RICS Level 3 Building Survey in CV7

Our RICS Level 3 Building Survey provides an exhaustive examination of the property's visible and accessible elements. Our inspectors assess the roof structure and covering, including flat roofs, chimneys, and parapets. We examine the walls, looking for signs of cracking, damp penetration, or structural movement that could indicate subsidence or other serious defects common in properties of various ages across the CV7 area. Each surveyor understands the construction methods typical of properties in this region, from traditional red brick Victorian terraces to more recent timber-frame developments.

The survey includes a detailed assessment of the floors, examining joists, floorboards, and sub-floor voids where accessible. Our inspectors check all windows and doors for condition and operation, assess the condition of plasterwork and internal finishes, and evaluate the electrical and plumbing systems to identify potential hazards or urgent repairs. For properties in areas like Corley and Ansty with older housing stock, this comprehensive approach is particularly valuable, as older properties often conceal issues that only an experienced eye will spot.

We also examine outbuildings, garages, and the general condition of the plot including boundaries and drainage. The resulting report provides clear, jargon-free guidance on the property's current condition, separates minor defects from major issues, and includes prioritised recommendations for repairs and maintenance that will help you plan and budget for the future. Our surveyors pay particular attention to any signs of movement or settlement, which can be more common in properties built on the variable soils found throughout the West Midlands region.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls and structural elements
• Floors and joists
• Windows and doors
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• Damp and rot assessment
• Outbuildings and boundaries

The CV7 postcode area has seen significant new development activity in recent years, particularly around Keresley where Bellway Homes is constructing Arden Grange with 2, 3, and 4-bedroom homes priced from £250,000 to £500,000. Additional developments include The Croft offering detached family homes with features like smart heating and electric vehicle charging points, and Church Lane in Corley featuring detached bungalows from O'Flanagan Homes. Heron Bank in Berkswell offers barn-converted properties, while The Meadows at Woodland View provides additional new housing options in the area.

Even new builds benefit from a RICS Level 3 Building Survey. While newer properties typically have fewer issues than older housing stock, our surveyors can identify defects in build quality, snagging issues, and problems with fixtures and fittings that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. For new builds in developments like these, a professional survey provides verification that your new home has been constructed to an acceptable standard. We have identified issues in new build properties across the CV7 area that required attention from the developers before the warranty periods expired.

Additionally, new build warranties typically have specific time limits for reporting defects. Having a thorough survey completed shortly after moving in ensures you can identify any issues while they remain covered under the warranty period, protecting your investment in these substantial new properties. The NHBC and other warranty providers require defects to be reported within specific timescales, and our detailed survey can help identify issues that might otherwise go unnoticed until they become more serious problems. This is particularly important for properties in the higher price brackets within CV7, where the financial stakes are greater.

The CV7 postcode contains a rich variety of period properties, particularly in the village centres of Shilton, Ansty, Berkswell, and Balsall. These older properties, many of which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, often feature traditional construction methods that differ significantly from modern building practices. Our surveyors understand how to assess these historic buildings, looking for issues such as movement in older brickwork, the condition of original timber frames, and the state of traditional lime-based mortars and plasters that may have been inappropriately replaced with cement-based materials.

Properties in these conservation areas may require additional consideration during the survey process. The presence of historic features, original fireplaces, and traditional windows all require careful assessment. Our Level 3 survey provides particularly valuable information for these older properties, where defects may be more complex and costly to repair. We can advise on the appropriateness of previous renovation work and identify any potential issues with listed building consent that may affect your future plans for the property.

Many period properties in the CV7 area have been extended and altered over the years, and our surveyors pay particular attention to the junction between original and addition structures. We look for signs of differential movement, water penetration at these junctions, and the condition of any tie-beams or structural connections that may have been installed. This detailed assessment helps you understand not just the current condition of the property, but also any potential future maintenance requirements that come with owning an older home.