RICS Level 2 Survey in Pollington

A RICS Level 2 Survey provides a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property. Our inspectors examine the walls, roof, floors, windows, doors, and infrastructure, looking for defects that might affect the value or safety of the property. In Pollington, where approximately 60-70% of properties are over 50 years old, this survey format is particularly valuable for identifying age-related issues that may not be immediately obvious to untrained buyers. We spend 2-4 hours at each property, examining every accessible area rather than rushing through the inspection.

The survey includes a comprehensive assessment of the property's condition rated using the RICS traffic light system - Red for urgent repairs required, Amber for defects needing attention, and Green for satisfactory condition. We examine the roof structure, check for signs of damp and timber decay, inspect the integrity of walls and foundations, and assess the condition of plumbing and electrical installations where visible. Our reports typically run to 10-15 pages with detailed photographs and clear recommendations that help you understand exactly what you're buying.

Given Pollington's geological characteristics, our surveyors pay special attention to signs of subsidence, heave, or ground movement. The alluvial clay deposits in the area can cause foundations to shift over time, particularly in older properties with shallower foundations. We also note any evidence of past flooding from the River Aire, which affects parts of the village in Flood Zones 2 and 3, and assess whether appropriate mitigation measures are in place. If we identify potential issues, we recommend further investigations by specialists where necessary.

Our survey covers all major building elements including structural walls and foundations, roof covering and underlying structure, damp and moisture penetration assessment, windows, doors, and joinery, electrical and gas visible installations, and drainage and external areas. We provide a market valuation as part of the report, helping you understand if the asking price reflects the property's actual condition.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof covering and underlying structure
• Damp and moisture penetration
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Electrical and gas visible installations
• Drainage and external areas

Properties in Pollington face several area-specific issues that our surveyors are trained to identify. The village's position on the River Aire flood plain means that properties in lower-lying areas, particularly those near the river and along Flood Zones 2 and 3, may have experienced flooding. Our surveyors check for flood marks, water staining, and signs of damp that might indicate previous water ingress. We also assess the effectiveness of any existing flood mitigation measures, such as barriers or raised electrical installations, and note whether the property has been previously flooded.

The underlying clay geology presents another significant consideration. Clay soils expand and contract with moisture levels, causing foundations to move over time. This shrink-swell activity can lead to cracks in walls, doors and windows sticking, and other structural issues. Our inspectors look for tell-tale signs of this movement, including diagonal cracks near windows and doors, uneven floor levels, and gaps around door frames. Properties built before the 1970s with traditional shallow foundations are particularly susceptible to these ground movements.

Many properties in Pollington date from the post-war period through to the 1980s, meaning they may contain outdated electrical systems, original plumbing, and insulation that does not meet modern standards. We identify these issues and flag them in our report, allowing you to budget for necessary upgrades. Properties built before 2000 may also contain asbestos-containing materials, which we note where visible during our inspection. Given the proximity of Pollington to former mining areas, we also recommend a mining search to check for potential subsidence from past workings.

• Flood risk from River Aire
• Clay shrink-swell ground movement
• Outdated electrical wiring
• Age-related damp issues
• Roof and tile deterioration
• Timber decay in older properties
• Potential mining subsidence