RICS Level 2 Survey in PR6 0 Chorley

Our RICS Level 2 survey provides a thorough inspection of the property's visible and accessible elements. We examine the walls, roof, floors, doors, windows, and joinery, checking for signs of damage, wear, or potential problems. The survey includes an assessment of the property's overall condition and identifies any defects that may require attention, from missing roof tiles to signs of damp penetration. Our inspectors also evaluate the property's services, such as plumbing, electrical installations, and heating systems, where these are visible and accessible.

In the PR6 0 area, with its mix of housing ages spanning from pre-1919 properties to brand new builds, our surveyors are experienced in identifying issues specific to each era of construction. Properties built before 1980, which make up approximately 64% of the housing stock in this area, often have concerns such as outdated electrical systems, original single-glazed windows, and aging roofs that may need replacement. Meanwhile, newer properties, including those on developments like The Hedgerows and The Ridings, may have different considerations such as snagging issues common in newly constructed homes.

The Level 2 survey uses a traffic light rating system to clearly indicate the condition of each element: red for urgent issues requiring immediate attention, amber for defects that need addressing reasonably soon, and green for satisfactory condition. This straightforward approach helps you prioritises any negotiations with the seller and plan for any future maintenance. We also provide a market value assessment and rebuild cost estimation as part of the report, which is particularly useful for insurance purposes.

The survey covers eight main element categories, each inspected in detail by our qualified surveyors. We assess the walls, looking for cracks, movement, or render defects common in both older solid-wall constructions and modern cavity-wall properties. The roof receives particular attention, with inspection of coverings, flashings, gutters, and chimneys. We check all windows and doors for operation and condition, examine floors and stairs for damage or unevenness, and inspect the chimney stack where present. Our survey also includes basic assessment of plumbing and electrical installations that are visible, along with any garage or outbuildings included in the property.

• Wall structure and condition
• Roof covering and flashing
• Damp proofing and dampness
• Windows and doors
• Floors and stairs
• Chimneys and breast
• Plumbing and electrical visible elements
• Garage and outbuildings

The housing stock in PR6 0 presents several common issues that our inspectors frequently identify during Level 2 surveys. With approximately 10.2% of properties built before 1919 and another 15.7% constructed between 1919 and 1945, rising damp is a frequent finding in the older terraced and semi-detached houses in the area. These properties often lack modern damp-proof courses or have ones that have failed over time. Our surveyors use visual inspection and moisture meters to identify areas of damp penetration and provide recommendations for remediation.

Roof conditions are another major focus in our PR6 0 surveys. Properties from the mid-twentieth century often feature original roofing materials that may be reaching the end of their lifespan. We inspect for slipped or broken tiles, deteriorated mortar on ridges and verges, and signs of past or current leaks. For properties with chimneys, which are common in the older housing stock, we assess the condition of flashings, brickwork, and any pot covers. In some cases, we may recommend a more detailed roof inspection by a specialist.

The underlying geology of the Chorley area, characterised by glacial till (boulder clay) over sandstone and mudstone bedrock, creates potential for subsidence and heave issues, particularly in properties with shallow foundations on shrinkable clay soils. Our Level 2 survey includes observation of any signs of structural movement, such as cracking to walls, doors or windows that stick, and uneven floors. While the overall risk is moderate, identifying these issues early can save you significant expense and worry down the line.

Timber defects, including woodworm infestation and fungal rot, are found in properties of all ages but are particularly common in older homes with suspended timber floors and traditional roof constructions. Our inspectors examine exposed timber elements for signs of active infestation or decay, noting any areas that require treatment or repair. This is especially relevant in PR6 0 where a substantial proportion of the housing stock is over 50 years old.

Electrical safety is another key concern in this area. Properties built before the 1980s often have wiring systems that do not meet current electrical safety standards. Our survey includes a visual inspection of the electrical installation, noting any obvious deficiencies such as outdated consumer units, visible wiring in poor condition, or lack of adequate earthing. Where we identify potential concerns, we recommend further investigation by a qualified electrician before you complete your purchase.

The PR6 0 area also has pockets where surface water flooding can occur during periods of heavy rainfall, particularly in areas with older drainage systems. While not a major flood risk, this can sometimes lead to damp issues in basements or ground floor properties. Our surveyors note any signs of previous water ingress or dampness that may be related to local drainage conditions.

Even if you are purchasing a brand new property on one of the modern developments in PR6 0, such as The Hedgerows by Rowland Homes or The Ridings by Story Homes, a RICS Level 2 survey can prove valuable. While major structural defects are rare in newly constructed homes, our survey can identify snagging issues, quality of workmanship concerns, and any defects that the developer's warranty may not fully cover.

New build properties in the PR6 0 area typically feature modern construction methods including cavity wall insulation, uPVC windows, and modern electrical and plumbing installations. However, our surveyors still check for common issues such as inadequate ventilation leading to condensation, poorly fitted windows and doors, and minor structural defects that may have been overlooked during the construction process.

Many buyers find that having an independent survey on a new build property provides valuable . The report can be used to request that the developer addresses any issues before completion, or to have a record of the property's condition at the time of purchase should any disputes arise later. With new three, four, and five bedroom homes in the area starting from around £269,995, the additional cost of a survey is a small investment for such reassurance.