RICS Level 2 Survey in Cambourne CB23 6

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property. We examine the walls, ceilings, floors, doors, and windows, along with the roof space (where safe and accessible), the exterior of the building, and any outbuildings. The survey also includes an assessment of the property's services such as electrics, plumbing, and heating, giving you a complete overview of the overall condition and any urgent issues that require attention.

In Cambourne's predominantly new-build housing stock, our inspectors frequently identify snagging issues that may have been missed during initial developer handovers. These can include poorly sealed windows that allow drafts, minor cracking from settlement (particularly common in the first two years after construction), drainage problems where soakaways haven't been properly compacted, and roofing defects such as missing tiles or inadequate flashing. For the older properties that do exist in the area, we check for more traditional concerns including damp, subsidence risk from the local clay geology, and outdated electrical systems that may not meet current regulations.

The CB23 6 area sits on Boulder Clay and Gault Formation clay, which presents a moderate to high shrink-swell risk. This geological characteristic makes our assessment of foundations and subsidence risk particularly important for properties in this postcode. Our surveyors pay close attention to any signs of movement, cracking, or issues with trees and vegetation that could affect the building's structural integrity. Properties with mature trees close to the building require extra scrutiny, as tree roots can extract moisture from clay soils, causing shrinkage and subsequent subsidence.

The construction methods we commonly encounter in Cambourne include modern cavity wall construction with brick (typically in red or buff tones) and render finishes, along with pitched roofs featuring concrete or clay tiles. We also see timber frame construction in newer developments, which requires careful inspection of external cladding for any signs of moisture penetration or defect. Our surveyors are trained to identify issues specific to these construction types, ensuring nothing is missed during the inspection.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Assessment of structural integrity and subsidence risk
• Evaluation of damp and moisture problems
• Check of roofing, chimneys, and gutters
• Inspection of windows, doors, and joinery
• Assessment of electrical and plumbing services
• Evaluation of drainage and external areas
• Clear traffic light rating system for defects

The geological conditions in South Cambridgeshire present specific considerations for property owners. The Boulder Clay deposits underlying much of CB23 6 can cause soil movement during periods of drought or heavy rainfall, potentially leading to subsidence or heave. Our surveyors assess any existing signs of movement and evaluate the risk based on the property's foundations, the presence of trees, and drainage conditions. Properties with mature trees close to the building are of particular interest, as tree roots can extract moisture from clay soils, causing shrinkage and subsequent subsidence. We examine crack patterns in walls, door and window operation, and any historical evidence of movement in the building's structure.

Surface water flooding represents a more significant concern for certain areas within CB23 6, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall when drainage systems can become overwhelmed. While river flooding risk remains low in this area, understanding surface water risks helps you plan for proper maintenance and any necessary flood resilience measures. Our inspectors examine the property's drainage arrangements, look for signs of past flooding, and assess the surrounding topography to identify any potential flood risks. We check guttering, downpipes, and any soakaway systems, noting where these may be inadequate for the local soil conditions.

The predominant construction method in Cambourne involves modern cavity wall construction with brick and render finishes, typically featuring pitched roofs with concrete or clay tiles. While these modern methods generally provide good structural integrity, our surveyors check for common issues including mortar deterioration, render cracks, tile damage, and any signs of inadequate installation that could lead to future problems. For the newer timber frame constructions common in recent developments at Manor Farm and Upper Cambourne, we pay particular attention to the external cladding and any signs of moisture penetration that could indicate defects in the weatherproofing system.

Energy efficiency is another consideration we address in our surveys. With many properties in CB23 6 being relatively new, they should meet modern insulation standards, but we still check for thermal bridges, inadequate sealing around windows and doors, and any areas where heat loss might be occurring. This is particularly relevant for properties where the original developer may have cut corners to meet price points, and our findings can inform negotiations around potential improvement works.