RICS Level 2 Survey in SO19 0 Southampton

Our RICS Level 2 Survey in SO19 0 provides a comprehensive inspection of all accessible areas of the property. The surveyor examines the roof structure, including rafters, purlins, and any sarking felt, checking for signs of deterioration, missing tiles, or previous repairs. We inspect chimney stacks and flashings, which are particularly important in older properties where leadwork may have deteriorated over decades. Our inspection covers the walls, looking for signs of movement, cracking, or render defects that could indicate underlying structural issues.

Inside the property, we examine the condition of windows and doors, testing operation and checking for decay in timber frames. The surveyor assesses the condition of the electrical consumer unit, visible wiring, socket outlets, and switches, though we always recommend a full electrical inspection by a qualified electrician for added safety. We check the plumbing and heating systems, looking at the condition of pipework, the hot water system, and any visible central heating equipment.

Our inspection extends to the garage, outbuildings, and the general condition of the boundaries. We note any trees near the property that might affect foundations, particularly relevant in SO19 0 where clay soils can shrink and swell with moisture changes. The surveyor also checks for evidence of damp, which is one of the most common defects we find in properties across Sholing and Woolston, especially in homes built before modern damp-proof courses were standard.

Every RICS Level 2 Survey includes a clear traffic light rating system, giving you an instant visual guide to the condition of each area. Red indicates serious defects requiring immediate attention, amber highlights issues that should be investigated further, and green confirms areas in satisfactory condition. This straightforward approach helps you prioritise remedial work and budget accordingly. Our reports also include market valuation advice, helping you understand how the property's condition affects its worth in the current SO19 0 market.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, brickwork, and render
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Damp and timber condition
• Electrical and plumbing systems
• Garages and outbuildings
• Boundaries and trees

Properties in SO19 0 present several common issues that our surveyors regularly identify. Damp is perhaps the most frequent problem, particularly in the many Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses found throughout Sholing and Woolston. Rising damp affects properties without a proper damp-proof course, while penetrating damp often results from damaged render, failed pointing, or deteriorating window cills. We frequently find condensation issues in properties with inadequate ventilation, especially in modernised homes where original airbricks have been blocked or sealed.

Roof defects are another common finding in the area. Many properties retain their original roof coverings, which may be showing signs of age, with slipped or missing tiles, deteriorated ridge tiles, and damaged lead flashings around chimneys. The sarking felt beneath tiles often rots over time, allowing water penetration that may not be visible from inside the loft space until significant damage has occurred. Our surveyors thoroughly examine loft areas, checking not just the covering but also the structural timbers for signs of woodworm or rot.

The clay soil underlying much of Southampton poses a specific risk that our surveyors address in every report. Properties built on shrinkable clay are susceptible to subsidence when trees draw moisture from the ground during dry spells, and heave when the soil expands during wet periods. We look for signs of movement in walls and foundations, including cracking patterns that can indicate different types of movement. If we suspect ground instability, we recommend further investigation by a structural engineer before you commit to the purchase.

Electrical and plumbing issues feature prominently in our surveys of older properties. Wiring installed before the 1980s often does not meet current regulations and may pose a fire risk. Original plumbing, typically using lead or galvanised steel pipes, deteriorates internally over decades and can affect water quality and pressure. We note the age and condition of these systems in our report, recommending that buyers obtain specialist electrical and plumbing inspections before completion.

Properties built before 2000 may contain asbestos-containing materials, which our surveyors will identify where visible. This includes textured coatings on ceilings and walls, pipe insulation, and some roofing materials. While not always visible, we note any suspected ACMs and recommend specialist testing. Additionally, many older properties in SO19 0 lack adequate insulation, particularly in external walls and loft spaces, which affects energy efficiency and ongoing costs for homeowners.

• Rising and penetrating damp
• Roof tile damage and felt deterioration
• Subsidence from clay soil movement
• Outdated electrical wiring
• Original plumbing and pipework
• Timber decay and woodworm
• Asbestos-containing materials
• Poor insulation