RICS Level 2 Survey in Great and Little Chishill

Our RICS Level 2 survey provides a detailed inspection of all accessible areas of the property, including the roof space (where safe and accessible), walls, floors, windows, doors, and permanent fixtures. We examine the condition of the building's structure, identify any defects or potential problems, and assess how these might affect the property's value. The survey includes a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost estimate, giving you a complete picture of the property's worth. Our Chartered Surveyors use their extensive training and experience to spot issues that an untrained eye would easily miss.

In a village like Great and Little Chishill, where properties range from older period homes to more recent constructions, our surveyors pay particular attention to common issues found in rural Cambridgeshire housing. This includes checking the condition of traditional brickwork, timber-framed elements, thatch or slate roofing materials, and the integrity of drainage systems serving detached properties. Many homes in this area feature solid wall construction, which requires specific expertise to assess for potential damp penetration and thermal efficiency concerns.

The survey uses a clear traffic light rating system: Red for serious issues requiring urgent attention, Amber for defects needing future repair, and Green for satisfactory condition. This makes it easy to understand which areas need immediate action and which can be monitored over time. We also provide specific recommendations for further investigations if our surveyor identifies any areas requiring specialist assessment, such as structural engineers, damp specialists, or electrical testing contractors.

Our Level 2 surveys cover all the key structural elements and building services. We inspect the roof covering and structure, chimney stacks, walls and foundations, floors and ceilings, windows and doors, damp proof course provision, and both plumbing and electrical installations. Each element receives a condition rating, ensuring you know exactly what you're buying and what maintenance costs you might face in the future.

• Structural integrity and wall condition
• Roof, chimneys, and gutters
• Damp and moisture detection
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical condition
• Boundaries and exterior finishes

Based on our experience surveying properties throughout South Cambridgeshire, we frequently identify several recurring issues that affect homes in Great and Little Chishill. Damp penetration is particularly common in older properties with solid wall construction, where the lack of a cavity wall barrier allows moisture to travel through brickwork. Our surveyors use moisture meters and visual inspection techniques to identify both existing damp problems and conditions that could lead to future issues. This is especially important in properties that have been vacant for periods, as ventilation is reduced and damp can establish itself quietly.

Roof condition is another area requiring careful assessment. Many properties in the village feature traditional roofing materials including slate and clay tiles, with some older homes having thatched roofs that require specialist inspection. We check for slipped or broken tiles, deteriorating roof felt, and the condition of ridge tiles and pointing. Chimney stacks are particularly vulnerable in this area given the exposure to weather that elevated positions can bring. Our surveyors will note any signs of mortar decay, damaged flashing, or potential water ingress around chimney breasts.

The drainage systems serving properties in rural locations like Great and Little Chishill often present challenges. Many homes rely on private septic tanks or cess pits rather than mains drainage, and our surveyors will note the location and apparent condition of these systems. We also check surface water drainage, particularly for properties with large gardens or those near the village's water courses. Given the clay soils that characterise much of Cambridgeshire, we pay attention to the potential for subsidence or movement that can affect drain runs and foundations.

Electrical and plumbing installations in older properties frequently require upgrading to meet current standards. We identify outdated consumer units, inadequate earthing, and old plumbing materials that might cause concern. While we don't carry out detailed testing, our visual inspection highlights obvious safety concerns and recommends further investigation by qualified electricians and plumbers. This is particularly valuable for properties that haven't been updated for several years, which is common in a village with significant older housing stock.

Your RICS Level 2 survey report is designed to be clear and actionable. Each section of the property is assigned a condition rating, and the report includes a clear summary highlighting the most important issues discovered during the inspection. We explain any technical terms in plain English, ensuring you fully understand the property's condition before completing your purchase. The report follows the RICS standard format, making it easy to compare with other survey reports if needed.

In addition to identifying defects, the report includes a market valuation and a reinstatement cost for insurance purposes. This valuation is based on current market conditions in Great and Little Chishill and the wider South Cambridgeshire area. If our valuation differs significantly from the asking price, you can use this information to renegotiate the purchase price. With the market showing 20% annual growth and significant variation between streets, having an up-to-date independent valuation is invaluable.

The report also advises on any urgent defects that require immediate attention and provides estimates for remedial works. While we don't provide quotes for repairs, our clear descriptions help you obtain accurate quotes from contractors. For any issues requiring specialist investigation (such as structural movements or suspected Japanese knotweed), we provide specific recommendations for further inspections. We always err on the side of caution, recommending further investigation whenever we have any concerns about the property's condition.

The market valuation section of our report considers recent sales data for your street and the broader village. For properties on The Pudgell, where average prices are around £850,000, or on Heydon Road where prices have been particularly volatile, our valuation provides an evidence-based assessment of the property's current worth. This information is particularly valuable in the current market conditions where prices are changing rapidly.