RICS Level 3 Building Survey Altarnun

Properties in Altarnun benefit from a detailed RICS Level 3 Survey because the village contains a significant number of older buildings constructed using traditional methods. Many homes here feature solid wall construction, which lacks the cavity insulation found in modern properties. Our inspectors examine these older structures with particular attention to damp penetration, timber condition, and the integrity of traditional roofing materials.

The rural location of Altarnun on Bodmin Moor means properties can face specific environmental challenges. Surface water flooding poses a risk in low-lying areas near watercourses, and properties may experience issues related to groundwater movement. Our surveyors check for signs of past flooding, water damage, and drainage problems that might not be immediately visible to buyers.

Cornwall's mining heritage extends across the county, and while Altarnun sits on granite moorland, the broader region has known mining activity. Our Level 3 surveys include assessment of any signs of ground movement or subsidence that could relate to historical mining or natural geological conditions. We provide practical guidance on any further investigations you might need, including mining searches if warranted.

The village's proximity to St Nonna's Church, a Grade I listed building, indicates the historic character of the area. This often means a higher proportion of listed or historic properties that require specialist assessment. Our surveyors understand the constraints affecting these buildings and can advise on what repairs might require listed building consent.

• Detailed inspection of all accessible structural elements
• Assessment of damp and timber conditions
• Roofing and chimney examination
• Evaluation of older plumbing and electrical installations
• Analysis of any signs of movement or subsidence
• Photography and detailed reporting

The Altarnun property market is dominated by detached homes, which account for around 85% of transactions in the PL15 7SL postcode area. These range from modest stone cottages to substantial period residences. The village also has a selection of semi-detached properties and houses that have been converted from agricultural buildings.

Many properties in Altarnun are constructed from local stone, reflecting the traditional building practices of North Cornwall. These homes often feature thick solid walls, traditional timber-framed windows, and slate roofing that has protected homes from the Cornish weather for generations. The character of these properties is part of what makes village living so appealing, but it also means they require knowledgeable assessment.

Property values in Altarnun have shown strong long-term growth, with prices increasing by 52.2% over the past decade. The average property value now sits around £331,000, though properties in the PL15 7SL postcode average over £505,000. This significant investment makes a thorough survey even more important to protect your purchase.

Recent market data shows prices in Altarnun have corrected somewhat from their 2022 peak of £468,667, with a 17% decline in the past year. However, the long-term growth trajectory remains positive, with five-year appreciation at 25.5%. This makes buying in the area still competitive, so having a detailed survey helps ensure you're making an informed decision in a market where properties may attract multiple interested buyers.

Our experience surveying properties across Bodmin Moor and North Cornwall means we know what to look for in Altarnun homes. Traditional stone-built properties frequently show signs of rising damp, particularly where original damp-proof courses have failed or were never installed. Our surveyors use their expertise to distinguish between minor damp staining and genuine penetrating damp that requires remediation.

Slate roofing, while durable, requires regular maintenance. We frequently find slipped slates, damaged lead flashing, and deteriorated mortar on properties in this area. These issues can lead to water ingress if not addressed. Our reports detail exactly what repairs are needed and provide cost estimates for budgeting purposes.

Many older properties in Altarnun retain their original timber-framed windows and doors. While these features add character, they often perform poorly thermally and may have rotted sections that aren't visible from the outside. We assess these elements thoroughly and flag any that require attention.

Properties near the village centre, particularly those close to St Nonna's Church, may have historic boundary walls or outbuildings that require assessment. These structures, while often secondary to the main house, can present safety concerns or require maintenance that affects the overall property value.

• Rising and penetrating damp in solid wall properties
• Slipped or damaged slate tiles
• Deteriorated lead flashing and parapet gutters
• Timber rot in window frames and door frames
• Structural movement or cracking
• Outdated electrical and plumbing systems
• Inadequate insulation in older constructions
• Condition of historic boundary walls and outbuildings

Properties in Altarnun predominantly feature traditional Cornish stone construction, with walls typically built from local granite or slate stone. These solid walls can be several inches thick, providing excellent thermal mass but limited insulation value compared to modern cavity wall construction. Our surveyors understand how to assess these walls for structural integrity and recommend appropriate upgrades.

Slate roofing is ubiquitous across the Bodmin Moor area, with properties using both local Delabole slate and imported Welsh slate depending on the property age and budget at the time of construction. The durability of slate means many roofs last over a century, but the fixings and flashings require periodic attention. We examine these details carefully during every survey.

Render finishes are common on properties throughout Altarnun, applied over stone to provide weather protection and a finished appearance. However, render can hide underlying issues, and our inspectors know how to identify signs of problems behind the surface. We also assess the condition of parapet walls, which are common on older properties and frequently cause leaks if not properly maintained.

Our team of RICS registered surveyors has extensive experience inspecting properties throughout North Cornwall and Bodmin Moor. We understand the specific challenges that affect homes in this area, from the effects of exposure to Atlantic weather systems to the particular defects common in traditional Cornish stone buildings.

When you book a survey with us, you're not just getting a generic report. Our local knowledge means we can put our findings in context, explaining how issues compare to what we typically see in similar properties nearby. This insight helps you make genuinely informed decisions about your purchase.

We pride ourselves on delivering reports that are both comprehensive and readable. Technical findings are explained in plain language, with clear photographs that show exactly what we've found. Our goal is for you to finish reading your report feeling genuinely informed about the property's condition.