RICS Level 3 Building Survey Eye, Peterborough

Our RICS Level 3 survey, also known as a building survey, goes far beyond the basic visual inspection. When our inspectors visit your potential property in Eye, they examine the entire structure in detail, including walls, floors, roofs, ceilings, doors, and windows. They will assess the condition of each element, identify any defects or potential problems, and explain what these mean for the property's overall condition and your future maintenance responsibilities. We take photographs of all significant findings and provide clear, jargon-free explanations that help you understand exactly what you are purchasing.

Given Eye's geological makeup, our inspectors pay particular attention to signs of movement, cracking, or subsidence that can occur with the clay soils found throughout the Peterborough area. The shrink-swell behaviour of these clay soils is exacerbated by the region's seasonal weather patterns - prolonged dry summers followed by wet winters can cause significant ground movement. Our surveyors are trained to spot the subtle indicators of this type of movement, including diagonal cracking near windows and doors, doors that stick or don't close properly, and uneven floors. We will advise you on whether further specialist investigation is needed, such as a structural engineer's assessment or underpinning inspection.

We also assess the condition of flat roofs on garages and extensions, which are common on properties throughout the village and can be prone to deterioration. Flat roofs have a limited lifespan, typically 15-25 years depending on the materials used, and many properties in Eye will have original flat roof coverings that are now approaching or beyond their expected life. Our inspectors will note the condition of any flat roofs, check for signs of ponding water, and advise on replacement timelines and likely costs. This is particularly important for garages that may have been added to properties over the years.

The survey will include a thorough evaluation of the property's services, including electrical and plumbing installations, which are especially important in older properties that may have outdated systems. We cannot test behind walls or within the electrical consumer unit, but we can identify visual signs of age, wear, or non-compliance with current regulations. For properties with older fuse boxes, original plumbing with lead or galvanised steel pipes, or incomplete electrical testing records, we will recommend that you obtain specialist reports from qualified electricians and plumbers before completing your purchase.

For those considering newer properties in Eye, such as the homes at Cranmore House on Thorney Road or the Allison Homes development off Eyebury Road, our Level 3 survey still provides value. While newer builds may have fewer structural concerns, we can identify any snagging issues, assess the quality of construction, and ensure that everything has been completed to an acceptable standard. Even new homes can have defects that need addressing before they become major problems. With Cranmore House offering 2-4 bedroom houses at prices ranging from £255,000 to £350,000, and the Allison Homes development providing 265 new homes, these represent significant investments that deserve the same careful scrutiny as older properties.

Eye has evolved significantly over the past decades, transforming from a traditional Cambridgeshire village into a thriving commuter settlement for Peterborough. The housing stock reflects this evolution, with historic properties in the village centre featuring traditional Fletton brick construction, mixed with newer brick and render homes from various phases of development. Understanding what to expect from different property types is crucial when purchasing in the area. The village's historic core contains several listed buildings, and understanding how these properties have been modified over the years is an important part of our assessment.

Many of the older properties in Eye were constructed using methods common throughout Cambridgeshire, including solid walls that can be prone to damp if not properly maintained. These properties often have older roof coverings that may need renewal and original windows and doors that, while characterful, may not meet modern standards for insulation or security. Our Level 3 survey examines these elements in detail and provides you with realistic assessments of their condition and expected remaining lifespan. We will check for signs of penetrating damp, rising damp, and condensation, which are common issues in older solid-walled properties that were built before modern damp-proof courses became standard.

The newer developments, particularly those constructed since the early 2000s, bring their own considerations. While generally built to modern standards, these properties can still have defects that emerge as the buildings settle. The Allison Homes development off Eyebury Road, which received planning approval for 265 homes with construction commencing in early 2025, represents the latest addition to Eye's housing stock. Properties on this scale require the same careful inspection as any other purchase to ensure you are getting what you pay for. New build defects can include inadequate insulation in cavity walls, poorly installed windows and doors, and issues with the original fixtures and fittings.

Eye's position near the River Nene and the Nene Washes means that while the village itself is generally at lower flood risk than the low-lying Fenland areas to the east, surface water flooding can occur during periods of heavy rainfall. We will check the property for signs of previous water ingress, assess the effectiveness of existing drainage systems, and advise on any flood resilience measures that may be appropriate. If you are considering a property in an area with any history of flooding, we can advise on the steps you should take to protect your investment.

Understanding the construction methods used in Eye properties helps our inspectors provide you with accurate assessments and relevant advice. The predominant building material in the area is brick, with traditional Fletton brick being particularly common in older properties. Fletton brick, which is made from clay found locally in the Peterborough area, has been used extensively in Cambridgeshire construction since the 19th century. While durable, Fletton brick can be more porous than modern bricks, making properties more susceptible to damp penetration if not properly maintained with adequate eaves ventilation and pointing.

Many older properties in Eye were built with solid walls rather than the cavity walls that became standard from the 1920s onwards. Solid walls have no cavity to provide insulation or moisture resistance, which means they can be more prone to damp issues, particularly in properties where the external render or pointing has deteriorated. Our surveyors will assess the condition of any render or external wall finishes and advise on the suitability of any existing or potential internal wall insulation. If you are considering a solid-walled property, we can also advise on the options for improving its thermal efficiency without causing damp problems.

Roof construction in Eye varies depending on the age of the property. Traditional properties typically have pitched roofs with slate or clay tile coverings, while newer properties may have concrete tile roofs or flat roofs on extensions and garages. We inspect all roof types, checking the structure, covering, flashing, and gutters. For properties with original slate roofs, we will assess the condition of the slates and any lead flashings, which may have reached the end of their expected lifespan. Flat roofs, which are commonly found on garage additions and kitchen extensions throughout Eye, require particular attention as they have a limited lifespan and can develop leaks that lead to structural damage if left unrepaired.

Extensions and alterations are common throughout Eye's housing stock, and our inspectors pay special attention to how these have been constructed and whether they meet building regulations. Many older properties have been extended over the years, sometimes with less than ideal construction methods. We will check the junction between the original building and any extensions, look for signs of movement or water penetration, and assess whether the extension has been properly integrated with the main structure. This is particularly important for properties that have had conservatories added, as these can often have issues with condensation, leaks, or structural movement.