RICS Level 2 Surveys in L36

Every RICS Level 2 survey we carry out in L36 follows the same rigorous inspection standard. Our surveyor arrives at the property and spends between two and four hours examining every element that can be accessed without causing damage. We do not lift floorboards or move heavy furniture, but we inspect everything that is visible and accessible.

The inspection covers the exterior first - roof coverings, chimney stacks, guttering, downpipes, external walls, windows, and doors. Many L36 homes have traditional pitched roofs with concrete or clay tiles, and our surveyors look for slipped tiles, damaged flashings, and blocked gutters that could be letting water into the building.

Inside, we check walls and ceilings for signs of damp, staining, or cracking. We test moisture levels using calibrated meters and note any readings that suggest active damp penetration. We examine the condition of internal joinery, staircases, fitted kitchens, and bathrooms. Services - including visible plumbing, electrics, and the heating system - are visually assessed and any obvious defects are recorded.

• Roof structure and coverings, including ridge tiles and flashings
• External walls checked for cracking, bowing, or damaged render
• Gutters and downpipes assessed for blockages and leaks
• Internal walls and ceilings checked for damp and structural movement
• Windows and doors tested for operation and draught-proofing
• Loft space inspected for insulation, ventilation, and timber condition
• Visible plumbing and heating systems assessed
• Electrical consumer unit and visible wiring noted for age and condition

We work with a network of RICS-registered surveyors who live and work across Merseyside, giving them first-hand knowledge of the local housing stock. Our surveyors covering the L36 postcode understand the typical construction methods used in Huyton, Roby, and the surrounding areas - from the red-brick terraces built in the early to mid-20th century to the newer-build estates that have appeared over the past two decades.

Every surveyor on our panel holds a minimum of AssocRICS or MRICS accreditation and carries full professional indemnity insurance. They follow the RICS Home Survey Standard, which sets out exactly what must be inspected, how findings must be reported, and what duty of care applies. This means you receive a report that meets a nationally recognised benchmark, not a subjective opinion.

Local knowledge makes a real difference. A surveyor familiar with L36 will recognise the tell-tale signs of issues common to the area - things like condensation problems in homes with poor ventilation, or cracking patterns in properties built on clay subsoils. That experience means they are less likely to miss something that an unfamiliar surveyor might overlook.

Once the inspection is complete, our surveyor writes up the report and our quality team reviews it before it reaches you. We aim to deliver the finished report within five working days of the inspection, and if you have questions about any of the findings, our team is available to talk you through them.

Our surveyors working across the L36 postcode consistently flag a set of recurring issues in their reports. Knowing what to expect can help you budget for potential repairs and ask the right questions before exchange.

Damp is the most frequently reported problem. In older terraced homes, rising damp caused by failed or absent damp-proof courses is common. Penetrating damp through cracked pointing or defective render is also widespread, particularly on exposed gable walls. Our surveyors check moisture levels at ground-floor level and around window openings where water ingress is most likely.

Roof defects rank as the second most common finding. Many L36 homes have concrete interlocking tiles that were installed 30 to 50 years ago. These tiles become porous over time, and the nibs that hold them in place can crack, leading to slipped or displaced tiles. We also check ridge tiles, hip tiles, and flashings around chimneys and abutments - all common failure points.

Timber defects, including wet rot in window frames and fascia boards, are another regular finding. In properties where gutters have been leaking unnoticed for months, the timber behind can deteriorate rapidly. We note any visible signs of rot or insect attack and recommend specialist timber treatment where needed.

Outdated electrics feature in many reports as well. Properties with old rewireable fuse boards, fabric-sheathed wiring, or missing earth bonding are flagged so buyers can obtain an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) before completing the purchase.