RICS Level 2 Survey in Liverpool L35 1

Our chartered surveyors conduct a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property. This includes the roof structure, walls, floors, ceilings, doors, and windows. We examine the condition of the building fabric and identify any visible defects that could affect the value or safety of the property. In the L35 1 area, where many properties date from various construction periods spanning several decades, our inspectors are particularly alert to issues that commonly affect properties of different ages and construction types. We have extensive experience examining the mix of semi-detached and terraced homes that dominate this Liverpool suburb.

We assess the condition of key building elements including the roof covering and gutters, the condition of external walls including any signs of movement or cracking, the state of damp proof courses, and the functionality of windows and doors. Our surveyors also inspect the condition of any outbuildings, garages, and the general grounds of the property. Each inspection takes typically 2-3 hours depending on the size and complexity of the property, ensuring our team has adequate time to examine every relevant area thoroughly. We never rush our inspections because we know how important it is to catch every defect.

The Level 2 survey includes a thorough assessment of services such as the electrical systems, gas supply where applicable, plumbing, and heating systems. We visually inspect these installations and flag any obvious concerns, though we always recommend that you arrange for qualified specialists to conduct detailed testing of these systems. Our goal is to give you enough information to make informed decisions about your potential purchase. We also check the condition of boundary walls and fencing, which is particularly important in Liverpool where many properties share boundaries with neighbours.

When surveying properties in L35 1, our team pays particular attention to common issues found in the local housing stock. The predominance of properties from different construction periods means we regularly encounter varying quality of original building materials and workmanship. We check for signs of previous extensions or alterations, which are common in this area, and assess whether they appear to have been properly constructed and whether necessary planning permissions were obtained.

• Roof structure and covering
• Wall conditions and crack assessment
• Damp and timber decay
• Windows and doors
• Plumbing and electrical visual inspection
• Boundary walls and outbuildings

Your RICS Level 2 survey report uses a clear traffic light rating system to summarise the condition of different elements inspected throughout the property. Green indicates no issues requiring attention, amber highlights defects that require repair but are not serious, and red flags issues that are serious or require urgent attention. This system makes it easy to quickly identify the most important findings while also providing detailed descriptions of each issue discovered. The report is designed to be accessible to both homeowners and professionals alike.

Each section of the report includes a description of the element inspected, the defect found if any, and our recommendation for how to address it. We provide practical advice that helps you understand the implications of each defect and the likely costs involved in any necessary repairs. Our reports also include a clear summary at the front that highlights the most significant issues, making it easy to digest the key information quickly. This executive summary is particularly useful if you need to discuss the findings with a mortgage lender or conveyancing solicitor.

For properties in the L35 1 area, our surveyors are experienced in identifying issues common to the local housing stock. While we cannot see behind walls or lift floorboards without causing damage, our visual inspection is comprehensive and often identifies issues that would otherwise remain hidden until after purchase. We look for signs of subsidence, damp penetration, roof defects, and structural movement that are particularly relevant in this part of Liverpool. The report serves as a valuable tool for any future maintenance planning and can also be useful for insurance purposes.

• Clear condition ratings for each element
• Photographic evidence of defects
• Practical repair recommendations
• Estimated costs for major works
• Market value implications
• Energy efficiency observations

Based on our extensive experience surveying properties throughout Liverpool, we have identified several issues that frequently arise in the L35 1 area. Many properties in this postcode were built during different periods of housing development, resulting in a mix of construction types and building quality. This variety means that our surveyors approach each inspection with fresh eyes while applying their knowledge of common problems specific to different construction eras.

One of the most common issues we encounter is related to dampness, particularly in older properties that may have original damp proof courses that have failed over time or were never installed to modern standards. We also frequently find roof defects ranging from missing or damaged tiles to issues with flat roof coverings on extensions. The age of the housing stock in parts of L35 1 means that many properties will have original windows that may be single-glazed and in poor condition.

Structural movement and cracking are another area of concern in this Liverpool suburb. While most movement is minor and due to normal settlement, our surveyors are trained to identify signs of more serious subsidence or structural instability that would require further investigation. We also regularly identify issues with boundary walls and fences, which are important for property value and safety in this densely populated area of Liverpool.

Electrical and plumbing installations in older properties often require attention, with many homes in L35 1 still having original consumer units and pipework that would not meet current regulations. While our survey is visual only, we flag any obvious concerns and always recommend that buyers obtain specialist electrical and gas safety certificates before completion. These simple steps can prevent dangerous situations and expensive remedial work after you move in.