RICS Level 3 Building Survey OL9 0

Our inspectors conduct a meticulous room-by-room assessment of the property, examining the condition of walls, floors, ceilings, and staircases. We lift accessible floorboards where it is safe to do so, inspect within roof spaces where access is available, and examine all visible and accessible elements of the building's structure. The Level 3 Survey is particularly valuable for older properties in the OL9 0 area, where traditional brick construction and aging roof coverings may reveal defects that would not be apparent to an untrained eye. Our surveyors have found that many properties in Chadderton still retain their original features, from Victorian fireplaces to original sash windows, and we carefully assess the condition of these elements alongside the structural components.

The survey includes a detailed evaluation of all major building elements, including foundations, load-bearing walls, floors, roofs, and chimneys. Our inspectors assess the property's construction type and materials, identifying any deviations from standard building practices that might indicate previous alterations or structural issues. For properties in OL9 0, where many homes date from the Victorian and Edwardian periods through to post-war construction, understanding the specific construction era and its associated characteristics is crucial to accurate assessment. We have encountered everything from solid wall construction typical of pre-1919 terraces to cavity wall insulation in more modern properties, and we know how to assess each properly.

We examine the condition of all services, including electrical, gas, plumbing, and heating systems, noting their age, condition, and compliance with current regulations where observable during the inspection. Our surveyors also assess external elements such as boundaries, drainage, outbuildings, and the general grounds of the property. Every significant defect identified is photographed, its location noted, and an explanation of its cause and implications provided in the final report. We understand that many properties in the OL9 0 area have shared drainage systems or older private sewage arrangements, particularly in the terraced housing sections, and we pay special attention to these potential issue areas.

The Level 3 Survey also includes an assessment of the property's environmental risks, which is particularly relevant in the Oldham area. Given the local history of coal mining and the geology of the region, our surveyors are trained to identify signs of ground instability, mining subsidence, and other environmental factors that could affect the long-term stability of the property. This comprehensive approach ensures you have all the information you need about your potential new home.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof structure and coverings
• Damp and timber condition
• Electrical and gas services
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Chimneys and flues
• Boundaries and drainage
• Environmental risk assessment

The housing stock in OL9 0 presents several typical issues that our inspectors regularly identify during Level 3 Surveys. Given the predominance of traditional brick construction in areas like Chadderton, rising damp is a frequent finding, particularly in properties where the original damp-proof course may have failed or been bridged over time. Penetrating damp is also common, often caused by damaged pointing, failed gutters, or deteriorating render on older brickwork. Our surveyors use moisture meters and their experience to assess the extent and cause of any damp issues identified. We have found that properties along Oldham Road and the surrounding terraced streets are particularly susceptible to damp issues due to the age of the properties and the exposure to prevailing weather patterns.

Roofing problems feature prominently in surveys of older properties across this postcode area. Worn or missing tiles, damaged flashings, and deteriorated pointing to ridge tiles are common findings on Victorian and Edwardian terraced properties. Many homes in OL9 0 have original slate roofs that, while often still serviceable, may have reached the end of their practical lifespan. Our inspectors examine roof spaces where accessible, looking for signs of past or current leaks, timber decay, and inadequate ventilation that could lead to condensation problems. We have inspected numerous properties where original slate tiles have become brittle and fragile, creating potential for water ingress during heavy rainfall.

The local geology of the OL9 0 area includes clay soils derived from glacial till, which can be prone to shrink-swell behaviour. This means properties with trees nearby or those on sites with variable ground conditions may be susceptible to foundation movement. Our surveyors examine walls for signs of cracking that might indicate subsidence or heave, noting the pattern, width, and location of any movement observed. Properties in areas like OL9 0NG, where recent price growth has been significant, may have been subject to more recent development on varied ground conditions that warrant careful assessment. We have seen properties in the Gridgate area where new build developments have been constructed on former industrial land, requiring careful assessment of ground conditions.

Another common issue we encounter in OL9 0 properties is related to the age and condition of electrical wiring and plumbing. Many older properties in the Chadderton area still have their original electrical systems, which may not meet current regulations or the demands of modern living. We have found properties with old consumer units, fabric-covered cabling, and outdated socket placements that would benefit from upgrading. Similarly, lead pipes or old galvanised plumbing is still encountered in pre-1950s properties, which can affect water quality and pressure.