RICS Level 2 Survey in Maltby

A RICS Level 2 survey, also known as a Homebuyer Survey, provides a comprehensive visual inspection of the property's condition. Our inspectors examine all accessible areas of the property, including the roof, walls, floors, windows, doors, and plumbing and electrical systems. For Maltby properties, this is particularly important given the variety of construction types in the area, from historic brick-built homes in the Model Village area to modern houses on the new Lambcote Meadows development. Our team has surveyed hundreds of properties throughout this part of South Yorkshire, giving us intimate knowledge of the common issues affecting each property type and age group.

The survey includes a detailed assessment of the property's main structural elements, identifying any defects that could affect value or safety. Our inspectors look for signs of dampness, which is a common issue in older Maltby properties built before modern damp-proof courses were standard. We also check roof conditions, examining tiles, flashings, and gutters for damage or wear. Given that 25% of homes in Maltby were built between 1973 and 1982, our surveyors are experienced in identifying common issues in properties from this era, including concrete degradation and outdated insulation. We examine the condition of walls both internally and externally, looking for cracks, movement, and signs of previous repair work that might indicate ongoing structural concerns.

Following the inspection, you receive a clear, easy-to-read report that categorises any issues found using RICS traffic light ratings. Red ratings indicate serious defects requiring urgent attention, amber ratings flag issues that should be investigated further, and green ratings confirm that no significant problems were identified. The report also includes our inspector's professional opinion on the property's market value and specific advice on any legal matters that may arise. This traffic light system makes it easy to prioritise which issues need immediate attention and which can be addressed over time, helping you plan any necessary repairs or negotiate with the seller.

Our Level 2 survey report also includes an insurance reinstatement figure, which mortgage lenders often require before approving your loan. This figure represents the estimated cost of rebuilding your property from scratch in the event of total loss, ensuring you have adequate buildings insurance coverage from the day you complete your purchase. We provide this valuation alongside our condition assessment, giving you a complete picture of the property's worth and any factors that might affect its future value. This is particularly valuable in Maltby, where the mix of older and newer properties means reinstatement costs can vary significantly.

• Full visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Identification of defects and potential repairs
• Market value opinion and insurance reinstatement figures
• Traffic light rating system for easy understanding
• Advice on legal issues and urgent repairs

Maltby's unique geological and industrial history creates specific challenges for property owners that our surveyors are trained to identify. The area's former coal mining activity means we pay particular attention to signs of subsidence or ground movement, which can affect properties across Maltby, particularly those built near former colliery sites. While the clay soils common across South Yorkshire can shrink and swell with moisture changes, causing foundation issues, the legacy of mining adds another layer of complexity that requires experienced eyes to assess properly. Our inspectors examine walls for cracking patterns, floors for unevenness, and doors and windows for binding that could indicate structural movement.

The predominant brick construction in Maltby, including the distinctive Maltby Metallic Bricks produced locally at the former works on Rotherham Road, generally provides solid construction. However, older properties may lack cavity walls and modern damp-proof courses, making them susceptible to rising damp and penetrating damp. Our surveyors use their expertise to identify these issues, particularly in solid-walled properties that were built before the 1930s. Given that 5% of Maltby's housing stock pre-dates 1900, the likelihood of encountering damp-related problems is higher than in newer developments, and we know exactly what to look for when assessing these older properties.

Roof conditions are another key focus area for our Maltby surveys. Many properties feature either slate or pantile roofing, and our inspectors check for damaged or missing tiles, deteriorating mortar on ridge tiles, and adequate flashing around chimneys and valleys. Properties in Maltby, especially those built during the 1970s and 1980s, may have flat roof sections that are prone to leaking and require careful inspection. We also assess the condition of gutters and downpipes, which can become blocked or damaged, leading to water ingress and subsequent damp problems. Our inspectors have seen countless cases where neglected roof maintenance has led to extensive internal damage that could have been identified much earlier with a proper survey.

For those considering new build properties at developments like Lambcote Meadows or Jet by Honey, our Level 2 survey still provides valuable . While newer properties typically have fewer issues, our survey can identify construction defects, snagging issues, or problems with fixtures and fittings that may not be apparent during a viewing. We also assess the property's compliance with current building regulations and identify any areas where the developer may need to return to carry out remedial works. Even in newly built homes, we often find minor defects that the developer should address before you complete your purchase, saving you the hassle and expense of dealing with them yourself later.

• Mining subsidence and ground movement
• Rising damp and penetrating damp
• Roof condition and tile damage
• Foundation and structural cracking
• Outdated electrical systems
• Drainage and guttering issues

The Maltby Model Village, located between Blyth Road, Muglet Lane, and Morrell Street, represents one of Rotherham Borough's finest examples of planned model village architecture. Built specifically for mine workers between 1909 and 1912, these properties have now been standing for over a century, making them a significant part of Maltby's housing heritage. Our surveyors understand the unique construction methods used in these properties, including their solid brick walls, traditional slate roofs, and original features that buyers often want to preserve. When surveying a Model Village property, we pay particular attention to any alterations that may have been made over the years and ensure any original features of historical interest are properly documented.

These early 20th-century properties often require more detailed assessment than modern homes due to their age and the materials used in their construction. Many still have their original timber sash windows, which may not meet current energy efficiency standards but form an important part of the property's character. Our survey report will identify any draft proofing or secondary glazing options that could improve energy efficiency without compromising the property's historical appearance. We also check the condition of original fireplaces and chimneys, which may have been capped off or converted over the years and could pose hidden risks if not properly assessed.

The Maltby Neighbourhood Plan encourages recognition of the Historic Core as an area of value, meaning any significant renovations or extensions to Model Village properties may require listed building consent or careful consideration of heritage impacts. Our surveyors understand these local planning requirements and can advise you on any heritage considerations that might affect your renovation plans. buying a period property in the Model Village or a modern home on the outskirts of town, we provide the detailed assessment you need to make an informed purchase decision.

• Solid brick construction pre-dating cavity wall insulation
• Original windows and architectural features
• Potential need for heritage consent on alterations
• Energy efficiency considerations for period properties

Once our inspector completes the survey of your Maltby property, you receive a comprehensive RICS Level 2 report that provides a clear picture of the property's condition. The report is designed to be easily understood, with a traffic light rating system that quickly identifies the severity of any issues found. A red rating means serious defects were identified that require urgent attention, amber indicates issues that should be investigated further, and green confirms that no significant problems were observed. This system helps you prioritises which issues need immediate action versus those that can be addressed over time, making it easier to plan any necessary repairs or negotiate with the seller.

Each section of the report covers a specific element of the property, from the foundations and walls through to the roof and electrical systems. Our inspector includes photographs of any defects found, making it easy to understand exactly what issues have been identified and their location within the property. For each problem, we provide an explanation of what it is, why it matters, and what recommended action you should take. This might range from obtaining specialist advice for structural issues to simple repairs you could negotiate with the seller. We avoid technical jargon wherever possible, ensuring our reports are accessible to all buyers regardless of their prior knowledge of property construction.

The report also includes our professional opinion on the property's market value, which is particularly useful if you're seeking to renegotiate the purchase price based on the issues identified. If our survey reveals significant defects that will require costly repairs, you can use this information to negotiate a reduction in the purchase price or request that the seller carry out remedial work before completion. For mortgage purposes, we provide an insurance reinstatement figure that reflects the cost of rebuilding the property in the event of total loss. This information is often required by mortgage lenders and helps ensure you have adequate buildings insurance in place from the day you complete your purchase, protecting your investment for the future.