RICS Level 2 Survey in RM7 7 Romford

RM7 7 features a significant proportion of early-century properties built between 1912 and 1935, representing a substantial portion of the housing stock in this part of Romford. These properties, while full of character and often situated in established residential neighbourhoods, come with their own set of challenges that only a professional survey can uncover. The traditional brick construction common to this era, while generally sound, can hide issues that aren't visible during a standard viewing.

Our inspectors frequently identify defects in properties of this age, including rising damp, penetrating damp, and wear to roof structures including slipped tiles and deteriorating lead flashing. Given that many homes in RM7 7 are approaching or have passed the 90-year mark, electrical wiring and plumbing systems may also be outdated and require attention. A Level 2 survey provides you with the information needed to negotiate repairs or price adjustments with the seller.

The RM7 7 property market saw 136 sales in the last 24 months, with properties ranging from traditional terraced houses to detached family homes. The average price of £410,194 represents a significant investment, and our surveys help ensure that investment is sound. With price growth of 1.7% over the last year, buying in this area remains competitive, making thorough due diligence even more important.

Properties built during this period were typically constructed with solid brick walls, suspended timber ground floors, and timber-framed roofs with slate or clay tile coverings. While these construction methods served well for nearly a century, they require specific knowledge to properly assess. Our surveyors understand these traditional building techniques and know exactly what to look for when evaluating properties of this era.

• Identify hidden structural issues
• Check for damp and timber defects
• Assess roof condition and insulation
• Evaluate electrical and plumbing systems
• Provide clear condition ratings

Given the age of housing stock in RM7 7, our surveyors consistently encounter several recurring defect patterns. Rising damp is particularly common in properties built with solid brick walls that lack a proper damp proof course, or where the original damp proofing has failed over time. We measure moisture levels in walls and recommend appropriate remediation where necessary.

Roof condition is another frequent area of concern. Properties from the 1912-1935 period often feature roofs with original slate or clay tiles that have endured nearly a century of British weather. While many remain serviceable, we regularly identify slipped tiles, damaged lead flashing around chimneys, and deterioration in mortar pointing that can allow water penetration. Our surveyors physically inspect roof spaces where accessible, checking for signs of past or current water ingress.

The electrical systems in these older properties also warrant careful examination. Rewiring was not standard practice when these homes were built, and many retain their original or partially updated electrical installations. We identify fuse boards that may need upgrading, inadequate earthing, and socket placements that do not meet modern standards. While we cannot remove covers to inspect concealed wiring, we note visual indications of aged electrical infrastructure.

Subsidence is worth particular attention in this area, as much of the London and Essex region sits on clay soils that expand and contract with moisture levels. Properties with shallow foundations built during the early-century boom can show signs of movement over time. We examine walls for cracking patterns, door and window operation, and other indicators that might suggest structural movement requiring further investigation.

• Rising damp and damp proof course failures
• Roof tile slippage and flashing defects
• Outdated electrical fuse boards and wiring
• Subsidence or structural movement indicators
• Timber decay in windows and doors
• Chimney stack deterioration

Your RICS Level 2 survey report is designed to be clear and actionable. Each section of the property is assigned a condition rating: green for satisfactory condition, amber for minor defects requiring routine maintenance, and red for defects requiring urgent attention. This straightforward system helps you quickly identify which issues need immediate focus and which can be addressed over time.

For properties in RM7 7, our reports commonly highlight issues related to the age of the housing stock. This might include recommendations for re-pointing brickwork, replacing worn roof tiles, updating electrical fuse boards, or addressing damp proof course issues. The report also includes a market valuation, which is particularly useful in the current RM7 7 market where properties have shown consistent growth of 1.7% over the past year.

If significant defects are identified, you can use the survey report to renegotiate the purchase price or request that the seller carries out repairs before completion. In some cases, we may recommend a follow-up RICS Level 3 Building Survey for more detailed structural analysis, particularly for older or more complex properties where our initial findings indicate potential concerns.

The report also includes an Executive Summary that pulls together the most important findings in one place, making it easy to share with your solicitor, mortgage provider, or family members who may be involved in the purchase decision. This summary is particularly useful for quickly communicating the key issues to all parties in the transaction.