RICS Level 2 Survey in Gerrards Cross

Our RICS Level 2 Survey gives you a detailed picture of the property's condition, centred on issues we can see and reach during the inspection. We look over the main structural elements, including walls, roofs, floors, doors and windows, as well as built-in fixtures and fittings. We identify defects, set out what is likely causing them, and advise on repairs or any further investigations that may be sensible. The report uses a clear traffic light system, so the main concerns are easy to spot and act on.

In Gerrards Cross, we pay close attention to the defects that tend to show up in the local housing stock. Many homes here are built in traditional brick, often red brick from the Victorian and Edwardian eras, with solid wall construction or early cavity wall systems. Older properties of this kind often retain original details, from timber sash windows to decorative plasterwork and period fireplaces, and these need careful checking. We assess their condition and set out any maintenance or restoration work that may be needed.

The survey also gives you a market valuation and an insurance rebuild cost estimate, so you have a clearer view of what the property is really worth in the current Gerrards Cross market. With values in the area having shifted by around -2.6% to -11.8% over recent periods, an accurate valuation alongside the condition assessment can be extremely useful in negotiations. We draw on local market knowledge to provide realistic valuations based on comparable sales data for the SL9 area.

Our Level 2 survey looks at ten key parts of the property, all inspected carefully and reported through the RICS traffic light system. That includes structural walls and foundations, the roof structure and covering, chimneys and flues, damp courses and dampness levels, windows and doors, visible plumbing and electrical elements, floors and stairs, timber elements for rot or beetle damage, garages and outbuildings, and boundary walls and fences.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof structure and covering
• Chimneys and flues
• Damp course and dampness
• Windows and doors
• Plumbing and electrical visible elements
• Floors and stairs
• Timber elements for rot or beetle
• Garages and outbuildings
• Boundary walls and fences

Housing in Gerrards Cross covers several decades of construction, from period homes dating back to the late 1800s to more recent developments, and that mix brings its own set of issues. Damp is still one of the defects we see most often, particularly in Victorian and Edwardian properties where original damp-proof courses may have failed or been bridged over time. Rising damp and penetrating damp can both affect external walls, especially where pointing has deteriorated or render has cracked. We use moisture meters to check damp levels in walls and floors across the property.

Roofing is another area that often needs attention in older Gerrards Cross homes. Original clay or slate tiles can become brittle, mortar joints may crack, and lead flashing around chimneys often deteriorates after decades of exposure. Where access is available, we inspect roof spaces for timber rot, fungal growth and structural movement, all of which can signal more serious trouble. Many properties in the SL9 area also have complex roof forms with multiple valleys and hips, so a careful assessment matters.

Properties built before the 1980s often have electrical systems that need updating to meet current regulations. In some cases, the original wiring is cloth-covered rather than modern PVC, which raises safety issues and can affect insurance. Plumbing in older homes can also be a problem, with galvanized steel or lead pipes prone to internal deterioration and restricted water flow. We visually inspect accessible consumer units and pipework and record any apparent deficiencies.

There are a few extra points to bear in mind for Gerrards Cross because of the local geology. Homes built on London Clay can be vulnerable to subsidence or heave, particularly where trees are planted close to the building. Ground movement of this sort may show up as cracks in walls, sticking doors or windows, or damage to damp-proof courses. We watch for those warning signs and recommend the right next step if concerns come up.

• Rising or penetrating damp
• Roof tile damage or slippage
• Chimney deterioration
• Foundation movement or subsidence
• Outdated electrical wiring
• Aging plumbing systems
• Woodworm or timber rot
• Window frame deterioration
• Drainage issues
• Missing or damaged roof felt