RICS Level 2 Survey in PR7 (Chorley)

Our surveyors conduct a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property. In PR7, where we regularly survey properties ranging from mid-19th century terraces near St George's Street to contemporary homes with solar panels and triple glazing, we examine the walls, roof, floors, doors, windows and permanent fixtures. We assess the general condition and highlight any defects that could affect the property's value or require future maintenance.

The survey includes checking for signs of damp, which is particularly relevant in older Chorley properties with solid-walled construction where rising damp or penetrating damp can cause significant issues if left untreated. We inspect the roof covering, looking for damaged tiles, deteriorating mortar on ridge lines and any signs of leakage that could lead to internal water damage. Many properties in the area have original roof coverings that are reaching the end of their service life, and we assess whether immediate repairs or eventual replacement will be needed.

Our inspectors also examine the structural elements of the property, looking for cracks that might indicate movement or subsidence. In the PR7 area, where clay soils can cause foundation movement, we pay particular attention to diagonal or step-like cracks that could signal structural issues. We check the condition of timber elements including floor joists, roof timbers and window frames, looking for signs of rot or woodworm that are common in properties with poor ventilation or damp problems.

Additionally, we assess the property's electrical and plumbing installations where visible, flagging any outdated systems that may not meet current safety regulations. Many older properties in the Chorley area still have original wiring or lead pipework that poses safety risks and would require updating. We can only visually assess the consumer unit and accessible socket points, but we'll recommend a full electrical inspection by a qualified electrician if we see anything that raises concerns.

• Wall condition and structural integrity
• Roof covering, flashings and chimneys
• Damp and moisture penetration
• Floor structures and staircases
• Windows and doors
• Electrical and plumbing visible installations
• Drainage and guttering
• Insulation and energy efficiency

The PR7 postcode covers a diverse range of property types, each with their own potential issues that our surveyors know to look for. In Chorley town centre, you'll find Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses on streets like Chapel Street and St George's Street, many of which are listed buildings requiring careful assessment. These older properties often have solid walls rather than cavity walls, which can be more susceptible to damp and may require specific remediation approaches. The area contains numerous Grade II listed buildings, including the properties at 53-57 Chapel Street and 9-27 St George's Street, which our surveyors assess with particular attention to their historical construction methods and any alterations that might have affected their structural integrity.

The semi-detached properties that dominate the PR7 housing market, particularly in residential areas like Clayton-le-Woods and Whittle-le-Woods, typically date from the mid-20th century. While generally in reasonable condition, these properties can have issues with original timber windows, aging roof coverings and outdated electrical systems that our surveyors will identify. The average semi-detached property in PR7 sells for around £220,000, making it essential to know about any hidden defects before completing your purchase. Many of these properties were built with galvanised steel pipes and older consumer units that now fail to meet current electrical safety standards.

For those considering new builds in the area, such as the Bellway Homes development at Euxton Heights on Euxton Lane, a Level 2 survey can still add value by checking the quality of construction and identifying any snagging issues. Even new properties can have defects, and having a professional assessment gives you leverage for any necessary corrections from the builder. The development offers 2, 3 and 4 bedroom houses and apartments, with many featuring modern energy-efficient specifications including solar panels and triple glazing that our surveyors will check are installed correctly and functioning as intended.

Conservation area properties in the Chorley South East Ward, which includes parts of PR7, may require additional consideration. While a Level 2 survey is suitable for many period properties, some listed buildings or those with unusual construction may benefit from a more comprehensive RICS Level 3 Building Survey. Our surveyors will advise if they believe a different survey type would be more appropriate for your specific property, particularly for buildings with historical significance or non-standard construction methods.

• Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses
• Mid-20th century semi-detached properties
• New build developments
• Conservation area properties
• Listed buildings

Our experience surveying properties across Chorley and the PR7 area has revealed several recurring issues that buyers should be aware of. Damp problems are particularly prevalent in the older housing stock, where solid-walled construction lacks the cavity wall insulation that helps keep modern homes dry. Rising damp due to failed or non-existent damp proof courses is a common finding, especially in Victorian terraces where the original damp proofing may have deteriorated over more than a century. Penetrating damp from defective gutters, poorly maintained pointing or damaged render is also frequently encountered, particularly during the wet Lancashire winters.

Roof defects appear frequently in our PR7 surveys, with issues ranging from broken or missing tiles to deteriorating ridge mortar and faulty flashings around chimneys. Many properties in the area have original roof coverings that are reaching the end of their service life, and our surveyors will assess whether immediate repairs or eventual replacement will be needed. Flat roof areas, particularly on extensions and garage conversions, often show signs of ponding or membrane deterioration. We inspect loft spaces where accessible, checking the condition of roof timbers for signs of rot, woodworm activity or inadequate insulation that could lead to condensation problems.

Structural movement and subsidence, while not universal, do occur in the PR7 area, particularly in properties built on clay soils that shrink and swell with seasonal moisture changes. Our surveyors are trained to identify the warning signs, including diagonal cracks that widen towards the top, sticking doors and windows, and uneven floor levels. Properties with trees or large shrubs close to the building are particularly at risk from root-induced subsidence, and we assess the proximity of vegetation to the property foundations as part of our structural evaluation. The clay soils common in this part of Lancashire are known for their shrink-swell behaviour, which can cause foundations to move subtly over time.

Outdated electrical installations are another common finding, with many older properties still operating with fuse boxes and wiring that predates current regulations. We can only visually assess the consumer unit and accessible socket points, but we'll recommend a full electrical inspection by a qualified electrician if we see anything that raises concerns. Similarly, old plumbing systems with lead or galvanised steel pipes are frequently encountered and flagged for replacement. Many properties built before 1970 still have original lead water supply pipes, which not only affect water quality but can also be a sign of other aging infrastructure that may need attention.