RICS Level 2 Survey in Redmarshall

Our RICS Level 2 surveys provide a thorough inspection of the property's accessible areas, identifying defects that affect value and safety. We examine the roof space where accessible, walls, floors, windows, doors, and critical systems including plumbing and electrical installations. The survey includes a valuation and an Insurance Rebuild Cost Assessment, giving you complete picture of the property's worth and any repair costs you might face. Our inspectors document everything with photographs and provide clear condition ratings that make it easy to prioritise any necessary work.

In Redmarshall, where many properties exceed 50 years in age, our surveyors pay particular attention to common issues found in older construction. The village's geology presents specific challenges. The underlying boulder clay (glacial till) has moderate to high shrink-swell potential, which can affect foundations and cause structural movement. Our inspectors are trained to identify the signs of subsidence or heave that this soil type can cause, particularly in properties with mature trees or those with inadequate foundations. We measure crack widths, check door and window operation, and assess floor levels to identify any movement that may have occurred over time.

We also assess the condition of traditional brickwork common throughout Redmarshall, checking for damp penetration through solid walls, deteriorating lime mortar pointing, and any signs of structural movement in older properties. The survey highlights urgent defects requiring immediate attention, as well as issues that may develop into more serious problems over the next five years. Properties within the Conservation Area receive additional scrutiny, as any alterations may require Listed Building Consent from Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council. Our surveyors understand these requirements and will flag any potential compliance issues we discover during our inspection.

• Roof structure and covering condition
• Walls, chimneys, and damp assessment
• Floor structures and timber condition
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• Boundary walls and outbuildings

Properties in Redmarshall present several common defects that our RICS Level 2 surveys identify. Traditional brick-built homes, common throughout the village, often lack modern cavity wall insulation and may have rising damp issues where original damp-proof courses have failed or were never installed. The slate and clay tile roofs on older properties frequently show signs of wear, including slipped tiles, deteriorated flashing, and degraded mortar pointing to ridge tiles. Our surveyors will recommend where a specialist damp investigation or roofing contractor inspection would be advisable.

Timber defects are another significant concern in Redmarshall's older properties. Victorian and Edwardian cottages may have woodworm infestation in floor joists and roof timbers, or wet rot affecting external joinery. Our surveyors probe timber elements and assess their condition, reporting any findings that require specialist treatment or structural attention. We look for signs of active infestation and historical damage, providing you with a clear picture of any timber issues that need addressing before or after purchase.

Electrical and plumbing systems in properties over 30 years old often require updating to meet current safety standards. We identify outdated consumer units, old rubber-sheathed wiring, and lead or galvanised steel pipes that pose potential hazards. The heating systems in period properties may also be original or poorly maintained, requiring inspection by qualified tradespeople. Our report will highlight any visible electrical defects and recommend that a qualified electrician inspect the installation before you complete the purchase.

Properties within or near the Conservation Area may have additional considerations. Alterations to historic buildings require Listed Building Consent, and inappropriate modern additions can affect both the property's legal status and its structural integrity. Our surveyors note any works that may require further investigation or approval from the local planning authority. We check for planning permissions and building regulation approvals where visible documentation is available.