RICS Level 2 Survey in ST6 5 Stoke-on-Trent

Our RICS Level 2 Survey, also known as the HomeSurvey, provides a thorough inspection of the property's accessible areas including the roof space, walls, floors, windows, doors, and permanent fixtures. We examine the condition of the building fabric and identify defects that are visible to the naked eye, assessing their cause, extent, and likely urgency of repair. The survey covers all key structural elements and building services, providing you with a comprehensive overview of the property's current condition.

In the ST6 5 area, where a significant proportion of properties date from the pre-1945 and post-war periods, our surveyors pay particular attention to the common issues affecting older housing stock. This includes checking for signs of damp (rising and penetrating) which is especially prevalent in solid wall constructions typical of Victorian and Edwardian properties across Tunstall and Burslem. We assess the condition of roof coverings and flashings, evaluating outdated electrical installations, and examining the condition of plumbing and heating systems that may be original to the property.

Our inspection extends to identifying potential mining-related issues, which is particularly relevant given Stoke-on-Trent's coal mining legacy. We look for signs of subsidence including characteristic crack patterns, movement in walls, and uneven floor levels that may indicate historical mining activity beneath the property. This specialized knowledge comes from years of inspecting properties throughout the ST6 area and understanding the unique challenges presented by the local geology.

The survey report includes a clear condition rating system (1 to 3) for each element inspected, making it easy for you to understand which issues require immediate attention versus those that can be monitored over time. We also provide practical advice on maintenance and repair options, helping you budget for any work needed after completion. Each report includes estimated repair costs where appropriate, giving you the financial clarity you need when negotiating with sellers.

• Roof structure and covering
• Wall construction and condition
• Damp and timber assessment
• Electrical and plumbing systems
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Outbuildings and boundaries

Properties throughout the ST6 5 area exhibit the characteristic construction methods that define much of Stoke-on-Trent's housing stock. The predominant building material is red brick, with Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses in areas like Tunstall typically featuring solid wall construction without cavity insulation. Understanding these construction methods is essential for identifying potential defects, as solid walls are more susceptible to penetrating damp and require different remediation approaches compared to modern cavity-walled properties.

Many semi-detached properties in Burslem and Smallthorne were constructed during the post-war period using traditional brick and block construction with solid concrete floors. These properties often feature original timber roof structures with clay tile coverings that, while durable, can suffer from age-related deterioration including failed felt underlay and deteriorating ridge tiles. Our surveyors know exactly what to look for when inspecting these different construction types, ensuring we identify all relevant defects.

The housing stock in ST6 5 spans several eras of British construction, from late Victorian terraces through to 1970s housing developments. Each era brings its own typical defects and maintenance requirements. Our team has inspected hundreds of properties throughout this area, giving us in-depth knowledge of how different construction types perform over time and what issues are most likely to arise at different property ages. This local expertise means we can provide more accurate assessments and more relevant advice than a surveyor unfamiliar with the area.

The housing stock in ST6 5 presents several characteristic issues that our surveyors regularly identify during inspections. Given the prevalence of older terraced and semi-detached properties built before 1980, we frequently encounter damp problems including rising damp in solid wall constructions, penetrating damp due to defective gutters or roof coverings, and condensation issues in poorly ventilated properties. These damp issues are particularly common in Victorian terraces along streets in Tunstall where original features like solid floors and lime-based mortars have been compromised by modern alterations.

Roof conditions are another common finding in the area. Many properties feature original roof coverings that are showing signs of age, including slipped or broken tiles, deteriorating felt underlay, and failed lead flashings around chimneys and penetrations. Our surveyors access the roof space where safe and accessible to assess the overall structure and identify any issues that could lead to water ingress. In the ST6 5 area, we commonly find that ridge tiles have become mortar-deficient over time, and valley gutters often show signs of deterioration that can lead to leaks into the property below.

Electrical systems in older properties often require updating to meet current safety standards. We regularly find outdated wiring (rubber or lead-sheathed cables) in properties built before the 1970s, older consumer units without adequate RCD protection, and insufficient socket outlets for modern usage. Similarly, plumbing systems in period properties may feature galvanized steel pipes that are prone to corrosion and reduced water pressure, or older hot water systems that are inefficient and costly to run. Our survey reports flag these issues and recommend appropriate qualified contractors for further investigation or remediation.

Given the local geology and historical mining activity, we also keep a close eye out for signs of subsidence or settlement that may relate to underlying ground conditions. Properties in certain parts of ST6 5, particularly those built on former mining land or areas with clay soils, can experience movement that manifests as cracking, doors that stick, or uneven floors. Our surveyors are trained to identify these indicators and will recommend specialist structural engineering advice where warranted.