RICS Level 2 Survey in SE1 5 Bermondsey

Our RICS Level 2 Home Survey, formerly known as the HomeBuyer Report, is designed for properties in reasonable condition. It provides a comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property, including the roof space (where safe and accessible), walls, floors, windows, doors, and plumbing and electrical systems. In SE1 5, where we see everything from Victorian terraces built in the late 1800s to contemporary apartments in developments like The Pickle Factory and The Tannery, our surveyors know exactly what to look for based on the property's age and construction type.

We assess the condition of the property's structure, identify any urgent defects that need immediate attention, and flag issues that may require specialist advice. The report includes a clear Condition Rating system - so you can see at a glance which problems are serious (Rating 3), which need attention soon (Rating 2), and which are cosmetic (Rating 1). For properties in SE1 5, our inspectors frequently identify issues common to the area's older housing stock, including damp in period walls, roof condition concerns on Victorian terraces, and outdated electrical installations in converted properties.

The survey also includes a market valuation and rebuild cost assessment, which is particularly useful for mortgage lenders and for insurance purposes. If you are buying in a new-build development such as Bermondsey Place, we can advise on any defects common to modern construction methods. For the warehouse conversions popular along Waterloo Road, we check for any structural alterations and ensure the conversion meets current building regulations.

Our inspection covers the exterior of the property in detail, examining walls for signs of movement or deterioration, checking roof coverings and flashings, and assessing the condition of gutters and drainage. We also inspect the property's boundaries where accessible, looking for potential issues with retaining walls or fences that could incur unexpected costs after purchase.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Condition Rating system for defects
• Market valuation and rebuild cost
• Advice on repairs and maintenance
• Energy efficiency rating (where applicable)

SE1 5 presents a fascinating mix of construction types that our surveyors encounter regularly. The Victorian terraces that line Brook Drive and Longley Street were typically built with solid brick walls, often without a damp-proof course, making them susceptible to rising damp particularly in ground-floor rooms. These properties often feature original sash windows, which although characterful, may have deteriorated glazing and frames that require attention.

The warehouse conversions along Waterloo Road represent a different challenge entirely. Many of these buildings were originally constructed as industrial facilities in the 19th century, with thick load-bearing walls that have been adapted for residential use. Our surveyors pay particular attention to any structural alterations that may have been made during conversion, including the insertion of mezzanine floors or the removal of internal walls to create open-plan living spaces.

Modern developments like Bermondsey Place, built by Berkeley Homes South East London Ltd., use contemporary construction methods including steel frames and concrete floors. While these properties generally meet current building regulations, our inspectors frequently identify issues such as sealant failures around windows, insufficient ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens, and minor snagging items that the developer should rectify before completion.

Understanding these different construction types is crucial for identifying potential defects. Our team has inspected hundreds of properties across SE1 5 and knows exactly what to look for whether the property is a period terrace requiring a damp-proof course assessment or a new-build apartment requiring a thorough snagging inspection.

Our experience surveying properties across SE1 5 means we know the common problems buyers encounter in this postcode. Victorian terraces on streets like Brook Drive and Longley Street frequently show signs of rising damp, particularly in ground-floor rooms where the original damp-proof course may have failed or was never installed. Our surveyors use moisture meters to assess the extent of damp penetration and provide specific recommendations for remediation.

Roof condition is another recurring theme in our SE1 5 surveys. Aging slate tiles, damaged flashings, and deteriorated pointing all feature in our reports for period properties in the area. We inspect the roof from both inside the property (where accessible) and externally, providing a comprehensive assessment of any repairs needed. Given the age of many properties in SE1 5, roof replacements or significant repairs are often required within the first few years of ownership.

For the converted warehouses and period properties that have been subdivided into flats, we often find issues related to the original construction being adapted for modern living. This can include altered load-bearing walls, extensions built without proper building control approval, and electrical installations that do not meet current regulations. Given that many conversions were carried out decades ago, the electrics in particular may be outdated and potentially dangerous.

New-build apartments in developments like Bermondsey Place and The Tannery present a different set of considerations. While generally in good condition, these properties can have defects related to modern construction methods, including sealant failures around windows, insufficient ventilation leading to condensation, and minor snagging issues. Our surveyors check all these elements carefully and provide you with a comprehensive assessment of the property's condition.

• Rising damp in period terraces
• Roof condition and tile deterioration
• Outdated electrical installations
• Damp and condensation in conversions
• Window seal failures in new builds
• Structural alterations in conversions