RICS Level 2 Survey East Chevington

Our RICS Level 2 Survey gives a detailed visual inspection of all accessible parts of the property. Our surveyor looks over the main building elements, including the roof structure, walls, windows, doors, plumbing, electrical systems, and foundations. In East Chevington, where many homes date from the mid-20th century or earlier, we pay close attention to older construction materials and to signs of wear that may not be obvious at first glance. Original features can be part of a property’s appeal, of course, but they can also conceal problems that need sorting.

This survey covers both the interior and exterior, with a focus on defects that might affect value or lead to expensive repairs. We check for damp, structural movement, roof condition, and the general state of repair. For East Chevington properties, we look closely at external walls for cracking, inspect any chimneys, and assess drainage systems that may be influenced by the local soil conditions. Extensions and alterations are checked too, so we can see whether they were put together properly and whether they create any structural risk.

After the inspection, we send a detailed RICS survey report using a simple traffic light system to flag concerns. Red means a serious issue that needs urgent attention, amber points to something that should be looked at further, and green shows the item is in satisfactory condition. That format makes it easier to decide what needs doing first, and it can help when negotiating with sellers if bigger problems are found. The report also includes a market valuation and an insurance reinstatement figure, so there is more to work with when deciding whether to proceed. Our team is on hand after the report arrives to talk through the findings, explain technical wording, and set out what the results mean for the property in question.

We inspect all sorts of homes in the East Chevington area, from traditional two-up-two-down terraced houses along the main village street to larger semi-detached family homes tucked away in quieter cul-de-sacs. Each type tends to bring its own familiar issues, and our surveyors know exactly where to look. We check any garages or outbuildings included in the sale, assess boundaries and retaining walls, and look at the overall site drainage. Small defects are not ignored, because they can sometimes be the first sign of something more serious below the surface.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, floors, and ceilings
• Windows and doors
• Plumbing and water systems
• Electrical installations
• Damp and timber condition
• External elements
• Garages and outbuildings

Properties in East Chevington and the surrounding Northumberland villages often share a few features that our surveyors are used to seeing. Many were built between the 1930s and 1970s, so they may still have original fixtures and fittings that are sound enough, but now feel dated. Our inspectors often come across ageing electrical wiring that no longer meets current regulations, original plumbing with galvanised steel pipes that may be vulnerable to corrosion, and single-glazed windows that would benefit from upgrading to improve energy efficiency and cut heating costs.

Parts of Northumberland have geology that can affect foundations, and our surveyors are trained to spot signs of movement or subsidence that may point to underlying ground conditions. We look for wall cracking, uneven floors, and doors that do not close properly, all of which can hint at foundation issues. In this area, solid walls are common, so we also assess the likelihood of penetrating damp and suggest appropriate remedial action where needed. Clay-based soils, which are widespread in parts of Northumberland, can lead to foundation movement during drought or heavy rainfall, so any signs of that get careful attention.

Roof condition is another major part of our surveys. Many homes in East Chevington have pitched roofs with traditional tile or slate coverings that are durable, but may have suffered storm damage or general wear over the years. Where roof spaces can be accessed, our surveyors check for missing or damaged tiles, signs of old or active leaks, and the condition of supporting timbers. Flat roof areas, especially on extensions and garage conversions, are checked too, as deterioration there can lead to water ingress. Chimney stacks are a particular concern in this area, since many properties have older chimneys with weakened mortar joints or damaged flashings.

We also come across problems with boundary walls and fences, drainage systems, and the condition of external render or pebble-dash finishes that were common on mid-20th century homes. Over time, these finishes may have deteriorated and might need repointing or replacement. Our method is deliberately thorough, so nothing obvious is missed, and you get a proper understanding of the true condition of a potential new home in East Chevington.

• Roof tile damage or missing slates
• Rising or penetrating damp
• Outdated electrical wiring
• Cracking to external walls
• Window seal failure
• Drainage issues
• Chimney deterioration
• Timber rot or beetle activity