RICS Level 2 Survey in Perry Barr

Our RICS Level 2 survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible areas of your potential new home. The surveyor examines the walls, floors, ceilings, roof, plumbing, electrical systems, and exterior joinery, identifying issues ranging from damp and rot to structural movement and faulty installations. In Perry Barr, where we see a mix of Victorian terraces, 1930s semis, and newer builds from the Commonwealth Games development, our inspectors are familiar with the common issues affecting each property type. We specifically look for signs of movement in the traditional brickwork of older terraces and check window seals and thermal performance in newer apartments.

The report uses traffic light coding to clearly indicate condition - red for urgent defects requiring immediate attention, amber for issues needing future repair, and green for satisfactory condition. Each section includes a detailed explanation of the problem, its likely cause, and recommended action. For properties in Perry Barr's older streets, our surveyors pay particular attention to historic building fabric, original features, and any alterations made over the years. We've found that many 1930s semis in this area have hidden wall tie corrosion that only shows when we inspect the cavity wall construction closely.

We also include a market valuation in every Level 2 report, giving you an independent assessment of the property's worth based on current local conditions. This proves invaluable when negotiating the purchase price if defects are found. With Perry Barr's property market showing steady growth driven by regeneration, having an accurate valuation helps you make confident decisions. If you're buying a property in one of the newer developments near the One Stop Shopping Centre or Alexander Stadium, we check for common new-build issues including window seals, insulation, and building regulation compliance.

The thermal efficiency of properties in Perry Barr is another key focus area. Many older properties lack modern insulation, which affects both comfort and energy costs. Our surveyors note the general condition of the building envelope and highlight areas where thermal performance could be improved, giving you a clearer picture of potential renovation costs after purchase.

• Visible structural defects
• Damp and moisture penetration
• Roof condition and covering
• Wall tie corrosion
• Windows and doors
• Plumbing and electrical basics
• Grounds and drainage
• Thermal efficiency notes

Perry Barr contains a diverse range of property styles reflecting its history and the recent regeneration drive following the 2022 Commonwealth Games. The area features traditional Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses in the older parts of the district, with original brickwork and period features that require careful inspection of structural walls, foundations, and roof timbers for signs of movement or decay. Many of these properties have been owner-occupied for generations, while others have been converted into multiple occupancy homes.

The Perry Barr area also includes numerous 1930s semi-detached homes built during the interwar period. These properties typically feature cavity wall construction, but we still check for wall tie failure, render condition, and the integrity of flat roof sections. Many have been extended over the decades, so our surveyors examine the quality of alterations and any implications for building regulations. We've found that original roof coverings on 1930s properties often need replacement within the next few years.

Modern housing developments from the 1990s, 2000s, and the recent Perry Barr Village scheme form another significant portion of the local stock. While generally in good condition, these properties can have issues with window seals, door alignments, and drainage systems. The new apartments near the Alexander Stadium and One Stop Shopping Centre represent modern construction standards, but our surveyors still check for building regulation compliance and common defects in newer builds. Properties built in 2022 onwards are still settling, so we pay particular attention to any signs of movement or cracking in the first few years after construction.

• Victorian terraces
• 1930s semi-detached
• 1960s/70s housing
• 1990s developments
• 2000s new builds
• Modern apartments