RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey in Blisland

Blisland’s housing stock brings a set of quirks that make a RICS Level 2 Survey a sensible step before purchase. The village is known for traditional stone-built cottages, many dating back well over 50 years, and those attractive older homes can hide defects that only an experienced surveyor is likely to spot. From penetrating damp in solid stone walls to wear in traditional roofing materials, our surveyors know the trouble spots to check in Blisland’s period properties.

Recent property sales data points to 100% of transactions in certain Blisland postcode areas being detached properties, with average values of £553,712 in PL30 4JF and £703,838 in PL30 4LB. At that level, a proper survey is more than a box-ticking exercise, it is financially important. Our Level 2 surveys set out the property’s condition before you commit, and if defects come to light, we give you the detail you need for negotiations.

Blisland’s conservation character, with its rare village green, is a strong sign that some homes may sit within or beside protected areas. That can complicate later repair, alteration, or renovation work. Our surveyors know the local limitations and will highlight any conservation points in the report, so you are clear on what the property may involve from the outset.

Because so many Blisland properties are older, their electrics, plumbing, and drainage are often original, or else updated bit by bit over several decades. A Level 2 Survey looks at the condition of these core services and flags outdated installations that may fall short of current regulations or create safety concerns. That matters in older Cornish homes, where years of DIY changes can leave hazards tucked out of sight.

Getting the construction right is a big part of surveying in Blisland. Most properties here were built with local granite and slate from Bodmin Moor quarries, and those traditional methods usually mean solid walls with no cavity insulation. That affects thermal performance as well as moisture management, and our surveyors know how to assess those details properly.

Many of Blisland’s older cottages still have original lime mortar pointing between the stonework, which lets the walls breathe. Trouble starts where modern cement-based mortars have been used for repointing, because moisture can then become trapped in the wall structure, leading to penetrating damp and possible decay in the stonework. Our surveyors inspect the pointing carefully to see whether lime mortar survives or whether unsuitable modern materials have been introduced.

In Blisland, roofs are commonly finished in natural slate, the standard roofing material across Cornwall during the Victorian and Edwardian periods. Some homes may also have thatched roofs, which call for specialist knowledge. We inspect the slate, its fixings, and the condition of valleys and verges, noting any slipped or broken tiles that could let in water, and we also check lead flashing around chimneys and roof windows, a regular source of leaks in older properties.

Traditional stone-built homes in Blisland may have plenty of character, but they also need careful checking for a few recurring issues. Rising and penetrating damp affects many older solid-wall properties, especially where original lime mortar pointing has been swapped for cement and moisture is trapped within the wall structure. Our surveyors look for the signs and judge whether the problem is historic or active and in need of prompt attention. We check for damp metres at low level and within ground-floor rooms, and we note any staining, mould growth, or salt deposits that point to continuing moisture problems.

Roofing deserves close attention too. Traditional materials, including slate and sometimes thatch, come with their own maintenance concerns, and slipped or broken slates can quickly lead to water ingress, while ridge tiles and parapet walls also need a careful look. Our surveyors assess the roof both from inside the property, where accessible, and from outside, then report on its present condition and likely remaining lifespan. We record the type of slate, its approximate age, and any signs of deterioration that may suggest near-term replacement.

Timber defects are frequently found in older Cornish properties, including rot and woodworm infestation. Ground-floor timber joists, window frames, and door frames can all decay, particularly where damp conditions are present. Our Level 2 Survey identifies suspected timber defects and, where needed, recommends further specialist investigation, so you have a clearer view of the property’s structural integrity. Where accessible, we probe suspect woodwork with a sharp tool and note soft spots, fungal growth, or insect activity.

Chimney stacks are another feature we treat seriously in Blisland properties. Many traditional cottages have prominent stacks that have stood through decades of Cornish weather, and we assess the brickwork and stonework, look for movement or cracking, and check the condition of flashings and cowls. If a chimney stack is damaged or unstable, the safety risk can be significant, and the repair bill can be too.