RICS Level 3 Structural Survey in Eccleston, Chorley

Our RICS Level 3 Structural Survey provides an exhaustive examination of every accessible part of the property. We inspect the roof structure, including rafters, purlins, and roof coverings, checking for signs of deterioration, past repairs, and potential water ingress. Our inspectors examine external walls for cracking, movement, and the condition of pointing, paying particular attention to any properties built with traditional brick methods common throughout Eccleston. We also assess the condition of chimneys, which are a frequent feature on older properties in this area and often require specialist attention due to the age of the housing stock.

The survey includes a thorough assessment of the property's foundation and substructure, looking for signs of subsidence, settlement, or movement that could indicate structural problems. In Eccleston, where many properties date from the early twentieth century and earlier, we pay close attention to the condition of load-bearing walls, beams, and joists. Our inspectors also examine the condition of the damp proof course, ventilation, and any timber elements that could be affected by rot or wood-boring insects. Given the traditional construction methods used in many Eccleston properties, we are particularly vigilant about identifying any signs of historic movement or previous structural repairs that may have been carried out over the years.

One of the key benefits of a Level 3 survey is our detailed assessment of the property's services. We inspect the condition of the electrical installation, plumbing and drainage, and heating systems, noting any obvious defects or areas that require specialist inspection by qualified tradespeople. We also identify any areas where building regulations approval may be required for alterations or extensions, helping you understand any future work you may want to undertake on the property. This is particularly relevant in Eccleston, where many period properties have been modified over the decades and may have various levels of compliance with current regulations.

Our survey extends to examining the boundaries of the property, access points, and any shared areas with neighbouring properties. We note the condition of outbuildings, garages, and garden structures, which are common features in the larger detached and semi-detached properties found throughout the Eccleston area. We also assess the overall site conditions, including drainage patterns and any potential issues that could affect the property in the future, such as nearby trees or changes in ground conditions.

• Roof structure and covering
• External walls and pointing
• Foundations and substructure
• Chimneys and flues
• Damp proof course and ventilation
• Timber floors and joists
• Windows and doors
• Services (electrical, plumbing, heating)
• Boundaries and outbuildings

Your RICS Level 3 survey report is designed to be clear and actionable, giving you exactly the information you need to proceed with your property purchase. Each section of the property is assigned a condition rating, from "good" requiring no immediate attention, through to "urgent" where defects require immediate repair. We use photographs to illustrate our findings, so you can see exactly what we are referring to when we describe any issues. The report is structured in a logical way, starting with a clear executive summary followed by detailed sections covering each element of the property.

The report includes a clear summary at the front, highlighting the most important issues that need your attention. We provide cost estimates for repairs where appropriate, though we always recommend obtaining quotes from local tradespeople for more accurate pricing. For properties in Eccleston, we often find issues related to the age of the construction, including roof coverings needing replacement, original windows requiring refurbishment, and damp proof courses that may have failed over time. We also commonly identify chimneys that need repointing, especially on period properties where the mortar may have degraded over many years of exposure to the Lancashire weather.

One of the most valuable aspects of the Level 3 survey is our assessment of the property's future maintenance requirements. We tell you not just what is wrong now, but what you are likely to need to spend on the property in the coming years. This information is invaluable for budgeting purposes and helps you understand the true cost of ownership beyond the purchase price. Our reports also include guidance on what local building regulations may apply if you plan to undertake any alterations to the property. This is particularly useful for Eccleston properties, where many period homes may have non-standard configurations that require careful consideration before any renovation work.

We also include in our report any recommendations for further specialist inspections that may be required. If we identify potential issues with the electrical installation, we will recommend that a qualified electrician inspect the system. Similarly, if we find signs of Japanese knotweed or other invasive species in the garden, we will advise on the appropriate specialist to consult. This ensures you have a complete picture of the property's condition and any additional costs you may need to budget for.

Properties in Eccleston predominantly feature traditional brick construction, reflecting the building methods that were common throughout Lancashire in the early to mid-twentieth century. Many of the semi-detached and terraced houses in the village were built using solid brick walls, which were the standard construction method before the widespread adoption of cavity wall insulation. Understanding these construction methods is essential for identifying potential issues, as solid brick walls can be more susceptible to damp penetration if the external mortar pointing has deteriorated over time.

The detached properties in Eccleston, which command the highest average prices at around £439,000, often feature more complex construction with larger roof spans and more elaborate chimney stacks. These properties were typically built with greater attention to detail, using quality materials, but they also tend to have more elements that require inspection. The roof structures on these older detached homes often feature traditional cut timber roofs with visible rafters and purlins, which our inspectors examine carefully for signs of rot, insect damage, or structural movement that could indicate underlying problems.

We also see a number of properties in Eccleston that have been extended over the years, with rear extensions and loft conversions being particularly common. Our survey carefully assesses these alterations to ensure they have been carried out properly and with appropriate building regulations approval. We check the structural integrity of any extensions, the quality of the junctions between old and new construction, and whether the modifications have introduced any new issues such as inadequate damp proofing or ventilation. This attention to detail is particularly important in Eccleston, where the age of many properties means that multiple generations of alterations may have taken place.