RICS Level 2 Survey in St Keverne

A Level 2 Homebuyer Survey includes a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property, covering the roof, walls, windows, doors, plumbing, electrical systems, and overall structure. The report provides condition ratings for each element and includes guidance on any defects found, with cost indications for repairs. For properties in St Keverne, our surveyors specifically assess the condition of slate roofs, traditional stone walls, and any signs of damp related to the local maritime climate. We also check for issues related to the clay soils underlying much of the Lizard Peninsula, which can cause foundation movement in older properties.

Most Level 2 surveys in St Keverne take between 1 and 3 hours, depending on the property size and type. A typical three-bedroom detached house in the village will usually require around 2 hours for a complete inspection. Larger properties, particularly those along the coastal areas near Coverack or those with extensive grounds, may take longer. We always allow sufficient time to thoroughly inspect every accessible area without rushing, ensuring you receive a comprehensive assessment of your potential new home.

We aim to deliver your completed survey report within 3-5 working days of the inspection. In some cases, we can accommodate faster turnaround if you have a tight deadline on your property purchase. Our team understands that buying a property often involves tight timelines, and we work hard to ensure you have your report in hand as quickly as possible while maintaining the thoroughness that our RICS standards demand.

Yes, we actively encourage buyers to attend the survey inspection. This gives you the opportunity to see any issues firsthand and ask questions as the inspection progresses. Your presence helps you understand the findings when you receive the written report. For properties in St Keverne, attending the survey is particularly valuable as our inspector can show you specific issues related to local construction methods, explain the implications of any defects found, and provide practical advice on maintenance of traditional Cornish features.

If our survey identifies serious defects, your report will clearly flag these with red ratings and provide guidance on what further investigation is needed. You can then use this information to renegotiate the purchase price, request repairs before completion, or in some cases, reconsider the purchase entirely. Common serious issues we find in St Keverne properties include significant roof deterioration, structural movement related to foundation issues, and electrical installations that do not meet current safety standards. Our reports provide clear guidance on the urgency of any issues and the likely cost of remediation.

Even new build properties can have defects, and we still recommend a Level 2 survey. While major structural issues are unlikely in recently constructed homes, our inspection can identify minor defects, snagging issues, or problems with fittings and finishes that the developer should rectify. New build properties in the St Keverne area may also have issues related to rushed construction timelines or the use of materials that are not suitable for the local climate. A Level 2 survey provides you with and a comprehensive record of the property condition at the time of purchase.

St Keverne, as a historic Cornish village, contains a number of listed buildings that require specialist consideration during the survey process. Properties listed under the various grades of listing may have restrictions on alterations and maintenance work, and our surveyors understand these considerations. We provide specific guidance on the condition of period features, traditional construction methods, and any issues that may require listed building consent before remedial work can be carried out. If you are purchasing a listed property, we can advise on whether a Level 3 Building Survey might be more appropriate for your needs.

The underlying geology of the Lizard Peninsula includes clay soils that can be prone to shrink-swell movement during periods of drought followed by heavy rainfall. This ground movement can affect foundations, particularly in older properties that were not designed with modern foundation depths. Our surveyors are trained to identify signs of this movement, including characteristic cracking patterns in walls, doors and windows that no longer operate smoothly, and visible gaps where walls meet ceilings. While serious foundation problems are not common, identifying early signs of movement allows you to budget for any necessary underpinning or groundworks that may be required.