RICS Level 2 Survey in Hartburn

Our RICS Level 2 Survey gives a full inspection of the property condition, looking over all accessible parts of the building from roof to foundation. In Hartburn, where homes range from modern Taylor Wimpey properties at Hartburn Grange to Victorian cottages in the designated conservation area, our surveyors adjust the inspection to suit the property in front of us. We check the roof structure, walls, floors, doors, windows and damp-proof courses, picking up defects that could affect value or call for future repair.

A detailed visual inspection sits at the core of the survey, and we highlight damp penetration, structural movement, roof deterioration and timber defects. For Hartburn homes near the River Hartburn and Lustrum Beck flood zones, our surveyors look closely for evidence of earlier water damage, drainage conditions and flood resilience measures. Where visible, we inspect electrical and plumbing installations too, and note any non-compliance with current regulations that may need attention.

Findings are set out in plain English, with traffic light ratings showing how serious each issue is. We also include practical guidance on the repairs or investigations that may be needed, so budgeting for remedial work is much easier. For properties in Hartburn Village with listed buildings or period features, we note any alterations that may need Listed Building Consent or may have altered the character of the property.

Energy efficiency is part of the picture as well. We identify where insulation may be lacking or where improvements could bring heating costs down. That matters especially for older Victorian and Edwardian properties in Hartburn Village, where original features often mean weaker thermal performance than the modern new builds at Hartburn Grange.

• Roof and loft structure inspection
• Wall condition and structural assessment
• Damp and moisture detection
• Electrical and plumbing visible elements
• Drainage and gutter inspection
• Window and door operation

Across Hartburn, properties stretch across several eras, from Victorian period cottages to contemporary new builds at Hartburn Grange. Because of that mix, our surveyors often come across issues tied to particular property types. Older Victorian and Edwardian homes in Hartburn Village can bring rising damp, dated electrical wiring and roof deterioration. Render on gable walls, which is common on end-terraced cottages in the area, can conceal moisture problems that we pick up during inspection.

Traditional building techniques are still common in many Hartburn homes, and they differ from modern standards in all sorts of ways. timber-framed elements in period properties may show decay or woodworm, especially where damp-proof courses have failed or been bridged. We check for those issues methodically, looking at accessible timbers in roofs, floors and sub-floor areas where we can get to them. Clay soil in parts of the North East can also contribute to foundation movement in older properties, so we keep a close eye out for subsidence or structural movement.

At Hartburn Grange and other recent developments, our attention turns to build quality and compliance with current building regulations. Newer homes generally have fewer structural defects, but we still look for problems with windows, doors, plumbing fixtures and finishings that an untrained buyer might miss. The report gives you a clear view of whether the new build is in the condition expected.

Hartburn’s local economy has a high share of professional workers, with 21% employed in professional occupations according to census data. That often goes hand in hand with buyers expecting a high standard of condition and finish. We reflect that in our surveys, giving detailed assessments that help buyers negotiate properly or ask developers for corrections.

• Rising damp in period properties
• Roof tile damage or deterioration
• Outdated electrical installations
• Timber decay and woodworm
• Poor insulation in older homes
• Drainage and guttering issues
• Foundation movement in clay soil
• Render defects on gable walls