RICS Level 2 Survey in M60 2 Manchester

Our RICS Level 2 Home Survey provides a thorough inspection of the property's condition, focusing on all accessible areas including the roof space, walls, floors, doors, and windows. In M60 2, where we see everything from century-old converted warehouses to brand-new city centre apartments, our surveyors pay particular attention to the unique characteristics of each property type. We examine the construction method, materials used, and how the property has been modified over time, which is especially important in Manchester's city centre where so many buildings have been converted from commercial to residential use.

We check for signs of damp and moisture penetration, which can be particularly relevant in older Manchester properties that may have outdated damp proof courses or ventilation issues. Our inspection covers the condition of the roof structure, including any flat roofs common on modern city centre developments, and we assess the integrity of windows and doors which are critical in Manchester's variable weather conditions. Given that many properties in M60 2 are flats within multi-unit buildings, we also note the condition of shared elements that could affect your enjoyment of the property or represent future cost implications.

The survey includes an evaluation of the property's services such as gas, electric, and water supplies, though we always recommend separate qualified inspections for these systems. We also examine any attached structures like garages or outbuildings, and assess the general condition of boundaries and outdoor spaces, which in city centre properties may be limited or non-existent. Our surveyors will lift accessible covers and hatches where it is safe to do so, and we use moisture meters and thermal imaging equipment where appropriate to identify hidden issues that might not be apparent to the untrained eye.

Every element of the property receives a condition rating from 1 (no repair needed) to 3 (urgent repair or serious defect). This system, unique to RICS surveys, gives you a clear at-a-glance understanding of each part of the property's condition. Your report will include photographs of any issues we find, clear explanations of what those issues mean, and practical recommendations for addressing them. We never use unnecessary technical jargon - our reports are designed to be understood by anyone, whether you've never bought a property before or you're an experienced investor.

• Damp and moisture assessment
• Roof and ceiling condition
• Wall structure and cracks
• Window and door operation
• Electrical and gas visual checks
• Boundary and outbuilding inspection

Our experience surveying properties across Manchester city centre has revealed several recurring issues that buyers should be aware of. In older converted buildings, we frequently identify problems with damp proof courses that may be inadequate or have failed over time. The solid wall construction common in Victorian and Edwardian Manchester properties requires specific attention to moisture management and ventilation. Many of these older properties were built without modern damp proofing, and the conversion process sometimes introduces new moisture sources or blocks existing ventilation paths that can lead to problems if not properly managed.

Electrical systems in properties over 30 years old often require updating to meet current regulations. We see many instances of older consumer units, missing earthing, and outdated wiring that would benefit from inspection by a qualified electrician. Similarly, plumbing in older properties may show signs of corrosion or use outdated materials that could require attention. In converted buildings, it's also common to find that electrical and plumbing work may not have been properly certified, which could cause issues when you come to sell the property or make further alterations.

For newer apartment developments, we commonly identify issues with flat roof coverings that may have limited life expectancy, window seal failures leading to condensation problems, and missing or inadequate fire stopping in communal areas. These defects may be covered under warranty for newer properties, but our report will identify what needs attention regardless of any warranty coverage. Manchester has seen particularly high levels of apartment construction in recent years, and while many developers have maintained good standards, we've seen instances of rushed finishes and quality control issues that benefit from professional identification.

The construction materials used in Manchester city centre range from traditional red brick through to modern steel frame and glass curtain wall systems. This variety means our surveyors need to understand multiple building types and their specific defect patterns. Whether your property is a Victorian terrace in Ancoats, a converted mill in the Northern Quarter, or a modern apartment in New Islington, our team has the local experience to identify the issues that matter for your specific property type. We don't apply a one-size-fits-all approach - we tailor our inspection to the specific characteristics of the building we're surveying.

• Failed damp proof courses
• Outdated electrical installations
• Flat roof deterioration
• Window seal failures
• Inadequate ventilation
• Fire safety deficiencies