RICS Level 2 Survey Colan

A RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey covers a thorough visual inspection of all accessible parts of the property, including the roof, walls, floors, windows, doors, damp course, and services. We produce the report using a traffic light system, with red for urgent issues needing attention, amber for defects that will need repair later, and green for elements in satisfactory condition. The report also comments on legal issues and points out where further investigation is important. In Colan, we pay close attention to defects linked to coastal exposure, clay soil movement, and the older construction methods commonly found in Cornwall.

For a standard property in Colan, the cost of a RICS Level 2 Survey typically starts from around £550, with the exact figure depending on the size, age, construction type, and location of the home. Prices can be higher for larger properties, homes with unusual features, or older buildings that need a more detailed inspection. With the average property value in Colan at £710,000, a professional survey can offer worthwhile protection for your purchase decision. The fee is often modest compared with the cost of unexpected repairs.

Even a new build can be worth surveying. Newer homes often have fewer defects than older ones, but our surveyors can still spot build quality issues, snagging items, or problems with fittings and finishes that are easy to miss without training. For new builds in the Colan area, we check whether installations appear to have been completed to appropriate standards and identify any work that may not comply with building regulations. We can also pick up issues linked to site conditions, such as ground movement or drainage concerns, which may affect newly built properties as much as older ones.

Homes in Cornwall often come with a familiar set of issues tied to the county's maritime climate and older housing stock. Typical defects include damp in solid walls, caused by the age of construction and exposure to rain, roof decay affecting slate and thatch coverings, timber rot in floor structures and roof timbers, salt corrosion on metal elements near the coast, and structural movement linked to clay soil subsidence. In the Colan area, these risks can be more pronounced because of the coastal setting and the number of older traditional buildings. Our surveyors know what to look for and set out any remediation that may be needed in clear detail.

A RICS Level 2 Survey includes a visual check for signs of subsidence or ground movement, which can point to historical mining activity or clay soil shrinkage. Our surveyors look for cracking in walls, uneven floors, and other signs of structural movement. Cornwall's historical mining legacy is significant, and although many old mine workings have collapsed over time, some places may still carry ground risks. Where we identify serious concerns, the report will recommend further investigation by a structural engineer or geotechnical specialist so the ground conditions can be assessed in more detail. That can be particularly important in areas known for historical mining activity.

The site inspection for a RICS Level 2 Survey usually takes between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the property's size and complexity. Smaller homes may take around 2 hours, while larger properties, houses with extensive outbuildings, or period homes with more complicated construction can need longer. We then provide the written report within 3-5 working days. In the Colan area, if a property is larger or more complex, we may suggest allowing extra time so the inspection can be carried out properly.

We inspect all accessible parts of the property, including the roof space where safe access is possible, exterior walls, windows and doors, interior walls and ceilings, floors and staircases, kitchen and bathroom fittings, and any visible services. Where it is safe, we move furniture and lift loose floorboards to check for damp or timber defects. Accessible outbuildings, garages, and boundaries are included too. In Colan, we pay especially close attention to the roof structure because slate and thatch roofing are so common in the area.

Yes, we do encourage buyers to attend the survey. Seeing issues firsthand and being able to ask questions as the inspection moves along usually gives a far better understanding of the property's condition. In the Colan area, this can be especially useful because our surveyors can point out details linked to local construction methods and any environmental factors affecting the building. Let us know when you book if you would like to attend, and we will arrange a suitable time.