RICS Level 2 Home Survey in L39 5 Aughton

Our RICS Level 2 Home Survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of the property's condition, focusing on all major accessible areas including the roof, walls, floors, windows, doors, and permanent fixtures. We check the condition of the building fabric and identify any visible defects, potential problems, or areas requiring urgent attention. The report includes a clear condition rating system that highlights issues from "new" to "critical," helping you understand exactly what you are buying.

In the L39 5 area, our surveyors frequently encounter issues common to properties across Aughton and Ormskirk. The predominantly semi-detached and terraced housing stock, much of which was built during the mid-twentieth century expansion of the Liverpool commuter belt, often shows signs of age-related wear. We pay particular attention to roof conditions, given the prevalence of slate roofing materials on traditional properties in the area, and we thoroughly inspect for any signs of dampness or structural movement that could indicate more serious underlying problems.

The survey also includes an assessment of the property's energy efficiency, highlighting areas where improvements could reduce your ongoing running costs. For properties in conservation areas like Aughton Conservation Area or Granville Park, we provide specific guidance on any restrictions that may affect future renovations or extensions. Our reports are written in plain English, avoiding technical jargon where possible, so you can make informed decisions about your potential purchase.

We also check outbuildings, garages, and the condition of boundaries where accessible. For properties with large gardens, which are common in the L39 5 area, we assess any retaining walls, fences, and drainage systems that could affect the property value or require future maintenance. Our surveyors take photographs of all significant findings, so you have a clear visual record of any issues identified during the inspection.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, chimneys, and foundations
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Dampness and rot assessment
• Electrical and plumbing visible
• Energy efficiency recommendations

The L39 5 area is seeing increased development activity, with several new build projects currently in planning or construction phases. Our surveyors are experienced in inspecting new build properties and understand the specific issues that can affect newly constructed homes. Even brand-new properties can have defects, and our thorough inspection ensures you are not inheriting problems from the builder.

One significant upcoming development is Little Moor Hall Gardens in the South East of Aughton, which proposes up to 500 homes including detached, semi-detached, mews housing, and specialist retirement living. If you are considering purchasing a property in this new development, our surveyors can provide a thorough inspection regardless of whether the property is complete or still under construction. We check the quality of construction, insulation, and any potential issues with new build materials or techniques.

Another notable development is the new build Victorian Villa-style home in Granville Park, Aughton, constructed by Wickworth Developments. Properties in this conservation area require particular attention to ensure any works have been carried out with appropriate consents. Our surveyors understand the requirements for properties in conservation areas and will check that any alterations or extensions meet local planning requirements.

The proposed Wain Homes development off Prescot Road, Aughton, is also pending planning approval. If you are purchasing off-plan in any of these developments, we recommend a RICS Level 2 Survey at the appropriate stage of construction and again before completion to ensure the property is in the condition you expect.

Properties in L39 5 face several area-specific challenges that our surveyors are trained to identify. The most significant is the historical mining activity in the Lancashire Coal Measures, which has caused ground subsidence in various locations across West Lancashire. Our surveyors carefully check for signs of structural movement, including cracking patterns in walls, sticking doors and windows, and uneven floor levels that could indicate ground instability. Properties in areas like Aughton, where former mining activity is well-documented, receive particularly thorough inspections.

The geology of the L39 5 area also means that clay soils are prevalent, which can lead to shrink-swell movement as the ground moisture content changes through the seasons. This type of ground movement can cause subsidence or heave, particularly in properties with shallow foundations or trees nearby. Our surveyors assess the surrounding ground conditions and identify any signs that trees or vegetation may be affecting the stability of the building structure. Given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, we also check for evidence of past flooding and assess the property's vulnerability to surface water flooding.

Many properties in L39 5, particularly in the older parts of Aughton near the conservation areas, are constructed using traditional building materials including handmade red brick and sandstone, often with slate roofs. These older properties, including several listed buildings such as Aughton Hall and properties around Holt Green, require careful assessment of their condition and any historical alterations. Our surveyors understand traditional construction methods and can identify issues that might affect these character properties, from deteriorating mortar pointing to hidden timber decay in roof spaces.

Electrical and plumbing systems in properties across L39 5 are another key focus area. Many homes in the area, particularly those built between 1950 and 1980, may still contain older electrical installations that do not meet current regulations. We visually check the condition of consumer units, wiring accessible from distribution boards, and the presence of adequate bonding. For plumbing, we look for evidence of old galvanised pipes, potential lead pipework, and the condition of soil stacks and drainage systems.

• Mining subsidence indicators
• Clay shrink-swell ground movement
• Flood risk assessment
• Traditional construction defects
• Outdated electrical systems
• Older plumbing and drainage