RICS Level 2 Survey in Trevalga

Our RICS Level 2 Home Survey provides a comprehensive inspection of the main accessible areas of your potential property. The survey is specifically recommended for properties in conventional good condition, though it proves valuable across virtually all housing stock in the Trevalga area. Our inspector will examine the walls, roof, floors, doors, and windows, along with any permanent fixtures and fittings that convey with the property. We follow the RICS Core Inspection Standard, ensuring consistency and thoroughness across every assessment we conduct.

Given the prevalence of older properties in this part of North Cornwall, our survey pays particular attention to common issues found in traditional Cornish construction. We assess the condition of stone walls, slate roofs, and original joinery, noting any signs of deterioration or previous repairs. The report includes clear ratings for each element: condition is rated as satisfactory, requiring attention, or requiring urgent repair. Our surveyors understand that many homes in the Boscastle and Trevalga area feature traditional lime mortar pointing, which requires different assessment criteria than modern cement-based renders.

Following the physical inspection, you receive a detailed report typically within 3-5 working days. This document includes photographs, technical descriptions, and our professional opinion on the property's overall condition. Where issues are identified, we provide clear guidance on what remedial action might be required and the potential cost implications. We also highlight any matters that may require specialist investigation, such as those involving historic fabric or structural elements that fall outside our inspection scope.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof covering and structure
• Rainwater goods and drainage
• Dampness and timber condition
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Services (gas, electric, water)
• Insulation and energy efficiency
• External finishes and condition

Properties throughout the Trevalga and North Cornwall coast face several characteristic problems that our surveyors are trained to identify. The coastal environment means that many homes suffer from penetrating damp, where driving rain forces moisture through porous stone walls. This is particularly prevalent in properties that have not been maintained with appropriate lime-based mortars and renders, which allow the walls to breathe while repelling water. We frequently find that properties originally built with solid stone walls have been inappropriately insulated or rendered with cement-based products, trapping moisture and causing internal damp problems.

Timber defects represent another significant concern in the area. Traditional Cornish properties often feature exposed timber beams, original floorboards, and window frames that have been in place for decades. Our inspectors check thoroughly for signs of wood rot, woodworm infestation, and structural weakness in load-bearing timber elements. The humid coastal climate can accelerate these problems, making regular inspection essential. We also examine the condition of any exposed timber framing, particularly in older cottages where oak beams may show signs of beetle activity or fungal decay that requires immediate attention.

The local geology also presents specific considerations for property buyers. Cornwall has a historic mining legacy, and while Trevalga itself is not in a former mining area, properties in neighbouring parts of North Cornwall may sit on ground affected by historic mining activity. Our surveyors are trained to look for signs of subsidence or ground movement that could indicate underlying stability issues. Additionally, the proximity to the coastline means that coastal erosion is a consideration for properties very close to the cliff edges along this dramatic stretch of the South West Coast Path.

• Penetrating damp in stone walls
• Roof tile deterioration and slippage
• Wood rot in window frames
• Outdated electrical wiring
• Corroded rainwater goods
• Subsidence in former mining areas
• Coastal erosion proximity
• Stonework deterioration

Many properties in the vicinity also feature older roof structures that may have been repaired piecemeal over the years. While slate remains an excellent roofing material, individual tiles can crack or slip, leading to water ingress. Our surveyors examine the roof both internally and externally where safely accessible, noting any concerns about the integrity of the covering. We pay particular attention to the condition of valleys, hips, and verges where water collection is most likely, as these are common failure points on traditional Cornish roofs.