RICS Level 3 Building Survey Skelmersdale WN8 6

The RICS Level 3 Building Survey provides an exhaustive examination of the property's structure and condition. Unlike simpler surveys, this inspection involves a detailed assessment of all visible and accessible elements, including walls, floors, ceilings, roofs, chimneys, and foundations. Our inspectors identify defects, explain their causes, and advise on necessary repairs and maintenance. The report includes colour-coded severity ratings, from urgent issues requiring immediate attention to minor defects that may warrant future consideration. We document everything with photographs and detailed notes to ensure nothing is missed.

For properties in the WN8 6 area, this comprehensive approach is particularly valuable given the variety of construction types found here. Skelmersdale's development history means properties range from pre-1900 buildings in older districts to 1960s new town housing and recent new builds. Each construction era brings its own characteristic defects, and a Level 3 survey is specifically designed to identify issues associated with different building methods and materials. Our inspectors understand the local housing stock and know what to look for in properties constructed with brick, timber, and prefabricated concrete.

The survey report also provides market valuation and rebuild cost assessments, which prove invaluable for insurance purposes and mortgage requirements. Should the property require specialist investigation, our inspectors will recommend further inspections by structural engineers, damp specialists, or other qualified professionals. This ensures you have complete confidence in your property decision before committing to the purchase. We never assume everything is perfect - we investigate thoroughly because hidden defects can cost thousands to put right.

• Comprehensive structural inspection
• Detailed defect identification
• Rebuild cost valuation
• Recommendations for specialist investigations

Understanding the construction methods used in Skelmersdale's housing stock helps explain why detailed surveys are so valuable in this area. The majority of properties in WN8 6 were constructed during the 1960s and 70s when Skelmersdale was developed as a New Town, meaning many homes share similar construction characteristics from that era. These often include prefabricated concrete elements, flat roof systems, and construction techniques that were popular at the time but may have developed specific defects over five decades of use.

The older properties in "Old Skem" were typically built using traditional brick and timber methods common throughout Lancashire in the 19th century. These pre-1900 properties often feature solid walls without cavity insulation, original timber sash windows, and drainage systems that may be approaching or beyond their expected lifespan. Our inspectors are experienced in assessing these older construction methods and can identify issues such as rising damp, timber decay, and structural movement that commonly affect historic buildings in the area.

New build developments in WN8 6, such as those by Tawd Valley Developments, represent the cutting edge of construction with features designed to meet Future Homes Standards. Properties at Egerton (WN8 6AB) incorporate air source heat pumps, solar panels, triple-glazed windows, and electric car charging points. Even these modern constructions benefit from a thorough Level 3 survey, as our inspectors can identify snagging issues, air tightness problems, and defects in the building envelope that may not be apparent during a casual viewing.

The local geology also plays a role in property condition. Skelmersdale sits on clay soils that can experience shrink-swell behaviour, causing ground movement that affects foundations over time. While flood risk from rivers is generally low in WN8 6 (falling within Flood Zone 1), surface water flooding can occur in low-lying areas, particularly around former industrial sites. Our inspectors take all these local factors into account during their assessment.

Skelmersdale's unique development history makes professional surveys particularly important in the WN8 6 area. The town was designated as a new town in 1961, leading to extensive construction of housing throughout the 1960s and 70s. Many of these properties were built using construction methods popular at the time, including some prefabricated concrete elements that may have deteriorated over decades. Our inspectors are experienced in identifying defects common to this era of construction, including concrete degradation, thermal bridging, and issues with flat roof systems that were commonly installed on new town housing.

The area also contains pockets of older properties dating from the original coal mining town, particularly in what residents refer to as "Old Skem." These pre-1900 properties often present different challenges, including outdated drainage systems, historic building defects, and potential presence of hazardous materials like asbestos or lead paint. The RICS Level 3 survey is specifically recommended for older properties, unconventional constructions, and any building that has undergone significant alterations, making it ideal for the diverse housing stock found throughout WN8 6. Our inspectors know which areas of Skelmersdale are likely to contain older properties and understand the specific defects to look for.

Additionally, new build developments continue to expand in the WN8 6 area, with projects such as Egerton and Maryvale by Tawd Valley Developments bringing contemporary housing to the region. Even new properties benefit from a thorough Level 3 inspection, as our surveyors can identify snagging issues, construction defects, and problems with building regulation compliance that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. With properties in this area ranging from £75,000 for flats to £268,000 for detached homes, understanding the true condition of your investment protects your financial interests. The average property in WN8 6 is priced at £177,937, making it important to ensure your purchase is sound.

West Lancashire has approximately 600 listed buildings, and while most are concentrated outside the WN8 6 area, properties in the wider Skelmersdale North Ward include the Grade II listed Parish Church of St Paul in Pennylands. If you are purchasing a listed property in the area, a Level 3 survey is essential to understand any historic building defects or previous restoration works. Our inspectors are experienced in assessing properties with heritage designations and can advise on the implications for maintenance and renovation.

• 1960s new town construction
• Pre-1900 mining town properties
• Recent new build developments
• Properties with non-standard materials