RICS Level 2 Home Survey in Perton

Our RICS Level 2 Home Survey gives you a detailed check of the property's visible and accessible parts. We inspect the walls, roof, floors, doors, windows and permanent fixtures, looking for defects, shrinkage issues and anything else that needs attention. We also carry out a visual review of services such as plumbing, electrical installations and heating systems, so you get a clear view of the property's current condition.

Across Perton, we pay close attention to the Mercia Mudstone geology that sits beneath much of the area. This formation is prone to shrink-swell movement as soil moisture changes, which can have an effect on foundations over time. During our inspection, we look carefully for movement or settlement that may point to foundation issues, especially in properties with larger footprints or homes built where there are superficial glacial till deposits. Lower-lying spots near existing water courses call for extra care.

Our report uses the RICS traffic light system, red for urgent issues needing attention, amber for defects that need repair, and green for satisfactory condition. We add clear photographs and straightforward descriptions of what we find, plus estimated costs for remedial works where that is appropriate. It gives you something practical to work with, whether that means negotiating with sellers or planning for future repairs. Plenty of buyers in Perton have used our reports to secure concessions or build repair costs into their purchasing decision.

We also assess the property's thermal efficiency, including insulation levels in walls, roofs and floors. With energy costs rising, that matters more than ever to buyers in Perton. We flag any obvious heat loss and any insulation that appears inadequate.

• Wall and foundation inspection
• Roof and chimney assessment
• Windows and doors check
• Plumbing and electrical visual inspection
• Damp and timber decay evaluation
• Thermal element analysis

Perton saw major development from the mid-20th century onwards, and most of its housing was built in traditional brick, often with red brick elevations. Some homes also use render or tile hanging, especially on newer developments. Knowing how these properties were constructed helps us spot issues that are common in the area. Because brick is so dominant, we regularly come across mortar deterioration, crack movement in panel walls and age-related wear to external joinery.

The geology beneath Perton brings a few specific concerns for property owners. The Mercia Mudstone Group, which dominates locally, has a moderate to high shrink-swell potential, so the clay can expand in wet conditions and contract during dry spells. That movement may affect foundations, particularly where drainage around the property is poor or trees are growing too close to the building. We therefore check external ground levels, drainage and any visible signs of movement that could suggest foundation instability. Homes with mature trees, or those where the clay below is thicker, need especially careful assessment.

Flooding from rivers and the sea is generally a low risk in Perton, but some parts of the area can still see surface water flooding after heavy rainfall. Low-lying roads and places with poor drainage are the usual trouble spots. During our inspection, we note any visible evidence of past flooding or water damage and point out locations where surface water flooding may be an issue. Areas around Perton Lake and lower-lying approaches to the village deserve particular attention in heavy weather.

Perton is not like many historic villages in South Staffordshire. There are no designated conservation areas, and very few listed buildings within the immediate area, so owners are usually not dealing with the extra restrictions often found in older settlements. The trade-off is that the housing stock is mainly modern. According to home.co.uk, detached properties make up 49.3% of homes in Perton, semi-detached properties 39.0%, terraced homes 6.8%, and flats 4.9%. That balance affects the kinds of defects we most often see during our surveys.