RICS Level 2 Home Survey in Wittering

A RICS Level 2 Home Survey in Wittering provides a thorough inspection of the property's accessible areas, identifying defects and potential issues that may not be visible during a casual viewing. Our chartered surveyors examine the condition of the roof, walls, foundations, damp-proof course, plumbing, electrical systems, and other key structural elements. We inspect roof spaces where accessible, examining rafters, joists, insulation depth, and the condition of tiles or slates. We also check underneath the property where possible, looking at joists, solid ground floors, and the condition of any visible damp-proof membranes.

In Wittering, where many properties date from various periods including historic homes near the village centre and MOD-related housing, our surveyors pay particular attention to common issues found in the local housing stock. These include the condition of older damp-proof courses that may have failed or been bridged over time, the integrity of traditional brickwork that can be prone to frost damage in colder months, and the state of roofing materials that may have deteriorated due to age or weather exposure. Many properties in the area were built using solid brick walls rather than cavity wall construction, which makes them more susceptible to damp penetration if the damp-proof course has failed or been compromised by external ground levels.

The Level 2 survey uses a traffic light rating system to clearly indicate the condition of each element, with red indicating serious defects requiring urgent attention, amber for defects requiring future repair, and green for satisfactory condition. This clear visual system helps you quickly identify which issues need immediate action and which can be planned for over time. Our reports include detailed photographs of all significant findings, so you can see exactly what our surveyors have identified. We also provide repair cost estimates for major defects, giving you the information needed to negotiate with sellers.

The survey also includes a market valuation if you opt for the valuation element, which estimates the property's current worth based on local data and recent sales in the Wittering area. Our surveyors use their local knowledge of the Wittering property market, including recent transactions in the PE8 6 postcode sector, to provide an accurate and informed valuation. This valuation can be particularly useful if you are negotiating the purchase price based on the survey's findings, as it gives you documented evidence of the property's market value.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, chimneys, and damp-proof course
• Foundations and structural movement
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and drainage systems
• Electrical installations
• Floors and ceilings
• Insulation and energy efficiency

Wittering's property market presents a diverse range of housing, from historic buildings near the village centre to newer developments on the outskirts. The village has seen significant new build activity in recent years, with developments like Harriers Rest on Lawrence Road offering new homes through Allison Homes and Accent Housing. These newer properties benefit from modern building regulations and construction methods, but even new builds can have defects that a Level 2 survey will identify. Harriers Rest includes a mix of 2, 3, and 4-bedroom homes, with some properties available through shared ownership schemes.

The area's geology, typical of Cambridgeshire, includes clay-rich soils that can pose a shrink-swell subsidence risk, particularly during periods of drought or heavy rainfall. This is because clay soils expand when wet and contract when dry, which can cause foundations to move slightly over time. Our surveyors are trained to identify signs of structural movement, cracking, or subsidence that may be related to soil conditions. We examine foundations, walls, and window frames for evidence of movement that could indicate underlying structural issues. We also look for signs of trees or large shrubs close to the property that could be drawing moisture from the soil and causing additional movement.

Many properties in Wittering were built using traditional construction methods common throughout the region, including solid brick walls and traditional roofing materials. These older properties, while often full of character, can suffer from issues such as failing damp-proof courses, deteriorating roof coverings, and outdated electrical systems that do not meet current safety standards. A Level 2 survey is particularly valuable for these properties, highlighting defects that might otherwise remain hidden until they become serious problems. We check the condition of any original features and assess whether they have been adequately maintained.

The presence of several listed buildings in Wittering, including the Grade I Church of All Saints and various Grade II structures, indicates the historical significance of the area. While a Level 2 survey is suitable for most conventional properties, listed buildings or those in conservation areas may require the more comprehensive RICS Level 3 Building Survey due to their age and complexity. Our team can advise you on the most appropriate survey type for your specific property. If you are purchasing a listed property, we will discuss the additional considerations that apply to historic buildings.

Wittering is also home to RAF Wittering, which has influenced the local housing market over the years. Many properties in the area were originally built to serve military personnel and their families, with some of these MOD-owned properties later being sold through companies like Annington. This means there is a significant proportion of housing stock from the post-war period that may have specific construction characteristics typical of military housing. Our surveyors are familiar with these property types and know what to look for.

The Wittering area has seen substantial new housing development in recent years, with the Harriers Rest development on Lawrence Road providing new homes through Allison Homes and Accent Housing. This development offers a mix of 2, 3, and 4-bedroom houses, with prices starting from around £185,000 for shared ownership properties through Accent Housing's housing association arm. Lancaster Place, developed by Annington, also offers new terraced and semi-detached homes in the village, providing additional options for buyers seeking modern properties.

While new build properties benefit from modern construction and warranties such as NHBC cover, a Level 2 survey remains valuable for identifying any defects that may have arisen since construction or issues with the build quality. Our surveyors can assess the quality of workmanship, check that fixtures and fittings are properly installed, and identify any snagging issues that require attention from the developer. Even new properties can have defects that are not immediately obvious to an untrained eye, such as inadequate insulation, poorly fitted windows, or drainage issues.

One advantage of a Level 2 survey on a new build is that it provides you with a professional, independent assessment of the property's condition. This is particularly useful because the developer's own quality checks may not identify all defects. If issues are found, you can use our report to support any claims under the NHBC warranty or to request that the developer address specific problems before completion. Our survey gives you that your new home is in good condition and meets expected standards.