RICS Level 2 Survey in Washington

Our Level 2 Survey gives a visual check of the property’s main parts. We look at the walls, roof, foundations, damp-proof courses and insulation, then put together a report that picks out any defects we find. Each element gets a condition grade, so it is easy to see what needs prompt attention.

In Washington, where the old mining legacy still crops up in the housing stock, our surveyors pay close attention to subsidence, ground movement and signs of structural instability. We look for cracking in walls, uneven floors, and doors that stick or refuse to shut properly, all of which can point to deeper problems. The report also covers market valuation and rebuild cost, which is useful for insurance and mortgage checks.

The survey covers the usual construction elements, including windows, doors, chimneys, plumbing and electrical installations where visible. We lift accessible trapdoors and, where we reasonably can, look beneath carpets, so you get a proper picture of the property’s true condition. For homes in Washington, especially older developments, we also look closely at the roof space and sub-floor areas where access allows.

• Wall condition and structural integrity
• Roof covering and flashing
• Damp and timber condition
• Windows and doors
• Plumbing and electrical visible work
• Floor structures and foundations

Washington has seen a lot of new development in recent years. At Herrington Grange, homes range from £199,995 for a three-bedroom terraced house to £304,995 for detached houses, while Lionfields is aimed at buyers wanting larger luxury homes, with five and six-bedroom detached houses priced from £714,995 to £877,995. Even so, a Level 2 Survey is still useful on modern properties, because hidden defects do not always show up at a viewing.

New-builds can have problems that are different from older homes, but they matter just as much. We often come across weak insulation in roof spaces, poorly fitted windows and doors, and damp-proof courses that have not yet shown obvious signs of damp. At Herrington Grange and other Washington developments, our surveyors look beyond the basic developer handover, so you know what you are buying.

The Level 2 Survey is also handy for snagging. On a new-build, the report gives a clear baseline condition record that can be used to ask the developer to put things right. If there is a dispute later about the property’s condition after completion, that paperwork matters. With the size of the investment involved in Washington new-builds, especially the premium homes at Lionfields, the survey cost is modest protection against defects.

Washington’s housing market covers everything from modern new-build schemes to older terraced and semi-detached houses. With 263 property sales in NE38 alone over the past year, activity is strong, but buyers still need to watch for issues that vary by age and type. Our Level 2 Survey gives you the detail needed to negotiate on price if defects show up, or to budget for repairs.

Many Washington homes date from the post-war period through to the 1980s, so they may be approaching, or have already passed, the 50-year mark where hidden defects become more common. Older properties can bring deteriorating roof coverings, dated electrical systems, ageing damp-proof courses and worn plumbing. A Level 2 Survey spots these issues before you commit, which can save thousands in surprise repair bills.

From flats in the NE37 area to detached family homes in newer developments, Washington has a real mix of property types, and each needs a slightly different approach. Our surveyors shape the inspection around the property in front of them, so relevant issues are picked up whether we are looking at a modern apartment or a traditional house. With average property values in Washington still representing a major outlay, the survey is cheap protection against nasty surprises.

Tyne and Wear’s local housing stock is roughly 34% terraced properties, 33% semi-detached, 18% flats and 15% detached homes. That mix means our surveyors need to know the construction methods behind each type, from traditional brick-built terraces to more modern timber-frame builds. We bring that knowledge to every inspection, so nothing important is missed whatever style of property you are considering.

Our work across Washington has highlighted a few recurring problems buyers should watch for. In homes built during the post-war boom through the 1970s, we often see deteriorating roof coverings where original tiles have reached the end of their life. Missing or cracked tiles let water in, and if that is left alone it can lead to timber decay and mould growth inside the structure.

Electrical systems in older Washington homes need careful attention. Properties built before the 1990s may still have outdated fuse boards, too few socket points and wiring that no longer meets current regulations. Our surveyors visually check accessible electrical installations and note anything that should go to a qualified electrician before completion. That can help avoid dangerous faults and keep insurance happy.

Damp is one of the most common issues we find in Washington homes. Rising damp can appear where damp-proof courses have failed or were never installed, especially in properties built before the 1960s. Penetrating damp is more often linked to ageing brickwork or defective gutters and downpipes. We test carefully with moisture meters, then record the findings and possible remediation in the report.

Washington’s mining heritage means we stay alert to signs of structural movement linked to ground instability. Most properties in the area are stable, but our surveyors are trained to spot the subtle clues of mining-related subsidence. Diagonal cracking from door and window frames, floors that slope, and walls that bow or bulge all need a closer look. If we find serious concerns, we recommend a specialist structural survey.

Our team of RICS chartered surveyors has wide experience of properties across Washington and the wider Tyne and Wear region. We understand the local housing stock, from the modern developments in NE37 to the established residential streets of NE38, and we know what matters when inspecting homes in this area. Our reports are written in clear, jargon-free language, so you understand the property’s condition before you complete your purchase.

We believe every property buyer in Washington deserves independent, straightforward advice. Our surveyors have no conflict of interest, because we do not carry out remedial work or recommend specific contractors, so our reports stay genuinely independent. Book a Level 2 Survey with us and our only priority is an accurate assessment of the property’s condition. That independence means honest, unbiased advice you can rely on when making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.

Washington’s property market offers good opportunities for buyers, with everything from affordable terraced homes to substantial detached houses. Each property type brings its own possible issues, though. Our surveyors treat every inspection as a fresh job, recording the condition of that individual property rather than relying on age or type. From a flat in the NE37 postcode area to a family home near the George Washington Hotel, you receive the same thorough, professional service.

Washington sits between Sunderland, Newcastle and Durham, so it works well for commuters and keeps demand steady in the local market. The area offers a mix of affordable housing and newer developments, but each property still needs its own assessment. Our local knowledge means we understand how mining history, the age of the housing stock and development patterns all affect condition, giving you context that a generic survey cannot match.