RICS Level 2 Survey in Shirebrook

Shirebrook's housing landscape is remarkably diverse, with properties ranging from late Victorian and Edwardian homes built during the coal mining expansion of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, through to post-war housing constructed between 1945 and 1980, and more recent developments from the past four decades. This mix of property ages means that buyers in the area face a wide variety of potential issues, and a professional RICS Level 2 Survey is the best way to identify them before you commit financially. Our inspectors have extensive experience with the local construction methods and materials, particularly the traditional red brick buildings that dominate the area.

The underlying geology of Shirebrook presents specific challenges that our surveyors understand well. The area sits on Carboniferous rocks, including coal measures, sandstones, and shales, with superficial deposits of glacial till and alluvium in places. The clay-rich soils derived from these geological formations can pose a moderate to high shrink-swell risk, meaning foundations may move slightly with seasonal changes in moisture levels. This is particularly relevant for properties with shallow foundations or those built near trees. Our surveyors know to check for signs of past or current movement, cracking, or other indicators of foundation instability.

Additionally, Shirebrook's mining legacy means that some areas may be affected by historical coal mining activity. While the collieries have long since closed, the ground in certain localities can still be unstable, with potential for subsidence related to old mine workings. Our inspectors are trained to identify the visual clues that might suggest mining-related issues, and we can recommend appropriate mining searches where necessary. Understanding these local factors is what makes our service particularly valuable for buyers in Shirebrook.

The local economy has diversified significantly in recent decades, with major employers like Sports Direct and other logistics companies establishing large operations near the M1 corridor. This has sustained demand for housing in the area, but many of the properties available were built during the mining era and carry the associated structural characteristics that require professional assessment. Our team regularly identifies issues in properties around the Model Village, Station Road, and the older terraced streets that other surveyors might miss if they lack local experience.

• Damp and condensation issues
• Roof condition and tile damage
• Foundation movement and subsidence
• Outdated electrical systems
• Timber defects and rot
• Inadequate insulation

The majority of properties in Shirebrook fall into the semi-detached and terraced categories, with approximately 36.6% of homes being semi-detached and 29.8% terraced according to the most recent census data for the wider Bolsover district. This housing pattern reflects the area's industrial heritage, where rows of terraced houses were built to accommodate workers at the collieries. Understanding this composition helps our surveyors tailor their inspections to identify the specific defects most commonly found in these property types.

Many of the older properties in Shirebrook were constructed with solid walls rather than cavity walls, which creates different challenges for buyers. Solid wall construction lacks the thermal efficiency and damp resistance of modern cavity wall buildings, meaning these properties often require additional insulation work and are more susceptible to rising damp. Our inspectors know how to assess these traditional construction methods and can advise on the most appropriate solutions if problems are identified.

The post-war housing built between 1945 and 1980 represents another significant portion of Shirebrook's stock. These properties often feature different construction techniques, including systems like concrete frame construction that may have specific maintenance requirements. Our surveyors are familiar with these building methods and understand the typical defects that emerge as these properties age, from concrete degradation to issues with original windows and doors.

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a comprehensive assessment of the property's visible and accessible elements. We examine the external fabric of the building, including walls, roofs, chimneys, gutters, and drainpipes. We look for signs of structural movement, such as cracks in walls or uneven door frames, and we assess the condition of roof coverings, flashing, andvergences. Inside the property, we inspect the condition of floors, walls, and ceilings, checking for signs of damp, rot, or insect damage that might not be visible during a casual viewing.

The survey also includes an assessment of the property's services. We visually inspect the electrical consumer unit and a sample of sockets and switches, noting the type of wiring and whether it appears to meet current standards. For plumbing, we check the water supply pipes, waste pipes, and fixtures, looking for signs of leaks, corrosion, or outdated materials. We also assess the heating system, including the boiler, radiators, and any controls. While this is not a detailed technical test of these systems, our inspection highlights obvious defects and areas of concern that may require further investigation by specialists.

One of the key features of the RICS Level 2 Survey is the traffic light condition rating system. Each element of the property is rated as either green (no repair needed), amber (defects requiring attention), or red (serious issues requiring urgent repair). This clear system helps you understand which problems are cosmetic and which might have serious financial implications. For properties in Shirebrook, we commonly find amber-rated issues such as missing roof tiles, minor damp problems in older solid-wall properties, or outdated electrical wiring in homes built before the 1980s.

Our surveyors pay particular attention to areas where Shirebrook properties most frequently show defects. The combination of aging housing stock, clay soils, and former mining activity means we systematically check foundation walls for cracking, inspect roof spaces for signs of past water penetration, and examine external walls for evidence of movement or deterioration. This methodical approach ensures nothing important is overlooked during the inspection.