RICS Level 2 Survey in Dunkirk

Our RICS Level 2 Survey gives you a detailed visual inspection of the property's accessible parts, looking at overall condition and drawing out defects that could affect value or safety. We inspect the roof structure, walls, windows, doors, plumbing, electrical systems and damp levels, then give a clear RICS Condition Rating for every area we have checked. In Dunkirk, where much of the housing stock comes from the Victorian and Edwardian periods, we pay close attention to familiar trouble spots such as rising damp, roof defects and the condition of traditional brickwork. Where it is safe and accessible, we enter the roof space, look over fascias and soffits, and assess the property's general structural integrity.

The survey also covers a market value assessment and a rebuild cost estimate, both useful for insurance and mortgage purposes. We point out defects that need urgent action as well as issues to factor into future maintenance. Our reports use the RICS traffic light system, Red for urgent defects needing professional attention, Amber for items that need repair or monitoring, and Green for satisfactory condition, so the priorities are easy to follow. Every section includes straightforward photographs and plain English explanations, which means you do not need technical expertise to understand what we have found.

With Dunkirk's terraced housing, we look carefully for movement or subsidence, especially where shallow foundations sit on variable clay soils. Shared boundaries matter too, as do extension works, both common here as homes are adapted for student lets or family use. A Level 2 Survey suits properties of conventional construction that appear to be in reasonable condition. For a listed building, a period property needing extensive renovation, or a home with major alterations, we may suggest a RICS Level 3 Building Survey instead. Our team will talk you through the most suitable option for the property you are considering.

Traditional solid wall construction is common in Dunkirk, rather than modern cavity walls, and that brings its own issues around thermal efficiency and resistance to damp. We check the condition of any existing damp proof courses and recommend action where they are missing or damaged. We also look for signs of earlier structural alterations, including the removal of internal walls to create the open-plan layouts often seen in student properties. Those works should have building regulation approval, and we will raise concerns where the paperwork is missing.

• Roof structure and covering
• Wall construction and condition
• Damp and timber assessment
• Electrical and plumbing systems
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Boundaries and outbuildings
• Market value assessment

Terraced houses make up a large share of Dunkirk's housing stock, and they often come with recurring issues our surveyors are trained to spot. Original timber joists and floorboards can show wear simply through age, while traditional solid walls may be prone to rising damp where tanking or damp-proof courses are absent or damaged. We inspect these elements closely and give you a clear view of their condition, together with any remedial work we think is worth considering. Where it is appropriate, we use moisture meters and thermal imaging equipment to detect damp that would not be obvious to an untrained eye.

Roofs deserve close attention here. Many Victorian and Edwardian homes still have traditional slate or tile roofs, and although they can last well, they often develop slipped tiles, worn pointing or failing lead flashing around chimneys. We inspect roof spaces where access is available and assess the roofing structure as a whole, noting anything that needs urgent work or should be planned into future maintenance. Because of the proximity to the River Trent and the local geology, we also stay alert to signs of subsidence or movement that could point to foundation problems, although these tend to be less common in Dunkirk than in some other parts of Nottingham. We also look specifically for evidence of tree root interference, which can trigger subsidence in properties on clay soils.

Older homes often need electrical and plumbing upgrades to meet current regulations, so those services form part of our assessment. We note the condition of the consumer unit (fuseboard), the apparent age and type of wiring, and the plumbing materials in use, highlighting any concerns that should be checked by qualified electricians or plumbers. Where a property has been adapted for HMO use, we also record visible changes to the original layout and consider whether suitable building control approvals appear to have been obtained. That is especially relevant in Dunkirk, where the rental market has driven many conversions, and poor electrical work or unauthorised alterations can create serious safety issues and legal complications for landlords.

In some parts of Nottingham, clay-rich soils can create shrink-swell movement that affects foundations over time. Dunkirk is not usually considered a high-risk area for mining legacy issues in the way some other parts of Nottinghamshire are, but we still watch for signs of past mining activity or ground instability that could have a bearing on long-term structural integrity. We also look for evidence of flooding or water damage, especially in homes close to watercourses or those with basements. It is all part of building a full picture before you commit to the purchase.

After the inspection, we provide a RICS Level 2 Survey report laid out so the key points are easy to follow. It starts with an overview of the property's general condition and any urgent defects that need immediate attention, then moves through detailed sections covering each part of the building from roof to foundations. Every section is given a RICS Condition Rating from 1, where no repair is currently needed, to 3, where urgent defects or serious faults need attention. That structure makes it simpler to decide what work should take priority.

The report includes a market valuation as well, giving an independent view of the property's current market value based on our surveyor's knowledge of the local Dunkirk market. That can be useful for mortgage purposes and for checking that the agreed price looks fair. We also include a rebuild cost figure for insurance, which is particularly important with older buildings, where rebuilding expenses may differ markedly from market value because traditional materials and construction methods can cost more.

Some findings need a second opinion, and if that happens we state it clearly in the report with practical recommendations on what to do next. That might mean speaking to a structural engineer about suspected movement, a damp specialist about rising damp, or a qualified electrician about outdated wiring. Our surveyors can also offer guidance on the typical cost of dealing with common defects, which helps when you are setting a budget for works after purchase. Good information puts you in a stronger position, and that is exactly what we want the survey to give you.