RICS Level 3 Building Survey in SK8 7 Stockport

A RICS Level 3 Survey, also known as a Building Survey, is our most detailed inspection option. Our inspectors examine every accessible area of the property, from the roof space and foundations to the walls, floors, and infrastructure. We assess the condition of all major elements including the roof covering, chimneys, parapet walls, flashings, gutters, and downpipes. The inspection covers the exterior walls, pointing, render, and any signs of movement or structural concern. We measure and assess the condition of all visible elements, documenting our findings with colour photographs that clearly illustrate any defects.

Inside the property, we check the condition of floors, walls, ceilings, and stairs, looking for signs of dampness, rot, or structural movement. Our surveyors examine the condition of doors and windows, testing their operation and assessing the condition of seals and hardware. We inspect all services including the electrical installation, gas supply, heating system, and plumbing, noting any obvious defects or areas requiring specialist attention. The survey also includes an assessment of any outbuildings, garages, or boundary walls that form part of the property. We look behind furniture where accessible and lift accessible hatch covers to examine hidden areas.

For properties in the SK8 7 area, our inspectors pay particular attention to issues common in the local housing stock. Properties built before 1900 may have solid brick walls without cavity insulation, while mid-century properties might contain cavity wall ties at risk of corrosion. The local geology means clay soils are prevalent, and our inspectors look for signs of subsidence or heave that can affect properties with shallow foundations or those near large trees. We also check for evidence of past flooding or drainage issues that are important considerations in this part of Greater Manchester, particularly for properties near the River Mersey tributaries.

The Level 3 Survey is particularly valuable for older properties given that many Victorian and Edwardian homes in the SK8 7 area were built with traditional methods that differ significantly from modern construction. These properties often have solid brick walls, timber floor joists, and slate or clay tile roofs that require specialist assessment. Our surveyors understand how these older construction methods perform over time and can identify defects that might be missed by less experienced inspectors. We also assess any listed building elements for properties that may have heritage designations, noting where special consideration is needed for repairs and alterations.

• Comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Detailed assessment of construction and condition
• Identification of defects, their cause, and urgency
• Analysis of potential future maintenance issues
• Assessment of grounds, outbuildings, and boundaries
• Clear, prioritised recommendations for repairs

The SK8 7 area presents a varied mix of property types, each requiring specific attention during the survey process. Detached properties, averaging around £750,000 in this postcode, often feature larger roof areas, more complex roof structures, and multiple chimneys. These properties typically have more external walls exposed to the elements and may include detached garages or other outbuildings that require inspection. The larger floor area means our surveyors spend more time examining the property, and the higher value makes this detailed assessment particularly valuable. Detached properties also often have more complex drainage systems and may have features like conservatories or extensions that require careful assessment.

Semi-detached properties, representing a significant portion of the local housing stock with an average price of £435,000, often share structural elements with their neighbours, including boundary walls and drainage systems. Our inspectors examine these shared elements carefully, noting any issues that might affect both properties or that might be the responsibility of neighbouring owners. The party wall arrangements and any rights of light or support require consideration, particularly for older properties where original structural arrangements may have been altered over time. We also check for signs of past alterations that might have affected structural integrity.

Terraced properties, averaging £320,000, may have restricted access to rear areas and limited roof space access, but our surveyors work around these constraints to provide as comprehensive an assessment as possible. Many terraced properties in the area have been extended to the rear over the years, and we carefully assess these extensions for their construction quality and whether they have appropriate planning consent. The condition of shared drains and the structure of any conservatory or garage extensions are particularly important for terraced properties where issues can affect multiple households.

Flat properties in the area, averaging £225,000, require a different approach, with our surveyors assessing the condition of the individual flat while also noting the state of common areas, the building's structure, and the management arrangements. For properties in larger developments, we can often obtain useful information about the building's history and any ongoing maintenance issues from our local knowledge of the area. We review the lease terms where available and advise on any significant service charge provisions or planned major works that might affect your investment.