RICS Level 2 Survey in ST10

Our RICS Level 2 Home Survey provides a thorough inspection of the main accessible areas of a property, giving you a clear picture of its overall condition. The survey examines the walls, roof, floors, doors, windows, and permanent fixtures, identifying any visible defects or areas of concern. Our chartered surveyors assess the property from top to bottom, checking the roof structure, examining walls for signs of damp or cracking, inspecting joinery, and evaluating the condition of bathrooms and kitchens. Each survey produces a clear Condition Rating system that immediately highlights defects requiring urgent attention versus those that are minor or purely cosmetic.

For properties in ST10, our inspectors pay particular attention to issues commonly found in the local housing stock. Given the number of older properties in the area, including numerous listed buildings in villages like Alton, Checkley, and Cheadle, we carefully assess roofing conditions, looking for deteriorated tiles, failing ridge mortar, and signs of water ingress. We examine walls for cracking that may indicate structural movement, check for dampness particularly in solid-walled properties built before modern damp-proof courses were standard, and evaluate the condition of timber elements including joists, rafters, and window frames. Our knowledge of local construction methods means we know exactly what to look for in properties ranging from Victorian terraces to post-war semis.

The RICS Level 2 survey also includes an assessment of services such as plumbing and electrical installations, though we always recommend that you obtain separate specialist certificates for these systems. Our surveyors will note the age and condition of visible pipework, check the consumer unit, and identify any obvious electrical safety concerns. We also assess the property's energy efficiency, noting factors like insulation levels and window types, which is particularly relevant for older properties that may lack modern thermal performance standards. This assessment can help you anticipate future energy costs and identify opportunities for improvement after purchase.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, foundations and visible structure
• Floors, ceilings and stairs
• Windows and doors
• Dampness and timber decay
• Plumbing and electrical visible installations
• Energy efficiency assessment
• External elements including gutters and chimneys

Our experience surveying properties throughout the ST10 area has identified several recurring issues that buyers should be aware of before purchasing. Many properties in the region, particularly those in villages like Checkley, Cheadle, and Alton where numerous listed buildings are located, were constructed using traditional methods that differ significantly from modern building standards. Solid-walled construction, common in older properties, lacks the cavity that modern homes feature, making these properties more susceptible to penetrating damp, especially where brickwork has deteriorated or pointing has failed over time. Our surveyors know exactly how to assess these traditional construction methods and can advise on appropriate remedies.

Roofing problems represent another significant finding in our ST10 surveys. The aging roof structures on period properties often show signs of wear including slipped or broken tiles, deteriorating ridge mortar that has eroded over years of exposure to Staffordshire weather, and flashings that have lifted or corroded. These issues can allow water ingress that leads to timber decay and internal dampness. Our surveyors thoroughly inspect roof spaces where accessible, checking for signs of past leaks, inadequate ventilation, and the condition of rafters and joists. We also examine chimneys, which are a common source of problems in older properties, looking for deteriorated pointing, damaged flashing, and signs of water penetration.

Properties built before 1999 may contain asbestos in various materials including floor tiles, pipe insulation, textured ceiling coatings, and partition walls. Our surveyors know where to look for these materials and will flag their presence in your report, advising you to engage specialist asbestos contractors for safe removal before any renovation work. Similarly, we assess the condition of outdated electrical installations and old plumbing systems, noting where galvanized steel pipes or old consumer units may require updating for safety and functionality. These findings can significantly impact your renovation budget, so it is important to be aware of them before completing your purchase.

• Dampness in solid-walled properties
• Roof deterioration and missing tiles
• Structural cracking in walls
• Outdated electrical installations
• Timber decay and woodworm
• Asbestos-containing materials
• Inadequate insulation
• Outdated plumbing systems