RICS Level 2 Survey in Winston

Our RICS Level 2 Survey carries out a visual inspection of all accessible parts of the property. We look at the walls, roof, floors, doors, and windows, checking for damage, decay, or signs of structural movement. The survey also sets out the property’s overall condition and points to any defects that may need attention now or in the near future. Our inspectors work methodically through each section, recording what they find with notes and photographs. We inspect both inside and out, including any accessible lofts, cellars, and outbuildings that form part of the property.

In a village like Winston, where many homes were built pre-1919, we give extra attention to the issues that often affect older properties. That means checking for rising damp in solid wall construction, looking over traditional timber-framed windows, and assessing older roofing materials for wear. Our surveyors are used to spotting problems linked to Durham’s housing stock, including those that come from the stone and brick building methods seen across the Tees Valley region. We also take account of the local geology, with Carboniferous rocks, including sandstones and shales overlain by glacial till, which can influence foundation performance and soil movement.

We present the report using a traffic light rating system, so the condition of each inspected element is easy to read. Green means no repairs are needed, amber shows defects that need attention but are not urgent, and red flags serious issues that call for immediate action. It gives a clear picture of what you are buying and what spending may follow after completion. Each section also includes practical recommendations, from routine maintenance to specialist investigations that may be needed before completion.

The main structural elements are assessed too, including load-bearing walls, foundations, and the roof structure. We inspect the chimney stack and any parapet walls, both of which matter a great deal in older solid-wall properties. Rainwater goods, drainage systems, and boundary features are examined as well, as these can point to underlying problems with the substructure or the ground around the property.

• Walls and foundations
• Roof structure and covering
• Floors and ceilings
• Windows and doors
• Plumbing and electrical basics
• Damp and timber assessment

Because so much of Winston’s housing stock is older, our surveyors often come across the same issues again and again. Damp is one of the most common, especially rising damp in homes with solid walls and no modern cavity wall construction. That is particularly true in older cottages and farmhouses built by traditional methods. Our inspectors use moisture meters alongside visual checks to identify damp penetration and set out remediation advice. Properties built from local stone can be especially vulnerable to damp ingress through mortar joints and porous stonework, particularly where external renders have failed or been applied badly.

Roof condition is another area where Winston properties frequently show problems. Many homes in the village have traditional slate or tile roofs that have lasted for decades. We check for slipped or broken tiles, failing pointing, and problems with leadwork around chimneys and valleys. In older buildings, we also examine timber rafters and joists for rot or woodworm that could weaken the roof structure. These findings are set out clearly in your report, with photographic evidence. Traditional lime-based mortars in older roofs often mean repairs need specialist knowledge so the historic fabric is not damaged further.

Electrical and plumbing systems in pre-1980s properties often need attention, and our survey shows where installations fall short of current safety standards. We do not test every circuit or pipe, but we visually inspect the consumer unit, wiring condition, and pipework to spot obvious hazards or outdated systems. If we see major concerns, we recommend further checks by qualified electricians or plumbers before completion. Many older homes still have original consumer units with re-wirable fuses rather than modern circuit breakers, and visible cloth-covered wiring is another common finding that merits further investigation.

Timber defects are another significant issue in Winston’s older properties. Our surveyors check all accessible timber elements, including floor joists, roof rafters, door and window frames, and any structural timber, for signs of woodworm, wet rot, or dry rot. These problems can be especially serious where timbers have been affected by ongoing damp or where ventilation has been restricted in roof spaces or under-floor areas. We identify where timber treatment or structural repairs may be needed and mark those areas clearly in our report. Significant timber defects can have major consequences for future repair costs, so spotting them early matters when you are budgeting.

We also take the local geology into account when looking at foundations and substructures. Boulder clay deposits that sit over the solid geology in parts of the Winston area can be prone to shrink-swell movement as moisture levels change, particularly where trees are close to the foundations. Our inspectors look for signs of foundation movement, including cracking in walls, sticking doors and windows, and uneven floors that may point to ground movement. If we find concerns, we recommend the right specialist structural engineering assessment.