RICS Level 3 Building Survey CB22 Cambridge

Our RICS Level 3 Building Survey provides an exhaustive examination of all visible and accessible elements of the property. We inspect the entire structure including walls, floors, ceilings, roofs, and foundations. Our team assesses the condition of timbers for signs of rot or insect damage, examines roof coverings and flashings, evaluates the condition of brickwork and pointing, and checks the integrity of windows, doors, and joinery throughout the property. Every element is photographed and documented in our comprehensive report.

In the CB22 area, where many properties were constructed using traditional methods with pale gault brick, our inspectors pay particular attention to the condition of the brickwork and mortar joints. These can deteriorate over time, particularly in properties exposed to prevailing weather patterns from the east. We also examine the condition of any extensions or alterations, which are common in villages like Great Shelford and Stapleford where homeowners often extend period properties to accommodate growing families. Many Victorian and Edwardian cottages in these villages have had rear extensions added over the years, and we carefully assess how these relate to the original structure.

The survey includes a comprehensive assessment of building services including heating systems, plumbing, and electrical installations where visible and safe to inspect. We identify any obvious safety hazards, outdated installations that may not comply with current regulations, and items requiring attention by specialists. For properties in the area's newer developments such as Tudor Meadow in Sawston or 125 Cambridge Road, we can also provide snagging inspections on newly constructed homes. Our familiarity with modern construction techniques used by developers like Redrow and The Hill Group means we know exactly what to look for in these newer properties.

We also assess external areas including gardens, driveways, and boundary walls. In villages like Foxton and Haslingfield, many properties feature traditional flint wall boundaries that require specialist assessment, and we understand the specific maintenance requirements of these characteristic features. Our report covers everything from major structural concerns to minor maintenance recommendations, giving you a complete picture of your potential new home.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof structure and covering
• Chimneys and flues
• Damp proof course and ventilation
• Windows and doors
• Floors and stairs
• Garage and outbuildings
• Services and utilities

The CB22 postcode area has seen significant new development activity in recent years. At Tudor Meadow in Sawston, Redrow is offering 3, 4, and 5 bedroom homes priced from £405,000 to £835,000. These Eco Electric homes include features like air source heat pumps, thicker insulation, and underfloor heating on the ground floor. While these represent modern construction standards, our survey can still identify any potential issues with workmanship or materials that may not be covered by warranty. We have experience assessing properties constructed by major developers including Redrow and The Hill Group.

At 125 Cambridge Road, The Hill Group has constructed traditionally built properties with brick and block outer walls, cavity insulation, and concrete ground floors. We assess these properties with the same thoroughness as older homes, checking that construction meets expected standards. For shared ownership properties such as those at The Mill in Hauxton, understanding the full condition of the property is particularly important for leaseholders who may be responsible for maintenance costs.

We also offer specific new build snagging inspections for properties in developments across the CB22 area, including Sawston, Stapleford, and Great Shelford. These inspections are conducted before the warranty period expires and can identify defects that developers are responsible for rectifying under their obligations. For retirement apartments like Pearce Lodge on Station Road, we can assess the condition of common areas and any shared facilities.

Even for new build properties, a Level 3 Survey or snagging inspection is highly recommended. While new homes come with structural warranties like NHBC, these typically only cover major defects. Many common issues such as poor workmanship, minor defects, and cosmetic problems are not covered by warranty. A snagging inspection identifies these items before the warranty period expires, giving you leverage to have the developer rectify problems at no extra cost.

The CB22 area falls within South Cambridgeshire District Council, which maintains over 80 Conservation Areas designed to preserve areas of special architectural or historic interest. Many villages within CB22, including Stapleford, Great Shelford, and Foxton, contain significant concentrations of listed buildings that require specialist assessment when purchasing. Understanding the implications of listing is crucial for any buyer considering a period property in these villages.

Properties in Conservation Areas or listed buildings often present unique challenges that our inspectors are experienced in assessing. At Stapleford, you'll find Grade II and Grade II* listed buildings including the Church of St Andrew, Stapleford Hall, and various historic cottages and farm buildings. Great Shelford contains even more significant heritage assets, including the Grade I listed Church of St Mary, along with numerous Grade II listed farmhouses, mills, and historic houses. Foxton also has important heritage buildings including the Grade I listed Church of St Laurence.

When surveying period properties in these areas, we pay particular attention to the condition of historic fabric, any previous unsympathetic alterations, and the presence of traditional construction details that may require specialist maintenance. We can advise on whether any identified issues are likely to require listed building consent for repairs. We recommend that buyers consult with conservation officers at South Cambridgeshire District Council where appropriate, particularly for any planned alterations after purchase.

In conservation areas, there are often additional restrictions on external alterations and development. Our survey report will flag any conservation considerations relevant to the property, helping you understand any limitations you may face as a future owner. This is particularly important if you plan to extend or modify the property, as conservation area consent may be required in addition to planning permission.