RICS Level 2 Survey in W6 Hammersmith

Our RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey is a thorough inspection for properties up to 2,000 square feet, giving a clear, independent view of the property's condition. We look at every accessible part, from the roof space down to the foundations, and pick up defects that can easily be missed on a quick viewing. Walls, floors, ceilings, doors and windows are all checked, along with the plumbing, electrical systems and heating installations. The visual inspection covers approximately 150 specific elements, and each area is given a condition rating in line with RICS standards.

W6 is full of Victorian and Edwardian homes, so our surveyors keep a close eye on the issues that crop up in period buildings. We look for damp, both rising and penetrating, check slate or tiled roofs, inspect timber floors for rot or woodworm, and assess original sash windows. Outbuildings, garages and the surrounding boundaries are also part of the inspection. Most pre-1919 housing stock here was built with traditional solid brick methods, so these properties often have no modern cavity wall insulation and may still rely on original plumbing and electrical systems that need updating.

A clear RICS traffic light rating system sits at the centre of the report, so the most serious issues stand out straight away. In W6, age brings its own complications, and many homes need electrical updates to meet current regulations. Our detailed reports give you something practical to work with, whether that means negotiating with sellers or setting aside money for repairs. They usually run to 10-15 pages and include straightforward recommendations for repairs or any further investigations needed, so you know where you stand before you complete your purchase.

We assess the main structural parts of the home, including the roof structure and covering, walls, chimneys and damp proof course. Floors, ceilings and staircases are covered too, as are windows and doors throughout the property. Plumbing and water systems, electrical installations, heating and ventilation systems, plus any outbuildings or boundaries that belong to the property, all come under review. Each item is given one of three condition ratings, no repair needed, renovation or repair required, or urgent repairs needed.

Homes in W6 come with a set of issues that our surveyors are trained to spot. Because the area sits close to the River Thames, we pay close attention to flood risk and the condition of basement or ground floor areas. Hammersmith's riverside setting may be attractive, but it also brings water table and drainage considerations that our inspectors assess on every survey. We look for any signs of previous flooding, water staining, or damage to ground floor fixtures that could point to historic water ingress.

In places such as Brackenbury, Brook Green and the streets around Hammersmith Broadway, the Victorian and Edwardian housing stock was usually built with traditional brick methods and solid walls. These homes often have no modern cavity wall insulation and may still contain original plumbing and electrical systems that need updating. Our surveyors examine cast iron rainwater goods, original timber sash windows and the often complex roof structures that come with period properties. Many of those roofs include decorative ridge tiles and multiple valleys, so we inspect them carefully for decay or leakage.

Plenty of W6 properties have been converted into flats, which brings a different set of questions around shared elements, the remaining lease term and any planned maintenance to the building. Our survey looks at common parts and can flag issues that may affect how you use the property, or lead to future financial contributions. We also note the condition of communal hallways, entrance areas and any shared roof or basement spaces that are accessible.

There are conservation areas in W6, including the Crabtree Conservation Area and Brackenbury Village, and they can place limits on what alterations are possible. Our surveyor records any conservation area status in the report and can explain what that means for future owners. Properties in these locations often face tighter rules on windows, roofs and exterior finishes, which can affect both the cost and the practicality of future improvements.