RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey in Carrington

Our RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey covers the property's accessible areas and picks up defects that are visible and apparent at the time of inspection. We look closely at the walls, roof, floors, doors and windows, along with the building's structural integrity. Our chartered surveyors also assess the condition of services such as plumbing, electrical systems and heating, then give an overall opinion on market value and flag any urgent defects that need immediate attention.

Across Carrington, Victorian and Edwardian terraced homes are a familiar sight, so our surveyors focus on the problems that often come with older Nottingham housing. That means checking for damp penetration through solid brick walls, looking at the performance of shallow foundations on Sherwood Sandstone, and assessing roof coverings that may have deteriorated after years of exposure. We also watch for any past or current structural movement that might point to subsidence or foundation trouble, particularly where softer ground conditions are a factor.

The Level 2 survey comes back as a detailed report with clear ratings for each part of the property, from "good" to "urgent repair needed", making it easier to sort out what needs attention first. We add practical maintenance advice to help protect your investment over the long term, and where serious defects turn up, we set out what further specialist investigations may be sensible. For homes in Carrington's conservation areas, or properties with notable historic character, we highlight the points that matter for period buildings.

One thing we pay close attention to is the absence of modern damp-proof courses in solid-walled homes, something that is extremely common in Carrington's Victorian housing stock. We assess any damp-proof measures already in place, look for rising damp and penetrative damp, and consider how well existing ventilation is working. With many houses here now over 100 years old, we also spend time on load-bearing walls, original joinery and alterations made over the years.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof covering and condition
• Dampness and damp-proof course
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• Heating and ventilation
• Floors and ceilings
• External finishes and drainage

Victorian and Edwardian construction dominates Carrington, and that brings a set of issues our surveyors deal with regularly. Homes built in the late 19th century were often put up with solid brick walls and without the modern damp-proof courses now considered standard, which is why damp penetration is something we assess carefully on every inspection. Sherwood Sandstone is a familiar part of the local geology and has generally been stable, but it can still present foundation challenges, especially where shallow foundations leave a property more exposed to ground movement.

Outdated electrics are another issue we often come across in Carrington properties, and some systems will not meet current safety standards. Rewiring a Victorian terrace in Nottingham typically costs between £4,000 and £6,000, so spotting that before exchange can make a real difference. Roof condition matters too. Repairs to a roof that has been leaking slowly into the timber frame can easily reach £8,000 or more. Our Level 2 survey is built to identify defects like these before they turn into expensive surprises.

A failed damp-proof course in a solid-walled Sherwood Sandstone property will usually cost between £2,500 and £5,000 to replace, depending on the size of the property and the extent of the issue. During our inspection, we look for signs of damp ingress, rising damp and condensation that may suggest a failed damp-proof course, or no damp-proof course at all. In Carrington, where many properties have solid walls without any damp-proofing, this remains one of the most common problems we report.

Local setting can affect condition as much as age. Homes near Mapperley Park, or up on the higher ground around Carrington, may sit on different ground conditions from properties in lower-lying areas. Our surveyors know the local topography and the effect it can have on individual buildings, and we factor that in when we assess foundation performance and possible drainage problems.