RICS Level 2 Survey Sunderland

Our RICS Level 2 surveys in Sunderland are set up to give you a clear picture of the property's condition before you go ahead with the purchase. A surveyor will inspect all accessible parts of the home, including the roof space, any visible sub-floor areas, and the outside of the building. We look at walls, floors, ceilings, doors and windows, together with services such as plumbing, electrical installations and heating systems. Sunderland has a lot of housing built before 1980, so our surveyors keep a close eye on the issues that tend to crop up in older homes.

Because of the North East's industrial heritage, many Sunderland properties were built using traditional methods, with red brick cavity walls and slate or tile roofs. Our surveyors know the local construction styles well, and they also know the defects that often go with them. We check for damp in solid-walled Victorian terraces, look at the condition of timber floors in pre-war semis, and inspect every key element that could affect your investment. Stone details around windows and doors are another feature we often come across in parts of the city, and those can call for specialist attention.

Sunderland's geography brings its own set of points to watch. The city's position on Magnesian Limestone over Coal Measures means that some areas, especially those with superficial glacial till deposits, can have ground stability concerns. Our surveyors will note any visible cracking, movement or subsidence that may point to deeper problems. We also look at flood risk from the River Wear and coastal areas, which matters most for properties near the riverside in places like South Hylton or in low-lying coastal zones near the mouth of the River Wear. Homes there need a careful check for both river flooding and tidal surge risks.

With Sunderland's age profile, well over 60% of the housing stock would benefit from a professional survey. Pre-1919 properties, making up approximately 20-25% of homes, often have solid wall construction without cavity insulation, so damp can be more of a concern. Homes from the 1945-1980 period, around 30-35% of the stock, may still have original single-glazed windows, older electrical systems and plumbing that is due for updating. Our surveyors know the age-related issues that matter here, and they know exactly where to look.

• Damp and moisture penetration
• Roof condition and tile damage
• Structural movement and subsidence
• Electrical safety and wiring condition
• Plumbing and drainage issues
• Timber defects including rot and woodworm
• Windows and door operation
• Insulation and energy efficiency

Our work across Sunderland means we know what the local housing stock tends to throw up. Damp is one of the most commonly picked-up issues, especially in the older terraced and semi-detached homes that make up a substantial part of the city's housing. Solid-walled properties, common in pre-1919 buildings, are especially prone to rising damp where damp proof courses have failed or been compromised over time. We use moisture meters and carry out a visual check of walls, floors and joinery for signs of staining or moisture damage. Condensation is also frequent in homes with poor ventilation, particularly newer builds where airtight construction can trap moisture indoors.

Roof condition is another major focus in Sunderland surveys. Many local homes have roofs that are decades old, with slate and tile coverings that can suffer from slipped or broken tiles, damaged leadwork and general wear. Our surveyors inspect from ground level and from accessible loft spaces, noting anything that might let water in. With the city's exposure to North Sea weather, flashings and pointing are especially exposed to wear and tear. We also check roof timbers for rot or woodworm damage, since untreated defects can affect the roof's structural integrity.

Older Sunderland properties, especially those built before the 1970s, often have outdated electrical systems. In many cases the original wiring no longer meets current electrical safety standards. Our surveyors cannot carry out a full electrical test, but they do visually assess the consumer unit, wiring condition and socket outlets, and they flag any obvious issues that should be checked by a qualified electrician. Plumbing in older homes can also feature galvanized steel pipes, which may corrode and leak, so that is noted in the report. We also look at loft insulation, because a lot of older properties were built without the thermal performance standards expected in modern homes.

We regularly come across timber defects in Sunderland properties, including both wet and dry rot, particularly where dampness has lingered or ventilation has been poor. Structural timbers, floor joists and joinery are checked for rot or woodworm infestation. Window and door frames get the same attention, because they are common places for decay in older homes. Any timber problems are given condition ratings, so you can see how urgent the repairs are. Near the coast, salt air can speed up the deterioration of external timber and metalwork, which is why we give seafront homes in areas like Roker and Seaburn extra attention.

There has been a lot of new housing development in Sunderland in recent years, with major developers including Miller Homes, Bellway, Persimmon Homes and Avant Homes building across the city. Current new build sites include Potter's Hill and Cherry Tree Park near SR3 3QG, The View in SR3 2NX, South Hylton in SR4 0QS, and North Moor in SR3 1QW. Even where a new build seems unlikely to need a survey, a RICS Level 2 can still pick up snagging issues or construction defects that need sorting before the build warranty period ends.

Recent construction does not mean trouble-free construction. Our surveyors can still spot incomplete work, cosmetic defects or build quality issues that may not be obvious to the untrained eye. With new build prices starting from around £164,995 for properties at North Moor and going over £229,995 at South Hylton, it makes sense to protect that investment. A RICS Level 2 survey can also identify finishes or specifications that do not match what the developer promised.

New build homes usually come with a 10-year NHBC warranty, or a similar structural warranty, but that does not cover everything. Our survey may uncover issues that sit outside the warranty, giving you the chance to raise them with the developer before the warranty period begins. We look at window seals, door operation, plumbing fittings, electrical installations and the overall quality of the finish. Any defects can then be reported through the snagging process, so your new home is in the best possible condition when you move in.

We carry out RICS Level 2 surveys across Sunderland and the surrounding areas, covering all major residential zones and property types. Our surveyors work throughout the city, from the city centre to the suburbs and nearby villages. If the property is in a conservation area like Sunniside or Bishopwearmouth, in a modern development, or in one of the residential suburbs, we can arrange a survey at a time that works for you. We also cover nearby towns and villages including Hetton-le-Hole, Houghton-le-Spring and Washington, so coverage across the wider Sunderland area is well covered.

Sunderland's housing market covers a wide range of property types, from Victorian terraces to contemporary apartments, and our surveyors have experience inspecting them all. We work in places such as Ashbrooke, Thornhill, Grindon, Hetton-le-Hole, Houghton-le-Spring and the seafront areas near Roker and Seaburn. Wherever you are buying, our local knowledge means your survey is handled by a surveyor who understands the specific features and common problems in that part of the city. From the steep valleys of the west end to the flat coastal areas in the east, we know how local geography can affect condition.

The city centre has seen a lot of apartment development in recent years, with new schemes bringing modern flats to areas that were once industrial. Our surveyors are used to inspecting apartments and flats, and we check matters such as communal area maintenance, the condition of the building envelope and any possible sound insulation issues between properties. For buyers looking further afield, we also cover surrounding areas including Durham, South Shields, North Shields and Newcastle upon Tyne, which makes us a practical choice for property buyers across the North East.