RICS Level 2 Survey in PO18 0

Our RICS Level 2 survey provides a thorough inspection of the property's accessible areas, examining the condition of the roof, walls, ceilings, doors, windows, and flooring. The surveyor will assess the building's overall structure, looking for signs of damp, rot, subsidence, or structural movement. In the PO18 0 area, where many properties date from the mid-century period, particular attention is given to the condition of original windows, roofing materials, and any extensions that may have been added over the years.

The survey includes a comprehensive evaluation of key building services such as plumbing, electrical wiring, and heating systems. Our surveyor will visually inspect these systems where accessible, noting any obvious defects or areas of concern. For properties in the PO18 0 area that may have older electrical installations or original heating systems, this assessment is particularly valuable in identifying work that may be required after purchase. We check the condition of consumer units, wiring age and type, and the condition of pipework throughout the property.

We also examine the exterior of the property in detail, including walls, brickwork, render, and cladding. The surveyor checks the condition of gutters, downpipes, and drainage systems, which is essential given the local climate conditions in West Sussex. The report includes clear ratings for each element inspected: Condition Rating 1 (no repair needed), Condition Rating 2 (defects requiring attention), or Condition Rating 3 (serious defects requiring urgent repair). Our surveyors pay particular attention to roof coverings, chimney stacks, and parapet walls, which are common sources of leaks and deterioration in older properties.

The PO18 0 area has a housing mix comprising approximately 47% detached properties, 31% semi-detached, 10% terraced, and 11% other property types. This variety means our surveyors must be familiar with different construction methods and potential defect patterns. Whether inspecting a modern apartment in Oakley Green or a traditional village house, we apply the same rigorous standards to every inspection.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, brickwork and pointing
• Windows and doors
• Floors and ceilings
• Damp and rot assessment
• Plumbing and water supply
• Electrical wiring (visual)
• Heating systems
• Gutters and drainage
• Boundary walls and outbuildings

Your RICS Level 2 survey report is designed to be clear and easy to understand, even if you have no previous experience with property surveys. Each section of the property is assigned a Condition Rating, giving you an immediate understanding of its condition. Rating 1 indicates the element is in good condition with no repairs needed, Rating 2 means defects were found that require attention but are not serious, and Rating 3 denotes serious defects that require urgent repair. The report uses a standardised format that allows you to easily compare different properties.

The report includes a clear Summary Section at the front, highlighting the most important issues discovered during the inspection. This allows you to quickly understand the overall condition of the property and any significant costs you may face after purchase. For properties in the PO18 0 area, this summary is particularly useful given the variety of property types, from flats around £188,000 to detached homes exceeding £700,000. The summary also includes our professional opinion on the market value of the property, which can be useful for mortgage valuation purposes.

Where more specialist investigation is needed, such as for potential subsidence, timber decay, or listed building concerns, your report will include clear recommendations for further inspections. This ensures you have all the information needed to negotiate with sellers or to budget appropriately for any remedial work required after completing your purchase. Our surveyors will always explain when a particular issue requires expert assessment from a structural engineer, damp specialist, or listed building consultant.

Our surveyors regularly identify several recurring issues when inspecting properties in the PO18 0 area. Given the predominance of mid-century construction built between 1936 and 1979, original roofing materials such as clay tiles and felt coverings often show signs of age-related deterioration. We frequently find slipped or broken tiles, deteriorated mortar on ridge lines, and areas of past repair that may indicate underlying issues. Flat roof sections, particularly on extensions and garage conversions common in this era, are another frequent source of defects identified during our surveys.

Original windows in properties of this age are often single-glazed and may have deteriorated decorative joinery, leading to drafts and moisture penetration. Many homes still contain their original heating systems or have had older systems installed as replacements, which may not meet current efficiency standards. Electrical installations from the mid-century period will often require updating to comply with modern regulations, and our surveyors will flag any visible concerns with the consumer unit, wiring, or socket positions.

Damp and condensation issues are particularly common in properties that have been modernised without adequate ventilation, or where original breathable construction has been compromised by the application of modern paints or tanking. Our surveyors use moisture meters and visual inspection techniques to identify areas of damp staining, timber decay, and potential structural concerns. Given the local climate in West Sussex, with its mix of coastal air and rainfall, these issues are particularly relevant for properties in the PO18 0 area.