RICS Level 2 Home Survey Cockfield

Our RICS Level 2 survey gives a thorough inspection of the main accessible parts of the property. We look at the roof, walls, floors, doors, windows and chimneys, together with garages, outbuildings and boundary walls. Each element is graded by condition, with plain explanations of any defects we find. The report also sets out practical guidance on repairs or maintenance, for now and later on.

Cockfield has a mixed housing stock, with terraced, semi-detached and detached homes all represented, so our surveyors keep a close eye on the issues that tend to crop up locally. Terraced properties, which account for a sizeable share of sales in the area, often bring their own questions around shared walls and foundations. We give you the detail you need before you go any further.

Alongside the inspection, we include a market valuation and an insurance rebuild cost, so you get a fuller view of the property’s worth. Where we come across something serious, for example significant structural defects or urgent repairs, we set that out clearly in the report so you can negotiate with the seller or decide not to proceed.

Less experienced inspectors can miss the sort of issues our chartered surveyors spot through local knowledge. In Cockfield, many homes date from the mid-20th century, so we often see original roofing materials, older window systems and outdated electrical installations that need careful assessment. We also look for damp penetration, especially in solid brick properties built before modern damp-proof courses became standard.

• Roof and loft structure
• Walls, foundations, and damp
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Floors and stairs
• Chimneys and flues
• Bathrooms and kitchens
• Garages and outbuildings
• Boundary walls and fences

Across Cockfield and the surrounding County Durham area, properties come in a range of construction types, although terraced homes are especially common in the village. Many have been built using traditional brick methods, which usually provide solid structural integrity, but they can still be prone to damp penetration if they have not been maintained properly. Our surveyors know the local construction styles well and assess each property with that in mind.

Property age in Cockfield varies quite a bit, with many homes dating from the mid-20th century through to more recent additions. Older properties may bring outdated electrical systems, ageing roofing materials or original windows that could need updating. Our Level 2 survey picks up these matters and gives guidance on maintenance or improvements needed now and over the coming years.

With the market having adjusted and prices falling from the 2022 peak, it is well worth checking that any property you are considering is in sound condition for the money. Our survey shows you the true state of the property, so if anything is found, you can negotiate from a stronger position.

In the DL13 5 postcode area, which covers Cockfield and nearby villages, prices have fallen by around 17.9% in the last year alone. So although properties may look more affordable than they did a few years ago, it still pays to be certain you are not overpaying for a home that needs serious repairs or maintenance. We give you the hard facts you need to negotiate with confidence.