RICS Level 2 Survey in Coppull

Our RICS Level 2 survey gives a thorough review of the property's visible and accessible parts. During the inspection, our chartered surveyors look at the walls, roof, foundations, windows, doors and the property's overall structural integrity. We check for damp, rot, subsidence and other common defects that can be expensive to put right. We also assess visible services such as plumbing, electrical systems and heating, so you get a clear view of their present condition and any immediate attention they may need.

In Coppull, a lot of homes are terraced or semi-detached houses from the post-war period, so our surveyors focus closely on roof condition, pointing work and the soundness of shared walls. We also inspect windows and doors, along with the general standard of upkeep across the property. Any defects we find are clearly rated by severity, and urgent issues are flagged straight away so you can decide how to proceed with proper information. With the average terraced property in Coppull selling for around £145,285, it makes sense to uncover anything that could affect such a significant investment.

Included in the RICS Level 2 survey is a visual inspection and a detailed report with photographs showing each finding clearly. We do not move furniture or lift carpets, but we do inspect all visible and accessible parts of the property, including the roof space where it is safe to do so and sub-floor areas where accessible. Our report uses a straightforward condition rating system, with defects marked as urgent, needing attention, or suitable for future monitoring. That gives you a factual, professional basis for negotiating repairs or a price adjustment with the seller, rather than relying on guesswork.

We also inspect boundaries, outbuildings and any shared areas with neighbouring properties. In Coppull's terraced housing, which forms a significant part of the local stock, we pay close attention to shared walls and what their condition could mean for future maintenance costs. The report sets out the points you need to consider before making a final decision on your purchase.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof covering and condition
• Windows and doors
• Damp and rot detection
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• Heating and ventilation

Coppull's housing stock mostly dates from the post-war years through to more recent decades, and our surveys often pick up issues tied to that age and style of construction. A good number of homes here were built with solid external walls, the standard approach before cavity wall insulation became common in the 1970s and 1980s. Solid walls are more exposed to penetrating damp, especially during wet Lancashire winters, and our surveyors know the signs to look for when inspecting this type of property.

Roofing is another area where problems often show up in Coppull homes. Many properties locally have concrete roof tiles, a common choice in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. They are hard-wearing, but with time they can become brittle, and we regularly look for cracked or slipped tiles, worn pointing and defects to ridge tiles. Our surveyors inspect roof coverings, flashings and gutters carefully, because water ingress from a faulty roof can cause major internal damage that may not be obvious at a viewing.

For homes in the Church View development, and other newer builds in Coppull, we look at a different set of risks. Newer properties can still have issues linked to building regulation compliance, snagging from the construction process, or shortcomings in thermal efficiency. Even with NHBC warranties in place, defects can still be present, and our independent assessment gives you the information you need before you complete the purchase.

We also pay close attention to electrical and plumbing systems. In many older Coppull properties, original wiring may still be in place and may not meet current regulations, so we highlight any concerns in the report. The same goes for older plumbing, especially where lead pipes or outdated water mains are present, as these can point to future upgrade costs. With the average property value in Coppull exceeding £200,000, finding these issues early can save a great deal of money and stress.

After our surveyor has completed the inspection, we provide a detailed report in line with RICS standards, giving a thorough assessment of the property. It contains an executive summary, detailed descriptions of each area inspected and a clear condition rating system so the seriousness of any issues is easy to follow. Each defect is graded by severity, from urgent matters needing immediate attention to items that can be monitored over time. That structure helps you prioritise remedial work and get a clearer sense of the likely costs of maintaining the property.

In Coppull, our reports often draw attention to issues linked to the age and construction of local housing. Many homes here were built using traditional methods and solid walls, which can be more prone to damp than modern cavity-wall construction. Our surveyors are trained to identify penetrating damp, condensation and rising damp, and we can point you towards the most suitable next steps. We also inspect roof coverings closely, and in Coppull that often means concrete tiles typical of homes from the 1950s and 1960s. With the average detached property in the area valued at over £327,000, finding these issues early can prevent substantial expense.

The RICS Level 2 report also provides a market valuation and an insurance reinstatement figure, both of which can be helpful for mortgage requirements and buildings insurance. If you are buying in the Church View development or another newer build in Coppull, the report can still pick up defects or areas that do not comply with current building regulations. New homes are not immune from problems, and our independent assessment gives you solid information before you commit to such an important purchase.

Each element of the property is set out using a simple traffic-light rating system. Red rated items need urgent attention, amber items need attention but are not urgent, and green items are in satisfactory condition. It makes the report easy to scan for the key concerns, while still giving you detailed information on every part of the property.