RICS Level 2 Survey in IP9

Our RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey is designed for conventional properties in a reasonable condition - which covers the majority of homes in IP9. Our qualified surveyor attends the property and carries out a visual inspection of all accessible areas, rating each element on a 1-3 condition scale. Condition 1 is no immediate action required; Condition 2 means repairs or investigation are needed; Condition 3 indicates urgent attention is required before purchase.

We assess the roof structure and coverings, chimneys and flashings, gutters and downpipes, external walls and render, windows and doors, drainage and grounds. Internally, we inspect the ceilings, walls, floors, fireplaces, roof spaces if accessible, cellars if present, and fitted kitchens and bathrooms. We also check the condition of services - gas, electricity, water and drainage - based on visible evidence and, where appropriate, recommend further specialist investigation.

We pay particular attention to signs of damp, both rising damp and penetrating damp, which can affect older properties and those with solid walls. We look for evidence of movement or subsidence in the structure. We note any elements that appear to have been altered or extended without obvious planning permission or building regulations approval. The final report we provide is comprehensive and written in plain English, so you can understand exactly what we found without needing a technical background.

• Full structural inspection of all accessible elements
• Condition ratings (1-3) for every component
• Assessment of roof, walls, floors, windows and services
• Identification of damp, movement and other defects
• Comment on any alterations or additions to the property
• Clear recommendations for further specialist investigations where needed
• Plain-English report delivered within 3-5 working days

Every survey we carry out in IP9 is conducted by a fully qualified surveyor operating under RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) standards. This means our surveyors have completed the professional training and examinations required by RICS, carry professional indemnity insurance, and are bound by the RICS code of conduct. You have recourse if things go wrong - something that is not guaranteed with unregulated inspections.

Our surveyors cover the full IP9 postcode district, including Holbrook, Capel St Mary, Tattingstone, Stutton, Bentley, Shotley, Wherstead, and the surrounding villages. We have local knowledge of the area's housing stock, the types of construction methods used in different eras, and the particular environmental factors that affect properties in this part of Suffolk.

We aim to carry out surveys within 5-7 working days of booking, and we deliver reports within 3-5 working days of the inspection. If anything urgent is found during the inspection, we will flag it to you directly by phone before the formal report is issued. After delivery, a follow-up call is available to discuss the report findings, answer questions, and explain what the condition ratings mean for your purchase decision.

Our surveyors follow a structured inspection process that covers every accessible area of the property. The inspection typically takes between 2 and 4 hours for a standard residential property, depending on the size and complexity of the building. We carry the appropriate access equipment for roof spaces and inspect areas that are reasonably accessible without causing damage to the fabric of the property.

We use moisture meters, binoculars for roof inspection, and standard survey equipment during the inspection. Where areas are inaccessible - such as below floorboards that are covered by fitted carpets - we will note the limitation and advise whether further investigation is recommended. Our surveyors take a methodical approach, working through the property systematically to ensure nothing is missed.

After the inspection, we produce the report using the standard RICS Level 2 format, with condition ratings for each element and a summary of the most significant findings. We include a section on legal matters that might affect the property and any environmental or other risks that are relevant. The report is delivered as a clear PDF document that you can share with your solicitor, your lender's surveyor, or any specialist contractors you may want to quote for remedial works.

• Inspection typically 2-4 hours for standard IP9 properties
• Moisture meters used to test for damp in walls and floors
• Binocular inspection of roof covering and chimneys
• Roof space inspected where there is safe, reasonable access
• Condition 1, 2, and 3 ratings for every element
• Report delivered within 3-5 working days of inspection
• Post-report phone consultation available to discuss findings