RICS Level 2 Survey in DE7

Our RICS Level 2 Survey is a full visual inspection of every accessible part of the building. Our chartered surveyors work through the exterior, interior, services, and grounds in a set order, then produce a written report with traffic-light condition ratings for each element inspected.

Our inspectors check the following elements at every DE7 property:

• Roof coverings, ridge tiles, chimneys, and flashings
• Gutters, downpipes, and external drainage gullies
• External walls, brickwork, pointing, and any render or cladding
• Windows, external doors, and joinery
• Internal wall and ceiling finishes
• Floor structures and coverings where accessible
• Roof space and loft where a hatch is provided
• Heating system, visible plumbing, and electrical installation
• Dampness, condensation, and timber condition
• Gardens, outbuildings, fences, and boundary walls

Each element is given a Condition Rating. Rating 1 means no action is needed. Rating 2 means repairs or replacement are needed, but not urgently. Rating 3 means the defect is serious and needs prompt attention. If we cannot inspect something because access is restricted, we mark it NI and explain why.

We also prepare a reinstatement cost assessment, the estimated cost of rebuilding the property, and that is the figure to use when arranging buildings insurance. It is often different from the market value, a point many buyers miss when they simply insure for the purchase price.

RICS-qualified chartered surveyors carry out both survey types, but the depth and scope are different. Choosing the right one matters, because an underspecified survey can miss important issues, while an overly detailed report just adds cost without giving you anything useful back.

For most DE7 properties, the Level 2 Survey is the sensible option if the building is conventional in construction, built after 1900, and in reasonable condition. That includes the semi-detached and terraced homes that make up much of Ilkeston, as well as the detached houses in the surrounding villages. The survey looks at all accessible parts of the building and gives clear, actionable condition ratings.

Consider upgrading to a Level 3 Building Survey for any of the following:

• Victorian or Edwardian properties in poor condition or significantly altered
• Properties with visible cracking, bulging walls, or signs of structural movement
• Homes with major extensions, basement conversions, or unusual construction
• Properties that have been empty for an extended period
• Any building where you want a fully narrative report with detailed analysis of defects and causes

Talk to our team and tell us about the property before you book. We will tell you honestly which survey type fits your purchase, because our aim is to give you the right level of protection, not to push you into a more expensive product.

From our surveyors' work across Derbyshire, a few categories of defect come up again and again, depending on the age and type of property. It helps to see those in context when you read your survey report.

Edwardian and inter-war terraced and semi-detached properties in Ilkeston commonly show these issues:

• Solid brick walls without cavity insulation - higher heat loss and susceptibility to penetrating damp
• Original or partially replaced roof slates or clay tiles with mortar bedding that has eroded
• Timber windows and external doors with rot in sills, frames, and cills
• Older cast iron guttering with joints that have failed over time
• Original chimney stacks that may need repointing or structural attention

Post-war and 1960s-1980s properties across the postcode, including those on the estates around Kirk Hallam, often present with:

• Cavity wall insulation that has settled, bridged, or deteriorated causing damp
• Flat-roofed extensions, garages, or bay window roofs with aging felt coverings
• Misted UPVC double-glazed units where the seal has failed
• Older gas boilers beyond their expected 15-year service life
• Consumer units with older wiring types that may require updating

We inspect all of these areas and note any conditions present at the specific property you are buying. The report tells you exactly what we found, what it means, and what action is sensible next.