RICS Level 2 Survey Inskip-with-Sowerby

Our RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey gives a visual check of all accessible parts of the property. We look at the walls, roof, floors, windows and doors, and any garages or outbuildings included in the sale. Damp, structural movement, roof deterioration and timber frame problems, the sorts we often see in properties across Lancashire, are all on our list.

In Inskip-with-Sowerby, many homes sit on light and peaty soil with gravel subsoil, so our surveyors focus hard on drainage and foundations. The north and east parts of the township are low and flat, which can lead to surface water issues in periods of heavy rainfall. We pick up environmental risks like these and flag anything that could affect long-term stability or habitability. The peaty ground usually carries a lower shrink-swell risk than clay-rich land, though we still check for movement that could point to drainage problems or nearby trees.

Gas, electric, water and drainage all come under the survey, and we also look closely at the consumer unit, visible wiring and any signs of leaks or corrosion in the plumbing. For older places in Inskip-with-Sowerby, this part of the inspection can be especially useful, because it often brings outdated electrical work or pipework to light. Many older properties in the village still have original consumer units and wiring that would fail modern Part P electrical safety standards.

Each element we inspect is given a clear condition rating, from condition rating 1, where no repair is needed, to condition rating 3, where urgent repair or serious defects are present. That simple system makes it easier to see which matters need attention now and which are just cosmetic. Your surveyor will also set out any further investigations that may be sensible, such as checking for Japanese knotweed or commissioning specialist reports for certain construction types.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof covering and structure
• Damp and moisture assessment
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and drainage systems
• Electrical installations
• Outbuildings and boundaries
• Energy performance rating

Once your RICS Level 2 report arrives, you will see it split into clear sections for each major building element. Every section carries a condition rating, 1 for no repair needed, 2 where repairs are needed but not urgent, and 3 for urgent repairs or serious defects that need attention straight away. The traffic light approach makes it straightforward to decide what needs dealing with first. There is also an executive summary at the front, so the key findings are easy to spot before you read the detail.

For homes in Inskip-with-Sowerby, our surveyors often come across issues that are common to the local stock. Older properties in the village may show signs of age in the form of deteriorating roof coverings, original windows that need replacing, or outdated electrical installations that do not meet current Part P regulations. Where we can, our reports set out the likely cost implications too. We also draw attention to local environmental matters, including the risk of surface water flooding in the low-lying north and east parts of the township.

When a condition rating 3 defect appears, we can set up a follow-up specialist inspection. That may mean a structural engineer for foundation concerns, a damp and timber specialist for moisture issues, or an electrician for full fixed wire testing. We work with trusted professionals throughout Lancashire who can provide competitive quotes for any remedial work needed. Our aim is simple, to give you the information you need to make a sound decision about the purchase.

Many buyers use the survey results to renegotiate the purchase price. If the work required is significant, the vendor may agree to cut the asking price so it reflects the cost of putting things right. In a competitive market like Inskip-with-Sowerby, where properties can sell quickly, a detailed survey gives you confidence in those conversations and helps you make a properly informed choice about one of the largest purchases you will ever make. Our reports are detailed enough to support those discussions, with clear records of the defects we found.