RICS Level 2 Survey in Polperro

The RICS Level 2 Home Survey, formerly known as the HomeBuyer Survey, provides a detailed inspection of a property's visible and accessible elements. We examine the condition of the roof, walls, chimney, doors, windows, dampness, and timber defects, providing professional advice on any defects found and what repairs or maintenance may be required. The survey uses a clear traffic light system - red for urgent issues requiring attention, amber for defects needing future repair, and green for satisfactory condition - making it easy to understand which areas need immediate focus.

In Polperro, where many properties date back centuries and are constructed from traditional Cornish stone and slate, we pay particular attention to the specific challenges presented by historic buildings. Our inspection includes assessment of walls for signs of movement or damp, examination of roof coverings and drainage systems, inspection of joinery and windows, and evaluation of any extensions or alterations. We also check the condition of any supporting props or timber beams, as these are common in older terraced properties throughout the village. For properties within the Polperro Conservation Area, we note features that may affect your ability to make future modifications without planning permission.

The Level 2 survey is specifically designed for conventional properties in reasonable condition, which describes the majority of Polperro's housing stock. Whether you are purchasing a terraced cottage in the village centre or a detached house on the outskirts, the survey provides the information you need to negotiate with sellers or budget for necessary repairs. Properties in Polperro frequently show issues related to their age, including outdated electrical systems, original windows requiring maintenance, and wear to traditional roofing materials. Our surveyors will clearly flag these issues in your report with practical recommendations for addressing them.

We inspect eight key areas of the property, each of which receives a condition rating. These include the roof structure and covering, wall construction and condition, damp and timber inspection, windows and doors, chimney and flue assessment, drainage and gutters, floor and ceiling condition, and the services and utilities. Each element is clearly rated so you can see at a glance which parts of the property need attention and which are in satisfactory condition.

• Roof structure and covering
• Wall construction and condition
• Damp and timber inspection
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Chimney and flue assessment
• Drainage and gutters
• Floor and ceiling condition
• Services and utilities

Polperro's position at the mouth of the Pol River, with many houses abutting the stream that runs through the village to the harbour, creates specific considerations for property buyers. We carefully assess drainage systems, ground levels, and any signs of previous water damage or damp penetration. River and surface water flooding is a genuine risk in the village, particularly for properties on lower ground near the harbour. Our surveyors check for historical flood markers, water staining, and the condition of drainage infrastructure that may be overwhelmed during heavy rainfall or high tides.

Coastal exposure accelerates weathering of external materials, particularly on properties facing the harbour or exposed to prevailing westerly winds. Salt-laden air is particularly corrosive to metal fixings, flashing, and rain goods, meaning roof junctions and parapet walls often show accelerated deterioration. We examine these areas carefully, looking for signs of corrosion, loose tiles, and mortar decay that could lead to water ingress. The traditional slate and stone construction methods used in Polperro require specific maintenance approaches that differ from modern buildings.

Traditional lime-based mortars and renders were commonly used in older buildings throughout Cornwall, and understanding the difference between these original materials and modern cement-based products is important for proper maintenance. We frequently identify issues arising from inappropriate repair methods where modern cement has been applied to historic lime mortar, causing moisture to become trapped and leading to damp problems or stone decay. For properties in Polperro, this is a particular concern as many owners may not be aware of the correct maintenance requirements for historic buildings.

The high proportion of older properties in Polperro means that many homes will have outdated electrical systems, original plumbing, and older roof structures requiring careful assessment. Properties over 50 years old frequently show signs of structural movement, damp penetration, and deterioration of original features, all of which the RICS Level 2 survey is designed to identify. For listed buildings within the village, which require Listed Building Consent for any alterations, we provide guidance on the additional considerations that apply. We can also recommend whether a more detailed RICS Level 3 Building Survey might be more appropriate for particularly complex or historic properties.

• Flood risk from Pol River
• Coastal weather exposure
• Historic stone construction
• Outdated electrical systems
• Conservation Area constraints
• Structural movement in older properties