RICS Level 2 Survey in Hunsonby

Our RICS Level 2 survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible areas of your Hunsonby property. The surveyor will examine the walls, roof, floors, doors, and windows, assessing their current condition and identifying any defects that require attention. We check for signs of damp, structural movement, roof condition, and the integrity of the building's fabric. Each survey includes a detailed condition rating system that clearly highlights issues requiring urgent attention versus those that are minor.

The survey covers the interior and exterior of the property, including the garage and outbuildings where accessible. We inspect the services such as electricity, gas, and water, noting their condition but not testing them. Our reports include specific advice on any urgent defects discovered during the inspection, giving you a clear understanding of what you're purchasing.

For properties in Hunsonby and the surrounding Eden district, our surveyors pay particular attention to issues common in older Cumbrian properties. Many homes in this area are older constructions that may have traditional features requiring specialist assessment. The Level 2 survey provides you with the information needed to plan for any remedial works or factor these costs into your purchase decision.

Our inspectors also assess the general condition of the boundaries, fences, and access points, which is particularly relevant for rural properties where large gardens or agricultural land may be included in the sale. We note any visible issues with outbuildings, barns, or traditional stone walls that are common features in the Hunsonby area. This comprehensive approach ensures you have a complete picture of the property condition before completing your purchase.

• Wall condition and structural integrity
• Roof covering and chimney condition
• Damp and moisture detection
• Floor and ceiling condition
• Window and door operation
• Electrical and gas visual checks

Your RICS Level 2 survey report uses a clear traffic light rating system to highlight the condition of each element inspected. Properties rated as red require urgent attention and may have serious defects that affect the building's structural integrity or safety. Amber ratings indicate issues that need attention but are not immediately critical, while green ratings mean no significant defects were found.

For Hunsonby properties, our surveyors commonly find issues related to the age of the local housing stock. Traditional Cumbrian buildings often feature solid wall construction, which can be more susceptible to damp penetration than modern cavity wall builds. We check for signs of rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation, providing specific recommendations for remediation where needed.

The report also includes a market valuation and insurance rebuild figure, which can be useful for mortgage purposes and financial planning. If we're asked to include this, we'll assess your property against comparable sales in the Hunsonby area to provide an accurate current market value. This valuation is separate from the mortgage valuation and is designed to give you confidence in your purchase price.

We include detailed advice on any legal issues that our inspection has identified, including matters that you should raise with your solicitor. This might include missing building regulations approvals for extensions, issues with shared boundaries, or other legal considerations that are particularly relevant in rural properties where rights of way or farming arrangements may affect the property.

• Condition ratings for each element
• Professional photographs of defects
• Estimated repair costs
• Market valuation (if requested)
• Insurance rebuild cost
• Energy efficiency observations

Properties in the Hunsonby area reflect the traditional building methods that have been used in the Eden district for generations. Many older properties in this area were constructed using solid stone walls, which were the norm before cavity wall construction became standard. While solid walls have many desirable characteristics including good thermal mass, they do require careful assessment for moisture penetration, particularly in Cumbria's damp climate.

The roof construction on traditional Hunsonby properties typically features slate roofing, which has been the predominant roofing material in this part of Cumbria for many years. We pay close attention to the condition of slate roofs, checking for slipped or broken tiles, the condition of mortar pointing to verges and ridges, and the state of leadwork around chimneys and valleys. Slate roofs on older properties often require ongoing maintenance, and our survey will identify any areas of concern.

Many properties in the surrounding area also feature traditional lime-based mortars and renders rather than modern cement-based products. Understanding these materials is important for appropriate repair recommendations, as using cement-based products on traditional buildings can actually cause damage by trapping moisture. Our surveyors understand these nuances and provide advice that is appropriate for the specific construction type of your property.

We also inspect any outbuildings or agricultural buildings that may be included with the property. In the rural Hunsonby area, it's common for properties to include barns, stables, or traditional farm buildings. While these may not form part of the main survey scope, we will note their general condition and any obvious defects that might affect the overall value or use of the property.