RICS Level 2 Survey Atwick

Our RICS Level 2 Survey gives a visual inspection of all accessible parts of the property. We look over walls, floors, ceilings, doors and windows, so the condition of the building is easy to understand, along with any defects or areas needing attention. We also assess major matters such as damp, structural movement, roof condition, and the state of any extensions or alterations. Inside and out, we check the building, together with any outbuildings, garages or boundary features that form part of the property.

In a village such as Atwick, where many homes date from the early to mid-20th century, our inspectors pay close attention to issues that often affect older stock. That means looking for damp penetration in solid wall construction, checking older roofing materials, and reviewing electrical and plumbing systems that may no longer meet current regulations. We also pick up on urgent defects that need attention before completion. Many homes here were built with solid walls rather than cavity walls, which can make damp problems more likely, especially in the coastal climate.

Our condition report uses a simple traffic light system, with green for no urgent action, amber for matters that need attention but are not serious, and red for issues that call for urgent inspection or repair. It makes it easier to prioritise remedial work and to negotiate with sellers if a major problem shows up. For properties in Atwick, where the average price is £180,000 for semi-detached homes and £144,000 for terraced properties, that detail can be invaluable. The report also sets out a market valuation and an insurance reinstatement figure, both useful for mortgage and insurance purposes.

We cover all the main building elements, including foundations, walls, floors, roofs and stairs. Doors and windows are checked, damp or rot is noted, and the general condition of visible plumbing and electrical installations is assessed. Our surveyors take photographs of key defects and write clear descriptions of each issue found. It is a practical way to get a full sense of the property's condition before committing to the purchase.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof, chimneys, and flashing
• Damp and moisture assessment
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical visiblework
• Floors, ceilings, and staircases
• Boundary walls and outbuildings
• Market valuation and insurance reinstatement

From surveying properties across the East Riding, we see a few themes come up again and again in Atwick. Damp is one of the most common, with rising damp particularly evident in older homes built with solid walls. The coastal climate can worsen moisture problems, especially where there is no modern damp proof course or maintenance has been poor over the years. Our surveyors look carefully for signs of damp penetration, condensation and wood rot that could point to deeper moisture issues. Where needed, we use moisture meters and thermal imaging to pick up problems that the eye may miss.

Roof condition often needs attention in older Atwick homes. Many properties here still have traditional pitched roofs with tile or slate coverings that may be reaching the end of their life. We check the roof felt, flashing and chimney stacks, and we note any slipped tiles, degraded materials or likely leak sources. That can matter a great deal where roof replacement might turn into a sizeable unexpected cost. Lead flashing around chimneys and roof penetrations is especially prone to deterioration in older properties, so our inspectors look closely at those areas.

Timber defects are another regular finding in older Atwick properties, with woodworm, dry rot and wet rot affecting structural timbers in many homes. Left untreated, these problems can weaken the structure, so early identification matters. Our surveyors inspect all visible timber, including floor joists, roof rafters and window frames, for pest infestation or fungal decay. Any timber defects are flagged clearly in our report, along with recommendations for further investigation by specialist contractors.

Electrical and plumbing systems in pre-1970s properties often fall short of modern standards. We visually inspect accessible wiring and pipework, and we flag obvious safety concerns or systems that look dated. A full electrical safety certificate still needs a qualified electrician, but our survey points out where further investigation would be sensible before completion. Original galvanised pipework and lead piping are common in older homes and may need replacing because of deterioration and possible water quality concerns.

• Rising damp and penetrating damp
• Roof tile degradation and flashing failures
• Outdated electrical wiring (pre-Part P)
• Original plumbing with lead or galvanised pipes
• Window and door joinery deterioration
• Subsidence related to clay ground movement
• Woodworm and timber decay
• Condensation and ventilation issues