RICS Level 2 Survey in Liverpool L8

Our RICS Level 2 Survey covers all accessible parts of a property, including the roof, walls, floors, doors and windows. We inspect the building’s overall condition and pick up defects ranging from routine maintenance items to more serious structural problems. In L8, that matters because a large share of the housing stock was built before 1919, with older brick construction and original features that benefit from an expert eye.

We also review the property’s services, including plumbing, heating and electrical installations, to see whether they appear safe and in working order. Any extensions or later alterations are considered as well, so we can highlight concerns around building regulations or anything that may affect the structure. In L8, our surveyors regularly focus on damp penetration in older walls, the state of roofs on Victorian homes, and the condition of original timber windows and doors.

After the inspection, we send a detailed report with clear ratings for each part of the property: Condition Rating 1 (no repair needed), Condition Rating 2 (defects requiring attention), and Condition Rating 3 (serious defects requiring urgent repair). The colour-coded format is straightforward to follow. It helps show which issues need dealing with first, and it can be useful if you are planning remedial works or discussing the price with the seller.

• Visual inspection of all accessible roof spaces, walls, floors and ceilings
• Assessment of building services including electrics, plumbing and heating
• Evaluation of damp levels and timber condition throughout the property
• Analysis of any extensions, alterations or conversions
• Traffic light rating system for clear understanding of issues
• Market value assessment and reinstatement cost for insurance purposes

Older buildings dominate much of Liverpool L8, and that means certain defects appear again and again in our inspections. Because so many homes were built before 1919, damp is a frequent issue, whether it is rising damp from the ground, penetrating damp through exposed walls, or condensation in properties with poor ventilation. Victorian and Georgian houses pre-date the widespread use of modern damp-proof courses, which leaves them more open to moisture ingress in Liverpool’s maritime climate.

Roofs are another regular concern in L8. Many properties still have original slate or tile coverings that are now beyond their expected lifespan. We check for slipped or broken tiles, worn felt underlay and failing leadwork around chimneys and valleys. Left alone, those defects can allow water in and cause costly damage to internal finishes and structural timbers. Period homes also often retain traditional timber sash windows, and while they add character, decay to glazing bars and sills is common, with specialist restoration often more appropriate than replacement if the property’s character is to be preserved.

In older L8 homes, electrical and plumbing installations often need bringing up to current safety standards. Original wiring may not cope well with modern domestic demand, and older systems using lead or galvanised pipes can affect water quality as well as being more vulnerable to leaks. We assess these elements and point out any concerns that need attention from qualified electricians or plumbers. We also look for signs of structural movement, which can show up in ageing buildings as foundations settle or ground conditions change over time.

• Damp penetration through walls and floors in period properties
• Roof deterioration including slipped tiles and failed leadwork
• Outdated electrical installations not meeting current regulations
• Timber defects including wet rot and woodworm in structural elements
• Structural movement or subsidence in older foundations
• Condensation issues in poorly ventilated properties