RICS Level 2 Survey in Winston

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property. We examine the walls, roof, floors, doors, and windows, looking for signs of damage, decay, or structural movement. The survey includes an assessment of the property's overall condition and highlights any defects that may require attention now or in the near future. Our inspectors work systematically through each section of the property, documenting their findings with detailed notes and photographs. We check both the interior and exterior, including any accessible lofts, cellars, and outbuildings that form part of the property.

In a village like Winston, where many properties are pre-1919 construction, we pay particular attention to common issues affecting older homes. This includes checking for rising damp in solid wall constructions, assessing the condition of traditional timber-framed windows, and evaluating older roofing materials for signs of wear. Our surveyors are experienced in identifying problems specific to Durham's housing stock, including those arising from traditional stone and brick building methods used throughout the Tees Valley region. We understand that the local geology, characterised by Carboniferous rocks including sandstones and shales overlain by glacial till, can influence foundation performance and soil movement.

The report we produce uses a traffic light rating system to clearly indicate the condition of each element inspected. Green ratings mean no repairs are required, amber ratings indicate defects that need attention but are not urgent, and red ratings highlight serious issues that require immediate attention. This straightforward approach helps you understand exactly what you're purchasing and what investment may be needed post-completion. Each section of the report includes practical recommendations, from simple maintenance tasks to specialist investigations that may be required before completion.

We assess the main structural elements including load-bearing walls, foundations, and the roof structure. Our inspection covers the condition of the chimney stack and any parapet walls, which are particularly important in older properties with solid wall construction. We also examine the condition of rainwater goods, drainage systems, and boundary features that could indicate underlying problems with the property's substructure or surrounding ground conditions.

• Walls and foundations
• Roof structure and covering
• Floors and ceilings
• Windows and doors
• Plumbing and electrical basics
• Damp and timber assessment

Given the age of much of Winston's housing stock, our surveyors frequently identify several recurring issues during inspections. Damp problems rank among the most common, particularly rising damp in properties with solid walls that lack modern cavity wall construction. This is especially prevalent in older cottages and farmhouses built with traditional methods. Our inspectors use moisture meters and visual assessment to identify damp penetration and provide recommendations for remediation. Properties constructed from local stone are particularly susceptible to damp ingress through mortar joints and porous stonework, especially where external renders have failed or been inappropriately applied.

Roof condition is another area where we often find problems in Winston properties. Many homes in the village feature traditional slate or tile roofs that have served for decades. We check for slipped or broken tiles, deteriorating pointing, and issues with leadwork around chimneys and valleys. In older properties, we also assess timber rafters and joists for signs of rot or woodworm that could compromise the roof structure. These findings are clearly documented in your report with photographic evidence. The presence of traditional lime-based mortars in older roofs often means repairs require specialist knowledge to avoid causing further damage to historic fabric.

Electrical and plumbing systems in pre-1980s properties frequently require attention, and our survey highlights where installations fall short of current safety standards. We don't test every circuit or pipe, but we visually assess the consumer unit, wiring condition, and pipework to identify obvious hazards or outdated systems. Where we see significant concerns, we recommend further inspection by qualified electricians or plumbers before completion. Many older properties still have original consumer units with re-wirable fuses rather than modern circuit breakers, and visible cloth-covered wiring is a common finding that warrants further investigation.

Timber defects represent another significant area of concern in Winston's older properties. Our surveyors check all accessible timber elements including floor joists, roof rafters, door and window frames, and any structural timber for signs of woodworm, wet rot, or dry rot. These issues can be particularly serious where timbers have been affected by ongoing damp problems or where ventilation has been restricted in roof spaces or under-floor areas. We identify where timber treatment or structural repairs may be necessary and flag these areas clearly in our report. The presence of significant timber defects can have major implications for the cost of future repairs, making early identification essential for budgeting purposes.

The local geology also warrants consideration when assessing property foundations and substructures. The boulder clay deposits that overlay the solid geology in parts of the Winston area can be subject to shrink-swell movement in response to moisture changes, particularly where trees are present near foundations. Our inspectors look for signs of foundation movement including cracking to walls, doors and windows that stick, and uneven floors that may indicate ground movement. Where concerns are identified, we recommend appropriate specialist structural engineering assessment.