RICS Level 2 Survey in Skelmersdale (WN8 6)

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of your Skelmersdale property. We examine the condition of the walls, roof, foundations, windows, doors, and plumbing and electrical systems, flagging any defects that could affect the property's value or require expensive repairs. The survey includes an assessment of damp levels, timber conditions, and the overall structural integrity of the building. Every element gets rated using our traffic light system, so you know exactly what needs attention and what doesn't.

In WN8 6, our inspectors frequently encounter issues specific to the local housing stock. Many properties in this area were built during Skelmersdale's New Town development phase, meaning they often feature cavity wall construction with brick external finishes and concrete or tile roofing. While these properties are generally sound, the age of the housing stock means we've seen recurring issues with outdated electrical wiring, aging damp-proof courses, and roof conditions that benefit from professional assessment. We've found that properties built between 1960 and 1980 often share similar construction characteristics that our surveyors know exactly what to look for.

We provide our findings in a clear, easy-to-understand report that uses a traffic light rating system, red for urgent issues requiring immediate attention, amber for defects that should be monitored, and green for satisfactory conditions. This visual approach makes it simple to prioritise any repair work and negotiate with sellers if significant issues are discovered. Your report includes photographs of all key defects, estimated repair costs where appropriate, and clear recommendations for any further specialist investigations that might be needed.

The survey covers all the main structural elements including walls, floors, ceilings, and the roof structure. We inspect damp-proof courses and damp levels using professional moisture meters, check timber for signs of rot or woodworm, assess the condition of gutters and downpipes, and examine windows and doors for operation and condition. We also look at ventilation arrangements and insulation levels, as these are common areas where older properties fall short of current standards.

• Structural elements (walls, floors, ceilings, roof)
• Damp and timber assessment
• Plumbing and electrical condition
• Roof covering and gutters
• Windows and doors
• Ventilation and insulation

Understanding how properties in Skelmersdale were built helps explain the common issues we find during our surveys. The majority of homes in WN8 6 were constructed during the New Town development phase from the 1960s onwards, meaning cavity wall construction is extremely prevalent throughout the area. These properties typically feature brick outer leaves with either brick or block internal leaves, separated by a cavity designed to prevent moisture penetration. While this construction method served well for decades, the cavity insulation that was retrofitted in later years can sometimes create bridging issues if not installed correctly.

The predominant use of brick, often the distinctive red brick associated with Lancashire building traditions, gives Skelmersdale its characteristic appearance. Roofs in the area are typically constructed with concrete or clay tiles, with older properties occasionally featuring slate. Our surveyors know to pay particular attention to the condition of roof tiles, the state of lead flashing around chimneys and roof windows, and the integrity of mortar pointing to the ridge and hip tiles, as these are frequent failure points in local properties.

Some of the older properties in WN8 6, particularly those predating the New Town development, may feature solid wall construction rather than cavity walls. These solid walls are more susceptible to penetrating damp, especially where external rendering has failed or where there's damage to external brickwork. Our inspectors assess the condition of render where present, check for signs of salt migration on internal walls, and evaluate whether adequate damp-proofing measures are in place. Properties with solid walls may benefit from internal or external insulation solutions, though this needs careful consideration to avoid creating new damp problems.

Newer construction in the area, particularly at developments like Beacon Place and The Pastures, uses modern building methods including timber frame construction in some cases. These newer properties benefit from current building regulations but still require professional inspection to verify workmanship quality and identify any snagging issues that the developer should address before your NHBC warranty expires.

The Skelmersdale property market presents specific considerations that make a professional RICS Level 2 Survey particularly valuable. With 43.6% of properties in the area being semi-detached homes and a significant proportion built during the New Town expansion of the 1960s and 1970s, there's a particular pattern of common issues that our surveyors know to look for. The age of much of the housing stock means properties are now reaching ages where structural issues and building fabric deterioration become more common.

The current market in WN8 6 shows price variations that make understanding property condition even more important. With average prices at £182,500 and some properties selling for less than £100,000, the cost of unexpected repairs can represent a significant proportion of the property value. Our survey helps you understand exactly what you're getting for your money and whether the asking price reflects the true condition of the property. For properties in the terraced bracket showing +0.9% growth, knowing the exact condition helps ensure you're not overpaying for a property with hidden problems.

The local geology presents unique challenges that aren't always obvious from a visual inspection alone. With clay deposits creating potential shrink-swell issues and historical coal mining activity in the region, some properties face risks that standard searches might not fully reveal. Our surveyors assess the property for visible signs of movement, cracking, or other indicators that might suggest ground stability concerns, providing you with the information needed to determine whether further specialist investigations are warranted.

Properties near the River Tawd or in low-lying areas require particular attention due to flood risks that aren't always captured in basic property searches. Surface water flooding has affected areas of Skelmersdale in the past, and understanding the specific risks to your potential new home helps you make an informed decision. Our survey includes assessment of flood risk factors and provides practical guidance on mitigation measures if required.

The WN8 6 area has seen significant new development activity, with Barratt Homes building at Beacon Place on Beacon Road and Persimmon Homes constructing at The Pastures. Both developments offer 3 and 4 bedroom homes priced from around £210,000 to £305,000, representing modern housing options within the Skelmersdale area. These developments provide options for buyers seeking new-build properties with the benefit of NHBC warranty cover and modern energy efficiency standards.

While these newbuild properties benefit from modern construction methods and warranties, we still recommend a Level 2 Survey to document the property's condition at handover. Even brand new properties can have defects that aren't immediately obvious to untrained eyes, and having a professional assessment creates a baseline record of the property's condition when you take ownership. This documentation proves invaluable if disputes arise later about whether specific issues existed at handover or were caused by subsequent use.

Our surveyors check the quality of finishes, verify that installations meet building regulations, and identify any snagging issues that the developer should rectify before you complete your purchase. This is particularly valuable for newbuild properties where the warranty period is still in place and the developer has a legal obligation to address defects. We inspect everything from the operation of windows and doors to the sealing around wet areas, the evenness of wall surfaces, and the proper functioning of built-in appliances.

The new build developments in WN8 6 use modern construction techniques including timber frame in some cases, which our surveyors understand thoroughly. We can assess whether the construction meets current building regulations, check that ventilation arrangements are adequate for the construction type, and identify any potential issues with junctions or details that are common in modern timber frame buildings. This expertise ensures you get a truly independent assessment of your new home, separate from the developer's own quality checks.