RICS Level 2 Survey in LE18 2 Wigston

A RICS Level 2 Survey provides a thorough inspection of the property's visible and accessible areas, assessing the overall condition and identifying any defects that may impact the property's value or require attention. Our surveyors examine the main structural elements including walls, roofs, floors, and foundations, looking for signs of movement, damp, rot, or other issues that might not be apparent during a casual viewing. We have found everything from minor cosmetic defects to serious structural issues during our inspections in the LE18 2 area, and our detailed reports ensure you know exactly what you are buying. The survey also covers the condition of joinery, windows, doors, and finishes throughout the property, giving you a complete picture of its current state.

The inspection includes a comprehensive assessment of key building services such as plumbing, electrical installations, and heating systems, though it is important to note that a Level 2 Survey does not include testing of these systems. Our surveyor will visually inspect the consumer unit, wiring routes, and plumbing visible within the property, noting any obvious concerns or non-compliance with current regulations. For properties in LE18 2, this is particularly relevant given the mix of older properties that may have outdated electrical installations dating from the 1970s or earlier. We commonly identify consumer units that do not meet current regulations, particularly in properties that have not been updated for 20 or 30 years.

Each RICS Level 2 Survey includes a clear condition rating system that categorises issues from "acceptable" to "urgent repairs required," making it easy to prioritise any remedial work identified. The report provides practical advice on maintenance matters that will help the property owner keep the building in good condition going forward, as well as an assessment of legal matters that your solicitor should investigate, including any guarantees or warranties that may be transferable with the property. We flag any obvious issues with planning permissions or building regulation compliance, particularly relevant for properties in LE18 2 where many homes have had extensions or loft conversions over the years.

The survey also includes an assessment of the property's energy efficiency and provides general advice on environmental matters relevant to the property. This is increasingly important for buyers in the LE18 2 area, where older properties may have poor insulation standards or single-glazed windows that will affect both comfort and running costs. Our reports highlight these issues so you can factor them into your purchasing decision and budget for improvements.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof, chimneys, and verges
• Floors, stairs, and ceilings
• Windows and doors
• Damp and moisture assessment
• Timber condition and rot
• Services and utilities overview
• External elements including drives and boundaries

Properties in LE18 2 Wigston represent a diverse mix of construction styles and ages, creating a varied landscape of potential issues that our surveyors are trained to identify. The area features Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses alongside post-war semi-detached properties and more recent detached developments, each with their own characteristic defects. Many homes in this postcode were built using traditional brick cavity wall construction, though some older properties may have solid walls that require different considerations for insulation and damp resistance. We have inspected properties across all the main roads in the area including Wigston Road, Long Street, and the streets surrounding the town centre, giving us extensive experience with the local housing stock.

The geology of Leicestershire, including the LE18 2 area, includes Mercia Mudstone Group deposits that can be associated with shrink-swell clay behaviour. This means properties in the area may be susceptible to ground movement, particularly during periods of drought or where trees are planted near foundations. Our surveyors pay particular attention to signs of subsidence, cracking, or movement in properties throughout Wigston, checking for any evidence that may indicate foundation issues requiring further investigation. We have identified properties with significant cracking that required structural engineer involvement, and our careful inspection process ensures we flag any concerns before you complete your purchase.

Given the mix of property ages in LE18 2, electrical wiring is a common area of concern. Properties built before 1990 may still have older-style rubber or cloth-insulated wiring that does not meet current electrical safety standards. Our surveyors note the type of electrical installation visible and advise on the need for a qualified electrician to conduct a more detailed inspection. Similarly, plumbing in older properties may include galvanised steel pipes that are prone to corrosion and reduced water pressure, issues that are frequently identified during our surveys in the Wigston area. We have found numerous properties with original plumbing that is now beyond economical repair.

The prevalence of post-war housing in LE18 2 means that many properties were constructed with concrete tile roofs that have now reached the end of their expected lifespan. We commonly identify roof tiles that are deteriorating, cracked, or missing, particularly on north-facing roof slopes where moss growth accelerates decay. Flat roof extensions, common on properties built in the 1960s and 1970s, are another frequent source of issues, with many now showing signs of failure after decades of exposure to the British climate. Our surveyors check all accessible roof areas and loft spaces, ensuring you have a complete picture of the roof condition before you buy.

• Damp and condensation issues
• Roof tile damage and deterioration
• Subsidence and foundation movement
• Outdated electrical installations
• Plumbing and pipework corrosion
• Timber decay and woodworm
• Missing or damaged roof flashing
• Inadequate insulation levels