RICS Level 2 Survey Coates

Our RICS Level 2 survey provides a comprehensive evaluation of the property's visible and accessible elements. The inspection covers the overall condition of the walls, roof, windows, doors, and foundations, along with the condition of plumbing, electrical installations, and insulation. In Coates, where many properties range from traditional fenland homes to newer builds near the Whittlesey Lakeside development, our surveyors are familiar with the common issues affecting local housing stock. We check every accessible area systematically, following the strict RICS inspection methodology that ensures consistency and thoroughness.

The Level 2 survey uses a clear traffic light rating system to indicate the condition of each element: red for urgent repairs required, amber for defects that need attention but are not urgent, and green for satisfactory condition. This straightforward approach helps you prioritise any renovation work or negotiate the asking price based on the findings. Our inspectors also provide practical advice on maintenance matters specific to properties in the Cambridgeshire Fens region. We often find that buyers are surprised by the level of detail in our reports, which goes far beyond what they would notice during a viewing.

Properties in the Coates area may be susceptible to certain ground conditions due to the underlying clay and peat soils common throughout the fens. Our surveyors pay particular attention to signs of subsidence, movement, or drainage issues that can affect properties in this geological context. We also check for any flood risk indicators, as low-lying fenland areas can experience surface water flooding after heavy rainfall. The relatively flat landscape of the Cambridgeshire Fens means that drainage is a constant consideration, and we inspect gutters, downpipes, and the general slope of the surrounding ground carefully.

We have found that many properties in the PE7 area were built during the mid-to-late twentieth century, meaning they may have outdated electrical systems that do not meet current regulations. Our survey includes a visual assessment of the consumer unit, wiring age and condition, and socket outlets, flagging any areas that would benefit from further investigation by a qualified electrician. We also check for the presence of asbestos-containing materials in properties built before the 1980s, which remains a hidden concern in many older homes throughout the Whittlesey and Coates area.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, damp proofing and insulation
• Windows, doors and joinery
• Floors, stairs and ceilings
• Plumbing and water systems
• Electrical safety and wiring
• External elements including gutters
• Garages and outbuildings

Properties throughout the Coates and Whittlesey area present several common issues that our surveyors frequently identify during Level 2 inspections. Due to the nature of fenland ground conditions, with clay and peat soils underlying much of the area, signs of subsidence or ground movement are a key focus. We check for cracking in walls, uneven floors, and doors or windows that do not close properly, which can indicate structural movement. In our experience, properties built on the more stable ground near the village centre tend to perform better than those on the outer edges where the soil conditions are more challenging.

Drainage is another significant consideration for properties in this part of Cambridgeshire. The relatively flat landscape can lead to surface water gathering after heavy rain, and older properties may have drainage systems that are not adequate for modern requirements. Our surveyors inspect gutters, downpipes, and the general slope of the surrounding ground to identify potential problems. We have seen numerous properties in the area with blocked or inadequate drainage that leads to damp issues, particularly in the lower ground floor areas.

Many properties in Coates were built during the mid-to-late twentieth century, meaning they may have outdated electrical systems that do not meet current regulations. We assess the condition of consumer units, wiring, and socket outlets, flagging any areas of concern. Additionally, we check for the presence of asbestos in older properties, which was commonly used in construction before the 1980s. In our experience, around half of the properties we survey in the PE7 area have some form of outdated electrical installation that would benefit from upgrading.

Roof conditions vary significantly depending on the age and type of property. While newer properties may have tiles in good condition, older homes may have slipped tiles, deteriorated flashing, or inadequate insulation. Our inspectors examine the roof from ground level and accessible loft spaces to provide a comprehensive assessment. We often find that properties in the Coates area lack the loft insulation levels required by current building regulations, which is an issue that can be relatively inexpensive to rectify but makes a significant difference to energy efficiency.