“Loft inspected” is a small note carrying a large assumption. It may describe entry into the main roof space, a view through one hatch or an inspection of only the area reached from a boarded walkway. A property may also have a separate extension void that the main hatch does not serve.
When outsourcing Level 2 report drafting, give the writer a roof-space record that makes those distinctions explicit. The aim is to preserve the inspection achieved, the findings you assessed and the advice you intend, without allowing one accessible area to stand for the whole roof.
Keep the Level 2 scope in view
The RICS Level 2 inspection scope describes roof-space access not more than three metres above floor level, using a ladder where safe and reasonable. For Level 2 it describes entering the space and visually inspecting the roof structure, particularly parts vulnerable to deterioration and damage. RICS’ Home Survey Standard page, checked on 7 November 2026, directs members to use the first edition until the second takes full effect.
Describe any restriction on that inspection and its consequence. A hatch view should be recorded as a hatch view; it should not be expanded in drafting into a statement that the roof space was entered. The surveyor determines whether the evidence and remaining uncertainty call for further action.
Give each roof void a separate identity
Identify the hatch location and the area it serves. Where there is more than one hatch, explain whether they open into connected spaces or separate voids, if established. A simple distinction such as “main roof, landing hatch” and “rear extension, bedroom hatch” helps keep notes and images in the right section.
Record the method and extent for each space: entered, viewed from the hatch, partly accessible or inaccessible. Include the actual reason for any restriction, such as stored contents, boarding or the access arrangement. Specify which parts could be seen and which remained concealed, rather than relying on a general reference to limited access.
Separate visible materials from concealed construction
For the areas inspected, record the visible roof members, any lining and the insulation observations that you want included. State where your description applies. If insulation depth was measured, give the location and method; if it was only estimated, preserve that distinction in the brief.
Boarding, finishes or insulation may prevent a view of parts of the structure. An unseen member should not become a missing member in the draft. Equally, photographs of a small visible area cannot support an assessment of the adequacy of the whole roof design. Supply your own technical assessment, rating where applicable and intended recommendations alongside the observations.
A worked handover with two hatches
In a fictional inspection, the surveyor enters the main roof space through the landing hatch. The central area is visible, but stored boxes restrict the view towards the rear eaves. A second hatch serves a separate rear extension void and cannot be opened. The surveyor also records staining on the ceiling below that extension and wants further access arranged to investigate the concern before exchange.
The writer can keep three points distinct: the main space was entered, part of its eaves remained obscured and the extension void was inaccessible. The staining and the surveyor’s instruction explain the purpose of the further investigation. The draft should not attribute the stain to a confirmed roof leak, describe the rear void as inspected or imply that the main roof findings apply to it.
If the brief only says “two hatches; rear inaccessible”, return a precise question about the affected void and the inspection method. Our drafting query guide shows how to record the question and the surveyor’s answer.
Review the connected sections
Check the roof-structure narrative against the ceilings, insulation commentary, relevant risks and overall opinion. A broad sentence saying the structure was fully inspected can undermine an otherwise accurate limitation. Confirm that each recommendation has the scope and timing you intended. The inspection limitations guide explains how to describe the practical effect of restricted access.
The Survey Edit provides outsourced Level 2 report writing from your notes, photographs, supplied template and instructions. Our worked drafting example shows how observations and uncertainties can remain separate across connected sections. You review, amend and approve the complete draft, retaining responsibility for the professional advice and issue of the final report. Enquire about your next Level 2 drafting instruction.
You inspect. We write.