RICS Level 3 Building Survey Wigan

Wigan's housing stock reflects its rich industrial heritage, with substantial numbers of Victorian and Edwardian terraced properties alongside inter-war semi-detached homes and more modern developments. This mix of construction ages and styles means that properties can present various challenges that only a thorough structural survey can uncover. The predominance of solid-walled construction in older terraced properties, cavity wall systems in post-war semis, and the legacy of coal mining activity across the borough all contribute to potential issues that buyers should be aware of before completing their purchase.

Our inspectors at Homemove understand the specific characteristics of Wigan's residential buildings. We regularly survey properties in areas including Wigan town centre, Pemberton, Ince, Hindley, Leigh, and the surrounding villages. Each area has its own housing profile, from the stone-fronted terraced houses of certain conservation-influenced streets to the more typical red brick constructions found throughout the borough. Our local knowledge means we know where to look and what to flag during our comprehensive inspection.

The RICS Level 3 Survey is particularly valuable in Wigan given the historical context of coal mining. While many properties have stood for decades without significant movement, the potential for mining-related subsidence or ground stability concerns makes a detailed structural assessment particularly worthwhile. Our surveyors will examine foundations, look for signs of movement or cracking, and assess the overall stability of the property structure. Properties in areas such as Hindley and Pemberton, where historical mining activity was particularly concentrated, benefit especially from this detailed attention to ground stability indicators.

Beyond mining concerns, Wigan's older properties commonly present issues related to their age and construction methods. Solid-walled Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses frequently lack modern damp proof courses, and the original lime-based mortars used in these properties can deteriorate over time. Our inspectors check for penetrating damp, rising damp, and condensation issues that are particularly prevalent in properties with solid walls and limited ventilation. We also assess the condition of original features such as sash windows, decorative plasterwork, and load-bearing internal walls that may have been modified over the years.

• Victorian terraced properties in town centre areas
• Inter-war semi-detached homes in residential suburbs
• Pre-1919 solid-walled constructions
• Properties with historical mining activity nearby
• Extended or altered properties
• Properties planned for significant renovation

The RICS Level 3 Survey is specifically recommended for properties that are older, larger, of unusual construction, or where you are planning significant alterations. In Wigan, this includes the numerous Victorian and Edwardian properties that form a substantial part of the housing stock, particularly in areas such as Wigan town centre, parts of Pemberton, and the older residential streets surrounding the historic town centre. These properties, while often full of character, can present hidden issues that only a thorough structural inspection will reveal.

If you are purchasing a property that will require major renovation or extension, the Level 3 Survey provides the detailed information you need to plan your project effectively. Our report includes guidance on the structural implications of proposed works, potential hidden defects that might affect your renovation costs, and an assessment of what works might be required to bring the property to a modern standard. Many buyers in Wigan are attracted to period properties that offer spacious rooms and original features but require updating to meet modern living standards.

Properties that have been significantly altered over the years also benefit from the detailed approach of a Level 3 Survey. Extensions, loft conversions, and structural modifications can introduce complications, and our surveyors are trained to identify where work may have been carried out without proper building regulation approval or where structural integrity may have been compromised. In Wigan, where many properties have been extended over the decades to accommodate growing families, understanding the structural implications of these alterations is crucial.

Even newer properties in Wigan can benefit from a Level 3 Survey, particularly those constructed using non-traditional methods or those that have been built quickly by volume developers. Our surveyors have identified numerous defects in newer properties that were not apparent during viewings, including issues with roof coverings, insulation installations, and building regulation compliance. Given that new build properties in Wigan sell for an average of around £259,000, ensuring your investment is sound makes the additional cost of a detailed survey worthwhile.

• Properties over 50 years old
• Extended or modified buildings
• Properties near former mining areas
• Unusual or non-standard construction
• Buildings planned for major renovation
• Listed buildings or period properties