Apartments

Apartments

Modern apartments are increasingly common in urban areas of Greater Manchester and Cheshire, particularly in city centres and around transport hubs. These properties, built from the 1990s onwards, feature contemporary construction methods including concrete frames, steel structures, and curtain walling systems. Key features include communal areas, integrated services, and often balconies or terraces. Survey considerations include assessing fire safety measures, evaluating sound insulation, checking communal services and management arrangements, reviewing cladding systems (particularly post-Grenfell), and understanding leasehold obligations. Issues may include defective cladding, poor workmanship in newer developments, and complex service charge arrangements.

Common Defects

Issue	Defect Cause	Defect Remedy
Condensation issues	Limited ventilation in airtight modern buildings Restrictive window opening for safety in high-rise developments Modern lifestyles generating moisture	Improved mechanical ventilation systems Installation of humidity-controlled extractors Dehumidification solutions where needed
Inadequate fire stopping	Compromises during construction processes Service penetrations through fire compartments Deficiencies revealed by post-Grenfell inspections	Installation of appropriate fire barriers Proper sealing of service penetrations Upgrading fire doors and compartmentation
Leaking/defective seals in double glazing	Failure of seals over time Movement in building structure affecting frames Exposure to temperature variations	Replacement of seals where possible Full replacement of glazed units Checking and repairing frame drainage
Inadequate bathroom ventilation	Internal bathrooms without natural ventilation Undersized or poorly maintained extraction Ducting issues in complex apartment layouts	Installation of higher capacity extractor fans Checking and clearing of ventilation ducts Consideration of heat-recovery ventilation
Water ingress around frames	Poor installation of windows and doors Movement in building structure Failure of weatherproofing details	Resealing of frames Improvement of drainage details Possible replacement of affected units

RICS Home Surveys

We provide a range of home surveys for buyers and owners of property across Manchester and Cheshire. Our surveys are compliant with RICS Home Survey Standard, and are undertaken by MRICS or FRICS Chartered Surveyors.

Home Survey – Level 1

'Condition Survey'

£200 - £400

A cost-effective, entry-level property assessment providing clear condition ratings and identifying serious defects that could affect your purchase decision….

Home Survey – Level 2

'Home Buyers Survey'

£350 - £600

A comprehensive assessment of your potential property’s condition, with detailed insights into defects, repair needs, and maintenance requirements – ideal…