RICS Level 2 Survey in WS13 2 Lichfield

The WS13 2 postcode covers a diverse range of properties in and around Lichfield, from historic Victorian and Edwardian homes near the city centre to modern developments on the outskirts. With average property values sitting around the £338,000 mark, making an informed decision before purchase is essential. A RICS Level 2 Survey provides exactly that - a thorough inspection that examines the property from top to bottom, identifying defects that might not be immediately visible to the untrained eye. Given that house prices in this area have shown a 4% decrease over the past year according to market data, ensuring you're not overpaying for a property with hidden problems is more important than ever.

Lichfield's housing stock presents particular considerations for buyers. Many properties in the area were built before modern building regulations, meaning they may have older electrical systems, plumbing, and structural elements that require specialist assessment. Our surveyors know exactly what to look for in these older homes, from signs of rising damp in solid wall constructions to potential issues with timber floors and roof coverings. The city's status as a historic cathedral city means there's a significant proportion of older properties that will require careful inspection, particularly those in areas like Townfields and Wheel Lane which fall within the WS13 2 boundary.

The local geology in this part of Staffordshire can also present challenges. The underlying Mercia Mudstone contains clay, which is prone to shrink-swell movement depending on moisture levels. This can lead to subsidence or structural movement in properties built on this type of ground, particularly those with shallow foundations. Our surveyors are trained to identify the signs of such issues, including cracks in walls, doors and windows that stick, and signs of movement in the structure. If we spot anything concerning, we'll recommend further investigation by a structural engineer.

Properties in conservation areas or listed buildings require particular attention during the survey process. Lichfield city centre contains numerous listed buildings and properties within conservation areas, and these often have unique construction methods and specific maintenance requirements. Our surveyors understand the additional considerations needed for historic properties, from assessing the condition of original sash windows to evaluating historic roof coverings and identifying any previousunsanctioned alterations that could affect the property's legal status.

• Identify hidden defects before completion
• Assess the property's true condition and value
• Support negotiation based on survey findings
• Meet RICS professional standards

Lichfield is a cathedral city with a rich history, and this is reflected in its diverse housing stock. The area around the city centre, including parts of WS13 2, contains period properties that may be listed or situated within conservation areas. These older properties, while full of character, often come with specific challenges that our surveyors are well-equipped to identify. From the condition of original sash windows to the state of historic roof coverings, we know what to look for in these traditional homes.

The wider WS13 area has seen significant new build development in recent years, with developments like The Choristers offering modern homes with contemporary construction methods. While newer properties generally require less in terms of major repairs, they can still present issues that a professional survey will uncover. Modern build defects, issues with warranty coverage, and completion snagging are all areas where our expertise proves valuable. Even new homes can have hidden problems that only an experienced eye will spot.

The economic factors driving the Lichfield property market include its excellent transport links via the A38, A5, and M6 Toll, making it popular with commuters to Birmingham and beyond. This demand means properties in WS13 2 command premium prices, particularly family homes near good schools. Understanding the true condition of these high-value purchases is crucial - a thorough survey could save you thousands in unexpected repair costs and give you leverage in negotiations.

Flood risk is another consideration for certain properties in the Lichfield area. While WS13 2 is not in a high-risk flood zone, properties near the River Trent catchment area or in low-lying sections could be susceptible to surface water flooding. Our surveyors will note any signs of previous flooding or water damage and advise on the need for a more detailed flood risk assessment if appropriate.

Once your RICS Level 2 Survey is complete, you'll receive a detailed report that forms the cornerstone of your property purchase decision. The report runs to typically 30-40 pages and includes everything you need to understand about the property's current condition. Each section of the property is colour-coded using our traffic light system, making it simple to identify areas of concern at a glance. Green indicates no issues requiring attention, amber highlights defects that need attention but aren't serious, and red flags issues that are either serious or require urgent repair.

The report begins with a clear summary highlighting the most important findings, including any serious defects that require urgent attention. This is followed by detailed sections covering each major element of the property, from the roof and walls to the plumbing and electrical systems. Each element receives a condition rating and photographic evidence where issues are identified. We also include recommendations for further investigations where necessary, such as contacting a structural engineer or testing for asbestos.

For properties in WS13 2, our surveyors ensure the report specifically addresses local concerns. This includes checking for signs of subsidence related to the local clay geology, identifying any flood risk from the River Trent catchment area, and assessing the condition of older properties that may contain asbestos or have outdated electrical installations. The report also includes a market value assessment and rebuild cost estimate, useful information for your mortgage lender and insurance purposes.

We understand that not everyone is familiar with technical building terminology, which is why we write our reports in clear, accessible language. If there's anything in your report that you'd like us to explain further, our team is available to discuss the findings and what they mean for your potential purchase. This additional support helps ensure you fully understand the property's condition before you commit to the sale.