RICS Level 2 Survey in Bluntisham

The character of Bluntisham means buyers encounter properties ranging from 18th-century thatched cottages to brand new four-bedroom houses. Our RICS Level 2 surveys are designed to identify the issues that matter most, whether that's checking the condition of traditional gault brick walls or assessing the drainage systems in newer builds. The village's proximity to the River Great Ouse means flood risk is a genuine consideration, particularly for properties on Station Road and Rectory Road where residents have experienced significant flooding in recent years. We inspect properties across all price points, from terraced houses around £255,000 through to the premium homes at Mill Gardens selling at £800,000-£825,000.

Many properties in Bluntisham sit within or adjacent to the Conservation Area, which was designated in 1980 and includes linear development along the High Street. These older properties, including several Grade II listed buildings such as Bluntisham House (formerly The Rectory) on Rectory Road and various thatched cottages on East Street and Colne Road, often feature traditional construction methods that require an experienced eye. Our inspectors look for signs of damp, which can be particularly problematic given the local drainage issues reported by the Parish Council, and assess roof conditions where original clay tiles may have been replaced with heavier concrete variants. The presence of clay soils, evidenced by the historical brick-making industry in the village during the 17th century, means we pay particular attention to potential subsidence and heave issues.

The village has seen considerable residential development in recent years, with new housing to the north and east of the Conservation Area. The Orchard View development on Station Road delivered 26 new homes through Accent Housing, while Mill Gardens on Mill Lane offers premium four-bedroom detached houses. A new development of 140 homes is planned north of Station Road by Barratt Redrow, and a further 90 homes are proposed west of Longacres on Colne Road. While these new builds offer modern construction with the benefit of NHBC warranty, they still benefit from a professional survey to identify any snagging issues or construction defects that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. Our surveyors understand the specific issues affecting both traditional and modern construction in this area.

Bluntisham's location near the River Great Ouse means flood risk is an important consideration for buyers. The Environment Agency issues flood warnings for the area around Needingworth Road, and properties have been affected by both river flooding and surface water flooding. The clay soils common throughout the village can also cause shrink-swell movement, particularly during periods of drought or heavy rainfall, potentially affecting foundations. Our inspectors are familiar with these local environmental factors and know exactly what to look for when assessing a property's structural integrity and flood resilience.

• Identifying structural movement and subsidence risk
• Assessing roof condition and potential leaks
• Checking for damp and condensation issues
• Evaluating electrical and plumbing condition
• Identifying urgent repairs needed
• Spotting potential flood damage or water ingress

Based on our experience surveying properties across Cambridgeshire, we find several recurring issues in Bluntisham homes. Damp is perhaps the most common concern, particularly in older properties that may lack modern damp-proof courses. The flooding incidents reported by residents, especially in areas with drainage problems around Station Road and Rectory Road, can lead to penetrating damp that affects walls, floors, and joinery. Our surveyors know where to look for the signs of damp damage that might be hidden from a casual viewing, including behind furniture, in corners, and at floor level where rising damp is most common.

Roof condition is another frequent finding, particularly in older properties where original clay or slate tiles may have deteriorated or been replaced with inappropriate materials. We inspect for missing or damaged tiles, signs of leakage, and the condition of fascias and soffits. In properties where the roof structure is accessible, we also check for timber decay or evidence of past infestations. The weight of concrete tiles when fitted to older roofs originally designed for lighter clay or slate can cause structural issues that our surveyors specifically look for.

Electrical systems in properties built before the 1980s often require attention. Many older Bluntisham homes still have original wiring that does not meet current regulations, and our surveyors note any visible electrical concerns that should be investigated by a qualified electrician. Similarly, plumbing systems in vintage properties may use outdated materials like lead or galvanised steel that could benefit from upgrading. We also check for adequate ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens, as poor ventilation can lead to condensation and subsequent damp problems.

Structural movement and cracking are issues we frequently identify, particularly given the clay soils present throughout the Bluntisham area. These shrink-swell soils can cause foundations to move with seasonal moisture changes, leading to cracking in walls. Our surveyors assess any cracks found, measuring their width and pattern to determine whether they indicate serious structural issues or are merely cosmetic. Properties near mature trees or those with inadequate drainage are particularly susceptible to these ground movement issues.

• Signs of past flooding or water damage
• Missing or damaged roof tiles and slates
• Cracking to walls indicating structural movement
• Outdated electrical wiring
• Missing or defective damp-proof course
• Blocked or damaged gutters and drainage