RICS Level 2 Survey in Skelmersdale WN8 0

Our RICS Level 2 Survey, often referred to as a Homebuyer Survey, provides a thorough visual inspection of the property's accessible areas without invasive investigations. This survey type is particularly suitable for conventional properties built from common materials using standard construction methods - the majority of homes you will find in the WN8 0 area. The survey includes a detailed assessment of the walls, roof, floors, windows, doors, and fixed joinery, giving you a clear picture of the property's current condition.

During the inspection, our surveyor will identify any defects that materially affect the value of the property, along with any urgent issues that require immediate attention. We check for signs of damp, structural movement, roof condition, timber defects, and issues with the building's integrity. The survey also includes a thorough evaluation of the property's services, such as the electrical wiring, plumbing, and heating systems, though we always recommend having these professionally tested by qualified tradespeople separately.

For properties in Skelmersdale, our inspectors pay particular attention to common issues found in the local housing stock. Given the significant number of properties built during the New Town development period (1960s-1980s) and the area's geological characteristics, we specifically look for signs of damp, roof wear, outdated electrical installations, and any evidence of subsidence or movement that might relate to the underlying clay soils or historical mining activity. The resulting report gives you a clear red, amber, or green rating system that makes it easy to understand which issues need priority attention.

Our surveyors understand that every property tells a story through its construction and condition. We examine the property from foundation to roof, noting not just what defects exist but also providing context about why they may have occurred and what implications they have for your future ownership. This level of insight proves particularly valuable in the WN8 0 area, where the mix of property ages and construction types means that no two homes present exactly the same set of challenges.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof coverings and chimneys
• Damp and moisture detection
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical visuals
• Timber condition and rot
• Boundary walls and outbuildings
• Energy efficiency considerations

Understanding the local area is crucial when interpreting a property survey, and our inspectors bring first-hand knowledge of what makes properties in WN8 0 unique. The geology of Skelmersdale consists primarily of Carboniferous rocks, specifically coal measures, overlain by glacial till and boulder clay. This clay-rich subsoil creates a potential shrink-swell risk, meaning properties with inadequate foundations or large trees nearby may show signs of movement during periods of extreme wet or dry weather. Our surveyors are trained to identify the subtle signs of this type of movement.

The predominant construction materials in the area are brick, typically red brick for post-war properties, with cavity wall construction for most homes built after the 1930s. Roofs generally feature concrete tiles or slate, depending on the age of the property. While these are standard construction methods that have proven reliable over decades, the age of the housing stock means that some properties may have original features that are now showing their age, such as timber window frames that have deteriorated or roof coverings that have reached the end of their serviceable life.

Flood risk in WN8 0 is generally low from rivers and seas, with the area benefiting from its elevated position relative to the River Tawd that runs through parts of Skelmersdale. However, localized surface water flooding can occur in certain areas, particularly in depressions or where drainage systems are inadequate. Our surveyors note any evidence of water staining or damp that might indicate past flooding or ongoing moisture issues, ensuring you have a complete picture of the property's exposure to this risk.

The semi-detached properties that dominate the WN8 0 housing stock (approximately 40-50% of homes) present specific inspection priorities. These properties often share boundary walls with neighbours, meaning issues like damp penetration or structural movement can affect one property while originating from another. Our thorough approach ensures these shared elements are properly assessed and any implications clearly communicated in your report.

Our experience surveying properties throughout the WN8 0 area has revealed several recurring defect patterns that buyers should be aware of. Damp issues are particularly prevalent in older properties, especially those with solid walls rather than cavity wall construction. Rising damp due to failed or missing damp-proof courses, and penetrating damp resulting from deteriorated pointing or damaged gutters, appear regularly in our surveys of properties built before the 1980s.

Roof condition problems represent another common finding in this area. Properties built before the 1980s often feature roof coverings that are approaching or have exceeded their expected lifespan. We frequently identify slipped tiles, damaged flashing, and deteriorated felt behind tiles - issues that can lead to water ingress if left unaddressed. Our surveyors will thoroughly examine the roof space where accessible, checking for signs of past leaks and timber condition.

Outdated electrical installations remain a significant concern in the older housing stock. Properties built before the 1980s may still contain rubber or lead-sheathed cables that do not meet current regulations and represent a potential fire risk. While our survey provides a visual assessment of the electrical installation's condition, we always recommend that a qualified electrician conducts a full Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) before completion.

The mining legacy of the Skelmersdale area means that our surveyors pay particular attention to signs of ground movement or subsidence. While modern developments are typically built with appropriate foundations designed for the local geology, older properties may have shallower foundations that could be affected by historical mining activity or the shrink-swell behaviour of the clay soils. We look for diagonal cracks, uneven floors, and doors or windows that stick - all potential indicators of movement that warrant further investigation.