RICS Level 2 Survey in Bacup (OL13)

The OL13 postcode encompasses Bacup and surrounding areas in East Lancashire, a region characterised by its rich industrial heritage and distinctive stone-built architecture. Many properties in this area date back to the Victorian era, with stone cottages and period homes forming a significant portion of the housing stock. These older properties, while full of character, often come with hidden issues that only a trained eye can identify. Our surveyors regularly encounter problems such as aging roof structures, outdated electrical systems, and the effects of decades of weather exposure on stonework.

Terraced properties dominate the OL13 housing market, accounting for the majority of sales in the area over the past year. According to Rightmove data, there have been over 4,400 property sales results in the OL13 area, with terraced properties being the most common transaction type. These stone-faced terraces, many of which are over 100 years old, present specific challenges for prospective buyers. Common issues include damp penetration through solid walls, condition of shared or individual roofs, and the integrity of internal plasterwork. Our Level 2 survey provides a thorough inspection of all accessible areas, giving you confidence purchasing a traditional terrace on Newchurch Road or a modern home on the outskirts of town.

The presence of listed buildings in the OL13 area, including properties such as Bankside Hall, adds another layer of complexity to the purchasing process. While our standard Level 2 survey covers most residential properties, listed buildings often require more specialist assessments due to their protected status and unique construction methods. Our team understands the additional considerations that come with older properties and will flag any areas that may require further specialist investigation. The combination of Victorian architecture, stone construction, and the area's Pennine exposure means that properties in OL13 often require a more detailed inspection than newer builds elsewhere.

Properties in the OL13 area also face unique environmental considerations. The hilly topography around Bacup and Stacksteads can affect drainage and foundations, while the older housing stock often features original features that require careful assessment. Our local surveyors have extensive experience identifying the specific defects common to this area, from weathering on exposed stonework to the condition of aging roof structures on period properties. We provide you with the detailed information you need to proceed with your purchase with full confidence.

• Stone-built construction typical of the region
• Victorian and Edwardian period properties
• Potential for damp in older solid-wall homes
• Roof condition on terraced properties
• Outdated electrical systems in older homes
• Foundation and subsidence assessment

The RICS Level 2 Home Survey provides a comprehensive assessment of the property's overall condition with a focus on urgent or significant issues. The survey includes a thorough inspection of the property's exterior, from roof coverings and chimneys to walls, windows, and doors. We examine the condition of the build and any grounds belonging to the property. The report uses a traffic light rating system to clearly indicate areas of concern, with red ratings for urgent issues requiring attention, amber for defects that need negotiating or budgeting for, and green for satisfactory condition.

Inside the property, our surveyor assesses the condition of walls, floors, ceilings, and stairs, looking for signs of damp, cracking, or structural movement. We inspect the condition of joinery such as skirting boards, door frames, and fitted kitchens. The survey also includes an assessment of services such as water, gas, electricity, and drainage, though these are visual inspections only and do not include testing. Our surveyors will lift accessible trapdoors to inspect underfloor areas where safe to do so, providing a complete picture of the property's condition. We also check the condition of any built-in appliances and report on their general state.

For properties in the OL13 area, our local experience means we know exactly what to look for. The stone construction prevalent in Bacup and Stacksteads requires specific expertise to assess properly. We check for signs of weathering, mortar deterioration, and any movement in the stonework that could indicate subsidence or structural issues. The age of many properties in the area also means we pay particular attention to the condition of original features and any alterations that may have been made over the years. Our surveyors are familiar with the typical defects found in Victorian and Edwardian properties common to this area, including concerns with solid-wall construction that can lead to damp issues if not properly maintained.

The survey also includes our professional opinion on the property's market value, which is particularly useful if you're looking to renegotiate based on the condition of the property. We will also flag any legal issues that may affect your purchase, such as missing planning permissions for extensions or alterations. This comprehensive approach ensures you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about your potential new home in the OL13 area.

Your RICS Level 2 survey report is designed to be clear and easy to understand, even if you have no prior experience with property surveys. The report begins with a summary of the property's overall condition, followed by detailed sections covering each area of the property. Each section includes a condition rating, with red indicating urgent issues requiring attention, amber for defects that may need future attention, and green for satisfactory condition. The report also includes our professional opinion on the property's market value and specific advice on any legal matters that may affect your purchase.

For OL13 property buyers, the report provides invaluable insight into the true condition of properties in this area. Given the prevalence of older stone-built homes, our surveyors pay particular attention to the external fabric of the building, checking for weathering, mortar condition, and any signs of structural movement. We also assess the condition of roofs, which can be a significant concern on older terraced properties where shared roof structures may have been subject to years of exposure to the Pennine weather. The report will clearly highlight any areas where we recommend further investigation by a specialist, such as a structural engineer or damp specialist.

The report includes clear photographs documenting any issues found, making it easy to understand exactly what our surveyor has identified. We also provide recommendations for any further investigations that may be necessary, such as specialist inspections for listed buildings or invasive inspections for suspected damp or structural issues. This comprehensive approach ensures you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about your property purchase in the OL13 area. a first-time buyer or an experienced investor, our report gives you the confidence to proceed with your purchase or negotiate effectively based on factual, professional assessment.

One of the most valuable aspects of your Level 2 report is the market valuation, which our surveyor provides based on their local knowledge of the OL13 property market. This valuation takes into account the property's condition and any defects identified, giving you a realistic picture of the property's worth in the current market. If the survey reveals issues that may affect the property's value, this information can be used to renegotiate the purchase price with the seller.