RICS Level 2 Survey in Writtle

Our RICS Level 2 Survey covers the main accessible parts of a property in detail. We inspect the walls, roof, floors, doors and windows, looking for damage, deterioration and early signs of trouble. The report sets out the property's condition and points to defects that are already visible, along with issues that could become more serious over time. We work methodically, so nothing accessible is missed, and we back up our findings with photographs and straightforward written notes.

Writtle has plenty of homes from the Victorian or Edwardian periods, so our surveyors know the faults that often come with that age of property. We check carefully for rising damp in houses without modern damp-proof courses, inspect timber floors and beams for woodworm or rot, and review older electrical and plumbing systems that may fall short of current regulations. Structural movement is another key point here, because much of the area sits on London Clay soil, which can lead to subsidence or heave in periods of drought or heavy rainfall.

As part of the Level 2 Survey, we include both a market valuation and an insurance reinstatement figure, so you have a clearer picture of what the property is worth. Where we spot something worrying, we mark it out as an urgent or serious issue so you can focus on the work that matters first. In Writtle's Conservation Area, we also highlight points that matter when buying a historic home, including alterations that may need listed building consent. The report is set out with a simple traffic light system, making it easy to see what needs attention and what appears to be in good order.

From timber-framed cottages with red brick infill in the village centre to newer homes built with cavity wall construction, we know the range of building methods used across Writtle. That local experience helps us pick up problems that a less seasoned surveyor might miss. Roofs get close attention, especially on older homes where original clay tiles may be nearing the end of their lifespan. We also inspect chimneys and leadwork thoroughly, as both can be troublesome in period properties.

• Roof structure and covering
• Wall construction and condition
• Damp and timber assessment
• Electrical and plumbing overview
• Structural movement check
• Drainage and gutters

Because so much of Writtle's housing stock is older, certain defects come up again and again in Level 2 inspections. Damp is high on that list. Rising damp is common in homes built before the 1970s without modern damp-proof courses, while penetrating damp often appears where pointing has failed or roof coverings are damaged or slipped. Condensation can also show up in homes with poor ventilation, especially newer properties sealed up for energy efficiency. We use moisture meters to help identify damp that may not be obvious to the untrained eye.

Roofs are another regular trouble spot, particularly on Writtle's older houses. Many still have their original coverings, and quite a few are now at the end of their lifespan. We often find broken or slipped tiles, failing leadwork around chimneys and felt that has rotted through, letting water into the roof space. Left alone, those defects can lead to major water damage. We also inspect the roof timbers for rot or insect attack that could affect the roof's structural integrity.

Older Writtle homes often need attention to their electrical and plumbing systems. Some still retain original wiring from the 1960s or earlier, which may not meet current safety expectations. Where accessible, we check the consumer unit, the wiring condition and the socket outlets. On the plumbing side, lead pipes and old galvanised pipework are both commonly encountered, and either can affect water quality and pressure. We flag these points so you can budget for upgrades. We also record the location of any asbestos-containing materials we see, which may be present in properties built before 2000.

Structural movement is a genuine concern in Writtle because of the London Clay ground conditions. After drought or heavy rainfall, some properties can show signs of subsidence or heave. We examine walls for cracking, check whether doors and windows open and close properly, and look for other movement indicators. Where the signs suggest a deeper problem, we recommend further investigation by a structural engineer. The River Wid is another local factor, with some properties exposed to flooding risk, and we note that in our reports where relevant.

• Rising damp and condensation
• Roof tile damage and leaks
• Outdated electrical wiring
• Old plumbing systems
• Timber decay and woodworm
• Structural cracking