RICS Level 2 Survey Boyton, Cornwall

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible areas of your Boyton property. We examine the walls, roof, floors, doors, and windows, as well as the building's exterior and interior condition. The survey includes an assessment of any visible defects, technical information about the construction method, and guidance on necessary repairs and ongoing maintenance. For Boyton's older properties, this is particularly valuable given the prevalence of period construction dating back to the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

Our inspectors pay special attention to issues commonly found in Cornwall's older housing stock. This includes checking for signs of damp, which can be a particular concern in properties with solid walls or those built using traditional lime mortar methods. We inspect roof conditions, examining slate tiles, flashing, andvergullies for signs of wear or damage. Given Boyton's rural location, we also assess whether any trees near the property could affect the foundations or cause subsidence issues over time.

The Level 2 Survey includes a thorough evaluation of the property's services, covering the electrical system, heating, and plumbing. Many of Boyton's older homes still contain original wiring and outdated consumer units, which our surveyors will flag if they do not meet current safety standards. We also check for any evidence of past renovations or alterations, particularly relevant in converted barn properties where the original agricultural structure may have been significantly modified to create residential accommodation.

When we survey a property in Boyton, we take particular note of the local construction methods used in this area. Traditional stone walls, often rendered or pointed with lime mortar, require different assessment approaches compared to modern cavity wall constructions. Our surveyors understand how these older buildings perform in Cornwall's damp climate and can identify where traditional fabric may be failing or where inappropriate modern repairs have been carried out. We look specifically at the junction between walls and roofs, the condition of parapet walls, and the state of any chimneys that may have been subject to decades of exposure to Cornish weather.

• Wall and structural element inspection
• Roof and rainwater goods assessment
• Damp and timber condition check
• Electrical and plumbing overview
• Analysis of any visible defects

Our experience surveying properties throughout the Boyton area has identified several recurring issues that buyers should be aware of. Given the high proportion of period properties built before 1911, damp is one of the most common findings. This can manifest as rising damp in solid wall constructions, penetrating damp from damaged roof coverings or flashing, or condensation issues in poorly ventilated areas. Our surveyors use their expertise to assess the severity and cause of any damp problems, distinguishing between minor cosmetic issues and more serious structural concerns.

Roof conditions are another frequent area of concern in Boyton. Many properties feature traditional slate roofs, which while durable, can suffer from slipped tiles, damaged lead flashing, or deterioration around chimneys and valleys. Our inspectors thoroughly examine these elements, checking for signs of water ingress and assessing the remaining lifespan of roof coverings. For properties with thatched roofs, which can be found in rural Cornwall, we provide specific guidance on maintenance requirements and insurance considerations.

Electrical and plumbing systems in older Boyton properties often require updating to meet modern standards. Original fuse boxes, dated wiring, and old plumbing materials can pose safety risks and may need immediate attention. Our survey highlights these issues and provides recommendations for further investigation by qualified electricians and plumbers. Additionally, we check for any unapproved alterations or extensions, which can affect building regulations compliance and insurance validity.

Given Cornwall's mining history, properties in certain areas may be affected by ground stability issues. While Boyton itself does not have documented mining activity, our surveyors remain alert to signs of subsidence, settlement, or movement that could indicate underlying ground conditions. We assess the property's foundations and look for any cracks or distortion that might suggest structural movement, advising on further investigations where necessary. In older properties with shallow traditional foundations, even minor ground movement can cause significant structural issues that our survey will identify.

Many properties in Boyton have undergone conversion from agricultural buildings to residential use. These barn conversions often present unique challenges, as the original structure may have been significantly modified to create living accommodation. We pay particular attention to the structural integrity of converted buildings, checking that original features such as beams and stone walls remain sound and that any modern interventions have been carried out to appropriate standards. The presence of a Grade II listed building in Boyton highlights the importance of understanding historic building fabric and any restrictions on future alterations.