RICS Level 2 Survey in NG16 | Chartered Surveyor Report

Our RICS Level 2 surveys provide a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property. Our inspectors examine the main structural elements including walls, roofs, foundations, and floors, while also assessing key systems such as damp-proof courses, insulation, and ventilation. For NG16 properties, our surveyors pay particular attention to common issues found in the local housing stock, from damp problems in older solid-wall constructions to potential subsidence risks associated with shrink-swell clay soils and former mining activity. We inspect both the interior and exterior of the property, moving systematically through each room and the external fabric to ensure nothing is missed.

The survey includes assessment of the property's condition rated in three categories: Condition Rating 1 (no repair needed), Condition Rating 2 (repairs needed but not urgent), and Condition Rating 3 (urgent repairs required). Each section of the property receives a rating, giving you clear guidance on what requires immediate attention versus future maintenance. Our surveyors also highlight any legal issues that your conveyancing solicitor should investigate, including planning permissions, building regulations compliance, and any rights of way or easements affecting the property. This structured approach helps you understand exactly what you are buying and what investment may be needed after completion.

In areas like Eastwood and Kimberley, where properties may be affected by historical coal mining, our surveyors specifically note the need for a Coal Authority Mining Report. We also assess flood risk for properties near the River Erewash and its tributaries, providing you with crucial information about potential environmental hazards. The survey covers the general condition of outbuildings, garages, and boundaries, while noting any obvious signs of contamination from former industrial uses that are common in parts of this former mining area. Our reports are designed to be practical and actionable, giving you the information you need to proceed with your purchase with confidence.

Our surveyors understand the specific construction methods used in NG16 properties. Older properties in Kimberley and Eastwood typically feature solid brick walls, often with rendered or pebble-dashed external finishes. These pre-1945 properties may lack cavity walls and modern damp-proof courses, making them more susceptible to rising damp. Properties built between 1945 and 1980 often have cavity wall construction with concrete floors, while post-1980 developments use modern building methods including timber frame elements in some cases. This knowledge allows our surveyors to identify the most likely defect patterns in each property type and focus their inspection accordingly.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof covering and structure
• Damp proof course and dampness
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• Boundary walls and outbuildings

The NG16 housing stock spans multiple eras, from pre-1919 solid-wall houses in established village centres to modern new-build developments. Older properties in Kimberley and Eastwood often exhibit issues with rising damp, particularly where original damp-proof courses have failed or were never installed. Our surveyors inspect all walls at low level for signs of damp staining, salt deposits, and plaster deterioration. Penetrating damp is also common in properties with degraded roof coverings, defective flashings, or damaged guttering systems that allow water ingress during heavy rainfall. We use moisture meters to assess damp levels and can identify the likely cause of any damp problems observed.

Timber defects represent another significant concern in the local housing stock. Wet rot and dry rot affect timber joists, window frames, and door frames, particularly in properties with chronic damp issues or inadequate ventilation. Our inspectors probe timber elements where accessible and note any signs of fungal decay or woodworm infestation. Properties built before 1980 may contain outdated electrical installations with insufficient earthing and consumer units that do not meet current regulations. We recommend that our clients commission a separate electrical inspection by a qualified electrician for properties of this age. This is particularly important given the age of many properties in the established residential areas of Eastwood and Kimberley.

Roof conditions vary significantly across NG16. Older properties may have original slate or clay tile roofs that have exceeded their expected lifespan, with broken or slipped tiles, defective lead flashings, and deteriorating mortar. Properties in the area may also feature asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in older roof sheets, flues, or soffit boards. Our surveyors identify these concerns and advise on appropriate actions. Structural movement, manifesting as cracking in walls, is occasionally observed, particularly in properties on shrink-swell clay soils where trees or poor drainage cause ground movement. We carefully examine all walls for signs of cracking and assess whether movement is active or historic.

The geology of parts of NG16, particularly areas with superficial clay deposits, can lead to subsidence and heave issues. Properties near the River Erewash floodplain may also face surface water flooding risks, especially during periods of heavy rainfall. Our surveyors note the proximity of properties to watercourses and advise on the need for flood risk assessments. In former mining areas around Eastwood and Kimberley, we always recommend a Coal Authority Mining Report to check for potential voids or unstable ground from historical coal extraction. This additional report provides definitive information about beneath-the-surface conditions that our visual inspection cannot access.

• Rising and penetrating damp
• Roof deterioration and tile loss
• Timber rot and woodworm
• Outdated electrical systems
• Structural cracking and movement
• Asbestos-containing materials