RICS Level 2 Survey in Okeover

Our Level 2 Survey provides a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property, including the roof, walls, floors, windows, doors, and plumbing and electrical systems. For properties in the Okeover area, our surveyors pay particular attention to the traditional construction methods commonly found in this part of East Staffordshire, where many homes feature solid walls, local stone or brickwork, and historic roofing materials that require specialist assessment. We examine properties of all ages, from older cottages built with solid walls to more recent constructions, ensuring every type of property receives appropriate attention.

The survey includes a comprehensive evaluation of the property's overall condition, with clear ratings for each major element: Category 1 (no urgent action required), Category 2 (requires attention), and Category 3 (requires urgent repair). We identify defects that are visible during the inspection, explain their potential causes, and recommend appropriate next steps. For rural properties in the Okeover area, this often includes assessing the condition of older septic tanks, private water supplies, and drainage systems that may not be connected to mains services. Many properties in this area rely on private water sources, making the assessment of these systems particularly important for your future living costs and legal compliance.

We also check for signs of subsidence, which is particularly relevant in this part of Staffordshire where clay soils can cause movement in buildings, especially during periods of dry weather. The local geology includes clay deposits that exhibit shrink-swell behavior, meaning properties can experience subtle movement as moisture levels change throughout the year. Our inspectors look for cracks in walls, uneven floors, and doors that stick or don't close properly, all of which could indicate structural movement. The report includes our professional opinion on the property's valuation, so you know whether the asking price reflects its current condition.

• Roof structure and covering
• Wall construction and condition
• Damp and timber decay
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Garage and outbuildings
• Site boundaries and access

Our experience surveying properties across East Staffordshire and the Peak District border means we know the typical issues that affect homes in the Okeover area. Older properties often suffer from damp problems, particularly rising damp in solid-walled buildings where modern cavity wall insulation hasn't been installed. Penetrating damp is common in properties with traditional lime mortar pointing, especially after periods of heavy rain that characterise the Staffordshire weather. We frequently find that properties built before modern building regulations were introduced lack the damp proof courses that most buyers expect, which can lead to significant remediation costs if not identified early.

Roof conditions are a frequent concern in this area, where older properties may have original roof coverings that are reaching the end of their lifespan. We commonly find slipped or broken tiles, deteriorating lead flashings around chimneys, and felt that has rotted through allowing water penetration into roof spaces. The timber structures in these roofs may also show signs of woodworm or rot, particularly where ventilation has been inadequate over the years. Properties with traditional slate roofs, common near the Peak District boundary, often require specialist assessment as the fixings and underlayment age beyond their expected lifespan.

Electrical systems in properties built before 1980 frequently fail to meet current regulations and represent a significant safety concern. Our surveyors inspect the consumer unit, wiring, sockets, and switches, flagging any areas that require attention from a qualified electrician. Similarly, plumbing systems in older homes often consist of galvanised steel pipes that have corroded internally, leading to low water pressure and potential leaks. These are exactly the kinds of issues that our RICS Level 2 Survey identifies, giving you the information you need before completing your purchase. The rural nature of Okeover also means many properties have private water supplies and septic tanks, which require careful assessment for compliance with current regulations.

• Rising and penetrating damp
• Roof tile damage and felt failure
• Woodworm and timber rot
• Outdated electrical installations
• Corroded plumbing systems
• Chimney and flashing defects
• Window and door deterioration

Your RICS Level 2 Survey report is designed to be clear and easy to understand, with a traffic light rating system that instantly highlights the condition of each element. Green indicates no urgent action required, amber signals items that need attention at some point, and red marks defects requiring urgent repair. Each rating is accompanied by a detailed explanation of the issue, its likely cause, and recommended next steps. We avoid technical jargon wherever possible, ensuring that a first-time buyer or experienced property investor, you can understand exactly what we're telling you about the property.

The report also includes a reinstatement figure, which is the estimated cost of rebuilding the property from scratch if it were destroyed. This figure is crucial for insurance purposes and is required by mortgage lenders. Additionally, we provide our professional opinion of the property's market value, taking into account its current condition and the local market in the Okeover and East Staffordshire area. In the Staffordshire Moorlands, where the average house price is around £216,000 according to recent data, this valuation insight helps you understand whether the asking price reflects the property's true worth in its current condition.

Our survey reports give you the confidence to proceed with your purchase knowing exactly what you're getting into, or the evidence you need to renegotiate the price if significant defects are found. The current market in Staffordshire shows properties selling for approximately the asking price on average, but a survey revealing hidden defects can give you powerful leverage in negotiations. We see buyers regularly secure reductions of 5-15% when significant issues are identified, often more than covering the cost of the survey itself.