RICS Level 2 Survey in Marazion TR17

A Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey, formerly known as the Home Condition Report, provides a comprehensive assessment of a property's visible condition without invasive investigation. Our inspectors examine all accessible areas of the property, from the roof down to the foundations, documenting any defects, potential issues, or areas requiring specialist attention. The survey includes a detailed analysis of the property's construction, services, and any environmental concerns relevant to the Marazion area. We carefully document the construction type, approximate age, and any alterations that may have been made to the property over the years.

The report uses a simple traffic light rating system to indicate the condition of each element: green for satisfactory condition, amber for defects requiring attention, and red for serious issues requiring urgent professional advice. This clear visual format helps you quickly identify the most critical matters while providing detailed explanations for every finding. Our surveyors also provide practical guidance on maintenance and repairs, giving you a realistic understanding of the responsibilities that come with ownership. Each red or amber rating includes specific recommendations on who should carry out remedial works and approximately how urgent the repair is.

In the Marazion area, where many properties are of traditional Cornwall construction, our surveyors pay particular attention to common issues in older buildings. This includes checking for signs of damp, assessing the condition of traditional roof coverings, and evaluating any structural movement that may have occurred over time. The survey also covers the property's energy efficiency, helping you understand potential future costs and improvements. Given the coastal environment, we specifically assess how salt-laden air and exposure to Atlantic weather patterns may have affected external timbers, metal fixtures, and render finishes.

The Level 2 survey also includes a market valuation and rebuild cost assessment, which proves useful for mortgage purposes and ensures you have adequate buildings insurance cover. Our surveyor will discuss the property's current market position based on local data, including recent sales in the TR17 area, helping you understand whether the asking price reflects the property's true value and condition.

• Roof structure and covering
• Wall construction and condition
• Damp and moisture assessment
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and drainage systems
• Electrical safety observations
• Boundary walls and outbuildings
• Grounds and drainage

Properties in the Marazion area, particularly those of traditional construction, often present specific issues that our surveyors frequently identify. Given Cornwall's coastal position, properties here face unique challenges including salt-laden air that accelerates corrosion of metal components, higher humidity levels that can lead to condensation and damp, and exposure to Atlantic weather that tests roof coverings and external joinery. The proximity to the sea means that coastal properties may experience more rapid deterioration of external renders and timber windows compared to inland properties of the same age.

Many properties in TR17 are likely to be pre-1919 construction, meaning they may have solid walls rather than modern cavity wall construction. Solid wall properties require different considerations for insulation and are more susceptible to penetrating damp if the external render or pointing has deteriorated. Our surveyors are experienced in assessing these traditional construction methods and can advise on appropriate remedial works. We commonly find that original lime-based mortars and renders have been inappropriately replaced with cement-based products, which can trap moisture and cause internal damp issues.

Other frequently identified issues include outdated electrical installations that do not meet current regulations, original plumbing that may include galvanised steel or lead pipes, and roof structures that have surpassed their expected lifespan. While these issues are not unique to Marazion, their prevalence in the local housing stock means a Level 2 survey provides particular value for TR17 buyers. Our surveys also check for adequate ventilation in roof spaces and sub-floor areas, as poor ventilation can lead to timber decay and condensation problems that are expensive to remedy.

Structural movement is another consideration in the Marazion area, where properties may have been subject to ground movement over many decades. Our surveyors are trained to identify signs of historic movement such as crack patterns in walls, doors that no longer close properly, and uneven floors. While minor settlement is common in older properties, our report will clearly indicate if we believe further investigation by a structural engineer is warranted.

• Rising and penetrating damp
• Roof tile damage and deterioration
• Defective gutters and downpipes
• Outdated electrical wiring
• Structural movement and cracking
• Condensation and ventilation issues
• Decayed window frames and joinery
• Inefficient or unsafe heating systems

Once our inspector completes the survey, you receive a professional RICS report that follows the strict standards set by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. The report begins with a property summary, including details of the property's construction, approximate age, and orientation. This context helps you understand the property better and frames the subsequent findings appropriately. The summary also includes information about the surrounding area and local amenities, giving you a complete picture of your potential new home.

The main body of the report addresses each element of the property systematically, from the roof down to the foundations. Each section receives a condition rating and includes our professional opinion on the cause and implications of any defects. Where issues require specialist attention, we clearly state this and explain what further investigation is needed. The report also includes a clear summary of the most important issues, ensuring you can quickly grasp the property's overall condition. We use clear, non-technical language throughout so that you do not need any prior knowledge of building construction to understand our findings.

Perhaps most valuably, your survey report includes a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost. This information proves useful for mortgage purposes and ensures you have adequate buildings insurance cover. Our reports also highlight any regulatory compliance issues, such as missing fire safety measures or inadequate electrical testing, helping you understand any immediate safety considerations. We also flag any potential environmental concerns, such as the presence of asbestos in older properties or flood risk based on the property's location relative to watercourses.

After you receive your report, our team remains available to discuss any questions you may have. We can explain the significance of specific findings, recommend appropriate contractors for remedial works, and help you understand how the survey results might affect your purchasing decision or negotiations with the seller. Our goal is to ensure you feel completely confident in your property purchase decision.