RICS Level 2 Survey in Wardley

A RICS Level 2 survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of the property's accessible areas, assessing the overall condition and identifying any significant defects that may impact the value or safety of the home. Our inspectors examine the roof structure, walls, windows, doors, damp levels, and plumbing and electrical systems where visible. The survey also includes an assessment of any extensions or alterations that may have been made to the property, ensuring you have a complete picture of what you are buying.

For properties in Wardley, where much of the housing stock is likely to be over 50 years old, this type of survey is particularly valuable. Older properties often hide issues that are not immediately apparent to the untrained eye, such as rising damp, deteriorating roof coverings, or outdated electrical wiring that may not meet current regulations. Our surveyors bring extensive experience in assessing properties across Tyne and Wear, understanding the common issues that affect homes in this region, from weather-related wear to the effects of age on building materials.

We inspect properties throughout Wardley and the surrounding NE10 postcode area, from terraced houses on the residential streets near Wardley metro station to semi-detached homes in the quieter residential cul-de-sacs. Our chartered surveyors are familiar with the local housing stock and know exactly what defects to look for based on the age and construction type of each property. We take photographs of all significant issues and provide clear, jargon-free explanations in our final report.

The resulting report uses a clear traffic light system to rate each element of the property - red for urgent defects requiring immediate attention, amber for issues that should be monitored or addressed soon, and green for satisfactory condition. This straightforward approach makes it easy for you to understand the full scope of any remedial work that may be needed and factor this into your decision-making process. We also include recommendations for further specialist investigations where necessary, such as checking for Japanese knotweed or assessing the condition of any trees near the property.

• Roof structure and covering
• Wall condition and structural integrity
• Damp and timber assessment
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical visible components
• Boundaries and outbuildings

Properties in the Wardley area, like much of the established housing stock in Gateshead and Tyne and Wear, often share common characteristics that our surveyors know to look for. The mix of terraced and semi-detached properties built throughout the latter half of the 20th century frequently shows signs of age-related wear that buyers should be aware of. Roof coverings on properties of this age are often approaching or beyond their expected lifespan, with missing or damaged tiles, deteriorating flashings, and worn felt underlay being common findings. We frequently discover that original roof tiles have become brittle and prone to cracking, particularly during the freeze-thaw cycles that the North East experiences during winter months.

Damp is another significant issue that our inspectors regularly identify in properties across the Wardley area. Given the North East climate, with its rainfall and varying temperatures, properties that have not been adequately maintained can develop both rising damp and penetrating damp. This is particularly common in properties with solid walls that lack modern damp-proof courses, or where existing damp-proofing has failed or been compromised by external factors such as damaged render or blocked gutters. We regularly find damp issues in ground-floor rooms and basements, where water can seep through walls that were never properly protected against moisture penetration. Our surveyors use moisture meters to identify affected areas and will recommend further investigation by a damp specialist where significant problems are detected.

Electrical systems in older properties also warrant careful inspection. Many homes in Wardley will have original wiring that, while may have been partially updated, could still fall short of current IET wiring regulations. We note the condition of consumer units, socket outlets, and visible cabling, flagging any installations that appear outdated or potentially dangerous. Our surveyors regularly recommend that buyers obtain a qualified electrical contractor to inspect properties further, particularly where the electrical installation appears to date from the 1970s or earlier. Additionally, the condition of windows and doors, often original to the property, frequently shows wear including rotting timber frames, failed seals in double-glazing units, and poorly functioning locks and hardware.

In our experience surveying properties throughout the Wardley and Gateshead area, we also frequently encounter issues with gutters and drainage systems. Cast iron gutters that were installed on many properties from the mid-20th century period are particularly prone to rust and corrosion, leading to leaks that can cause damage to fascia boards and brickwork. We also see problems with ground movement affecting properties in areas where the underlying geology may include clay soils that shrink and swell with moisture changes. While not as common as in other parts of the UK, we always check for signs of subsidence or settlement that could indicate underlying structural concerns.

• Roof deterioration and missing tiles
• Rising and penetrating damp
• Outdated electrical installations
• Window and door frame decay
• Gutter and drainage issues
• Subsidence or settlement cracks

When you book a RICS Level 2 survey with us, you are choosing a team of qualified chartered surveyors with extensive experience in the Wardley and Gateshead area. We understand the local property market and the specific challenges that affect homes in this part of Tyne and Wear. Our surveyors are members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, meaning you receive a report that meets the highest professional standards and is recognised by mortgage lenders, solicitors, and property professionals throughout the UK.

We pride ourselves on delivering detailed, easy-to-understand reports that give you the information you need to make an informed decision about your property purchase. Our reports include clear photographs of any defects, straightforward explanations of what the issues mean, and practical recommendations for how to address them. We do not use technical jargon without explaining it, and we aim to provide reports that are genuinely useful to buyers who may be purchasing their first property or who are unfamiliar with building construction and defects.

Booking your survey with us is straightforward. Simply use our online booking system to select a convenient date and time, or call our team if you prefer to discuss your requirements. We offer competitive pricing for RICS Level 2 surveys in Wardley and the surrounding NE10 postcode area, with no hidden fees or unexpected charges. Once you have booked, you will receive confirmation of your appointment along with helpful information about what to expect on the day of the inspection.