RICS Level 2 Survey in Treverbyn

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a thorough inspection of the property's visible condition, identifying any defects or issues that could affect its value or require future investment. We examine all accessible areas including the roof, walls, floors, windows, doors, and foundations. Our surveyors check for signs of damp, rot, structural movement, and any concerns with the property's construction.

In Treverbyn, where many properties feature traditional Cornish stone construction or older solid-wall builds, we pay particular attention to the condition of damp-proof courses (or their absence), the state of slate roofing, and the integrity of older drainage systems. The area's geology, with its Devonian slates and granite intrusions, generally provides good ground stability, but our surveyors still check for any signs of subsidence or ground movement that might relate to historical china clay mining activity in the region.

Following the inspection, you receive a detailed report written in plain English. The report uses a traffic light rating system to clearly highlight defects - red for serious issues requiring urgent attention, amber for items that need future monitoring, and green for areas in satisfactory condition. We also provide practical guidance on what each finding might mean for your ongoing maintenance budget. This clear presentation helps you prioritises repairs and plan financially for the years ahead.

Our surveyors will also assess the property's overall value and highlight any specific issues that might affect your mortgage valuation. If you're buying with a mortgage, lenders will want to ensure the property provides adequate security for their loan, and our report provides them with the independent assessment they require.

• Roof and loft condition
• Walls, dampness and structural integrity
• Windows and doors
• Floors and ceilings
• Plumbing and electrical visible fittings
• Damp and timber condition
• Exterior joinery and finishes
• Boundaries and access

Properties in Treverbyn reflect the area's rich building heritage, with construction methods varying significantly depending on the age of the property. Older properties, particularly those built before 1919, typically feature solid wall construction using local granite and slate stone, often rendered with lime-based renders. These traditional walls were built without cavity insulation, meaning they can be more susceptible to damp penetration if the render has failed or if damp-proof courses are missing or damaged.

The post-war period saw a shift towards more modern construction methods, with many semi-detached houses built between 1919 and 1945 featuring cavity wall construction using brick or concrete blocks. Pitched roofs during this period were typically covered with slate or, in some cases, concrete tiles. Our surveyors understand these construction methods and know exactly what to look for when inspecting properties of different ages throughout Treverbyn and the surrounding villages.

More recent developments in the area, particularly those built since the 1990s, utilise contemporary building techniques including insulated cavity walls, modern damp-proof courses, and uPVC windows and doors. While these properties generally require less maintenance, our survey still checks for common issues such as inadequate ventilation, condensation problems, and any construction defects that may have emerged since the property was built.

The St Austell area, including Treverbyn, has historical connections to the china clay industry, which has influenced local architecture and ground conditions in certain areas. Some properties may have been built on land previously used for clay extraction or processing, and our surveyors remain alert to any signs of ground instability or unusual settlement patterns that might indicate historical mining activity beneath the property.

Properties in Treverbyn and the surrounding St Austell area present specific challenges that our surveyors are trained to identify. The mix of older stone-built cottages, post-war semi-detached houses, and newer developments means each property requires a tailored approach. We commonly find damp issues in older solid-wall properties, particularly where original renders have failed or where damp-proof courses are missing or damaged.

Slate roofing is prevalent throughout the area, and while slate is a durable material, older roofs often show signs of slipped tiles, deteriorating lead flashings, or moss growth that can lead to water ingress. Our surveyors carefully assess roof condition from both inside the loft space and externally where safe access allows. We also check for any signs of timber defects, including rot in roof timbers or woodworm in floor joists, which can be more common in older properties with potential moisture exposure.

The historical china clay mining activity around St Austell means some properties may be built on ground with past mining activity. While the granite and slate bedrock generally provides good stability, our surveyors remain alert to any signs of ground movement, cracking, or subsidence that might indicate localized ground instability. We also check drainage and look for any evidence of surface water flooding, which poses a greater risk in low-lying areas near watercourses.

Electrical and plumbing systems in older properties often require particular attention. Properties built before modern electrical regulations may have outdated wiring that doesn't meet current safety standards, while older plumbing systems may feature galvanised steel pipes that are prone to corrosion and reduced water pressure. Our survey highlights these issues so you can plan for necessary upgrades.

• Rising and penetrating damp in solid-wall properties
• Slate roof defects and lead flashing deterioration
• Timber rot and woodworm in roof structures
• Signs of subsidence or ground movement
• Outdated electrical installations
• Drainage and surface water issues
• Window and door joinery decay
• Wall crack assessment