RICS Level 2 Survey in Macclesfield

We carry out a detailed visual inspection of every accessible part of the property. Roof structure, walls, floors, doors and windows are all checked, along with damp-proof courses, insulation and drainage systems. We look for structural movement, water penetration and timber defects, which can be especially common in Macclesfield’s older Victorian and Edwardian homes built in traditional red brick. Every inspection is completed to RICS standards, so the approach stays consistent whatever the property type or age.

Our survey highlights both urgent defects that need immediate attention and less serious issues that may come up later. Around properties in Macclesfield near the River Bollin, we give extra attention to any damp or water damage that may relate to flood risk in the area. Where visible, we also check electrical and plumbing installations, and we flag anything that falls short of current safety standards. Homes in low-lying spots near the river need a careful look for past water ingress and any repair work carried out after earlier flooding.

Every RICS Level 2 report sets out clear condition ratings, so repairs and maintenance can be prioritised sensibly. We also include practical advice on any further investigations, such as checks for Japanese knotweed or specialist advice on heritage features in conservation areas. That gives you the information needed to make a sound decision about a purchase in Macclesfield. The report is written in plain language, with no jargon, so the findings are easy to follow whatever your knowledge of property construction.

• Structural elements
• Roof condition
• Damp and rot
• Electrical basics
• Plumbing visible areas
• Windows and doors

Our experience surveying homes across Macclesfield means we know exactly what to look for in the local stock. The red brick construction used so widely here is durable, but mortar can deteriorate over time, especially on properties exposed to prevailing winds from the Peak District. The same proximity to the Peak District means some homes also have stone features that need specialist assessment if deterioration is suspected. We often find that original mortar pointing has broken down in older brickwork, letting in water and causing damp inside.

Damp is still one of the issues we come across most often in Macclesfield homes, particularly in older properties built before modern damp-proofing was standard. We look closely for rising damp in ground floor walls, penetrating damp in roof spaces and condensation problems in homes with limited ventilation. Left alone, these issues can lead to structural damage and health concerns for occupants. In solid-wall properties, which are common in the Victorian and Edwardian stock, the lack of a cavity creates extra moisture-management challenges that our surveyors assess carefully.

Flood risk in parts of Macclesfield, especially near the River Bollin and in low-lying areas, is another factor our surveyors consider during the inspection. With 15% of properties in Macclesfield at risk of flooding over the next 30 years, it is a major point for buyers to think about. We record any visible signs of previous water damage and provide guidance on flood resilience measures. For homes in higher-risk zones, we recommend checking the Environment Agency flood maps and looking at suitable surveys or insurance. Where relevant, our reports include specific advice on flood resilience measures linked to the property’s location.

Older Macclesfield properties often have electrical and plumbing systems that no longer meet current regulations. Homes with original Victorian-era electrics may need rewiring, while lead pipes and old boiler systems often require replacement. Our Level 2 survey flags these concerns so you can plan for the cost of upgrades. We identify visible consumer units, wiring conditions where accessible and older pipework materials that could raise health or safety issues. Properties with original cast iron soil stacks, which are common in Victorian terraces, are also flagged for further assessment.

With 351 homes currently under construction across two development sites in Macclesfield and a further 843 homes planned across fifteen different developments, new build homes are becoming a bigger part of the local market. Many buyers assume a survey is unnecessary on a new property, but that can be an expensive mistake. Our Level 2 surveys on new build homes regularly uncover construction defects, building regulation issues and snagging items that builders may otherwise miss or be slow to fix.

The King's Gate development, with one-bedroom apartments only a two-minute walk from Macclesfield town centre, is a good example of the new build stock being delivered here. These modern apartments benefit from current building standards, but our inspectors still check window installations, balcony connections and the condition of shared areas. Even new homes can suffer when construction schedules are rushed, or where developers have cut corners to meet targets.

For buyers looking at new build homes in Macclesfield’s growing developments, a Level 2 survey offers useful independent confirmation of quality. Unlike the builder’s own checks, our surveyors work only in your interests and have no link to the developer. That independence means we can identify issues objectively and give you the evidence needed to ask for repairs before completion or to seek a price adjustment if serious defects are found.

Macclesfield’s position on the River Bollin brings particular flood risk considerations, and our local surveyors know the area well. Homes in the lower-lying parts of the town centre and close to the river need a careful check for flood resilience. We look for evidence of earlier flooding, the condition of flood mitigation measures and the property’s height relative to surrounding ground levels. Our understanding of local drainage patterns and past flood events informs the assessment in a way that a generic survey cannot match.

The geology around Macclesfield, shaped in part by the nearby Peak District, creates specific challenges for some properties. Clay soils, which are common in parts of Cheshire, can lead to subsidence, particularly where trees and vegetation are close to buildings. Our surveyors are trained to spot signs of ground movement, including cracking patterns that may point to subsidence, and we recommend a structural engineer’s inspection if concerns arise. That local knowledge is especially useful in areas with known ground stability issues.

Macclesfield’s conservation areas include many properties of historic interest, particularly around the town centre and in streets lined with Victorian and Edwardian architecture. Our surveyors understand what listed building status and conservation area restrictions mean for maintenance and alterations. We can identify original features of historic value and flag changes that may have needed listed building consent. That helps buyers understand the condition of the property and the ongoing responsibilities and restrictions that come with owning a heritage asset.