, with the central eastern part of the borough sitting on coal measures that can affect ground stability. Our surveyors are trained to identify visual indicators that may suggest mining-related issues, and we'll recommend a specialist mining report if warranted for properties in affected areas. The survey includes an assessment of any obvious health and safety risks, including asbestos-containing materials common in properties built before 2000, and the condition of any guards or barriers where relevant. We'll identify any urgent defects that require immediate attention and provide a condition rating system that makes it easy to prioritise repairs.

You'll receive your detailed report within five working days of the inspection, giving you plenty of time to negotiate or withdraw before the transaction progresses too far. Our reports include clear photographs of any defects found, expert analysis of what these issues mean for you as a buyer, and recommendations for any specialist investigations that may be needed. We pride ourselves on delivering jargon-free reports that help you understand exactly what you're purchasing.

• Walls and foundations
• Roof structure and covering
• Damp and moisture
• Structural movement
• Windows and doors
• Electrical consumer unit
• Plumbing and drainage
• Boundary walls and outbuildings

Knowsley Village and the surrounding areas contain a diverse mix of property types, each with its own characteristics and potential issues. The majority of residential development took place between the 1920s and the mid-1970s, meaning many properties are now over 50 years old and may be showing signs of age-related wear. The terraced and semi-detached houses that dominate certain neighbourhoods were often built with solid floors rather than suspended timber, and their original damp proof courses may be deteriorating or absent altogether. This age profile means our Level 2 surveys are particularly valuable for buyers in the area, as they highlight common issues affecting properties of this vintage.

The presence of coal measures in the central eastern part of the Knowsley borough is worth noting for buyers. While significant mining activity is largely historical, properties in affected areas should be checked for any signs of ground instability or mine entry shafts. Our surveyors are trained to identify visual indicators that may suggest mining-related issues, and we'll recommend a specialist mining report if warranted. Additionally, the boulder clay deposits that cover much of the borough can cause foundation movement as the clay expands and contracts with moisture changes, so we pay particular attention to signs of subsidence or structural movement in properties across Knowsley.

For those considering new build properties, Knowsley is seeing significant development activity. The Halsnead Garden Village project is delivering hundreds of new homes, with planning permission granted for 120 homes by Vistry Group in 2024 alone, including properties on Lickers Lane. Other nearby new developments include The Acorns and Halewood Oaks in Halewood, and Orchard Park in Prescot. If you're buying a new build, our survey can still add value by identifying snagging issues that may not be immediately apparent to the untrained eye. Even newly constructed properties can have defects, and our independent assessment protects your investment. With the planned Spookies Wood development between Prescot and Kirkby potentially adding further new homes, the area's housing stock continues to evolve.

The industrial heritage of Knowsley also means some properties may have been influenced by nearby commercial activities. Knowsley Industrial Park is a significant employment area, and properties in the vicinity may have different considerations to those in residential neighbourhoods. Our surveyors understand these local factors and factor them into their assessments. buying a family home in a quiet residential street or a property near the industrial areas, we provide the comprehensive evaluation you need to make an informed decision.