RICS Level 2 Survey Roeburndale

The RICS Level 2 Survey gives a visual inspection of the accessible parts of the property, looking at overall condition and picking out any significant defects. It covers the roof, walls, floors, windows, doors, chimneys and extensions, together with services such as electrics, plumbing and heating. Each area is graded using the traffic light system, with advice on urgent issues and any further investigations we recommend. In Roeburndale, that means we pay close attention to traditional slate roofs, stone wall pointing, solid-wall damp-proofing and the private drainage systems common in this rural area.

Fees for a RICS Level 2 Survey in the Roeburndale area typically start from around £400 for standard properties, though the final cost depends on factors such as size, age and construction type. Bigger homes, or those with more complex features, may cost more. We give clear pricing with no hidden fees, and you will receive a confirmed quote before booking. Detached homes and historic farmhouses common in the Forest of Bowland area can attract higher fees because traditional construction methods take longer to assess properly.

New build properties can benefit from a RICS Level 2 Survey too, even when they are recently finished. Major structural concerns are less likely, but the survey can still pick up workmanship defects, snagging issues or problems with fittings and finishes. With new builds in the Lancashire area reaching an average price of £317,000, a survey gives useful reassurance that such a large investment is in good order. We check for poor ventilation in loft spaces, incomplete damp-proofing and defects in window and door installations that may not be obvious at first glance.

Yes, our surveyors are experienced in spotting damp issues in the traditional stone-built properties common to Roeburndale. They use visual clues and moisture meters to assess walls for signs of rising damp, penetrating damp or condensation. Since many homes here have solid walls without cavity insulation, damp assessment is a key part of the inspection, and any concerns are reported clearly. We give particular attention to external pointing, the state of any existing damp-proof course and how well gutters and downpipes carry water away from the building fabric.

If the RICS Level 2 Survey turns up serious defects, there are several routes open to you. You can ask the vendor to deal with the problems before completion, negotiate a lower purchase price to cover remediation costs, or in some cases walk away from the purchase altogether. Your solicitor can also use the survey report to renegotiate the terms of your offer on the basis of what we find. We set out the severity of each issue clearly, so you can see which defects need immediate attention and which can be watched for now.

Roeburndale sits in a valley through which the River Roeburn flows, so homes near the river carry an inherent flood risk. Surface water flooding is another concern in this rural, hilly area after heavy rainfall. Our surveyors check for signs of previous flooding and look at any flood mitigation measures already in place. For properties in high-risk locations, we recommend a separate flood risk assessment. During the inspection, we look for water marks on walls, the condition of any flood defence measures and the drainage characteristics of the surrounding land.

Several defect patterns show up again and again in Roeburndale, and our surveyors are trained to spot them. Deteriorated slate roofing is common, with slipped or broken slates, decaying lead flashing and problems in valley gutters regularly seen. Timber window frames in older homes often show rot, especially at the bottom sills where water gathers. We also come across outdated electrical installations that may not meet current regulations, and older plumbing systems using galvanised steel pipes that are prone to internal corrosion and reduced water pressure. Our reports record these issues clearly and set out practical recommendations for dealing with them.

Structural movement is another thing we watch for closely, especially in older stone-built homes in the Roeburndale area. Cracking in walls, doors and windows that stick or will not close properly, and signs of settlement in the building’s fabric all get checked. Some minor movement is normal in older properties and may be acceptable, but we identify anything significant or ongoing that could suggest a more serious structural problem. Where concerns do arise, we advise bringing in a structural engineer for a more detailed assessment before you proceed with the purchase.