RICS Level 2 Survey in Great and Little Chishill

Our RICS Level 2 survey looks closely at every accessible part of the property, from the roof space, where it is safe and accessible, to walls, floors, windows, doors and permanent fixtures. We check the building’s structure, pick out defects or possible trouble spots, and consider how those issues may affect value. The survey also sets out a market valuation and an insurance rebuild cost estimate, so the picture is complete. Our Chartered Surveyors draw on extensive training and experience, which is why they spot problems an untrained eye could miss.

In Great and Little Chishill, where homes range from older period properties to newer builds, our surveyors give extra attention to the issues we often see in rural Cambridgeshire housing. That means checking traditional brickwork, timber-framed sections, thatch or slate roofs, and the condition of drainage systems serving detached homes. Many properties here use solid wall construction, so we need to look carefully for damp penetration and any concerns about thermal efficiency.

We use a straightforward traffic light system. Red means a serious issue that needs urgent attention, Amber points to a defect that will need repair in time, and Green shows a satisfactory condition. The rating system makes it easy to see what needs action now and what can be watched over time. If we think specialist input is needed, we also set out clear recommendations for further checks, such as structural engineers, damp specialists or electrical testing contractors.

All the main structural elements and building services are covered in our Level 2 surveys. We inspect the roof covering and structure, chimney stacks, walls and foundations, floors and ceilings, windows and doors, damp proof course provision, plus plumbing and electrical installations. Each part is given a condition rating, so you can see what is being bought and what maintenance costs may lie ahead.

• Structural integrity and wall condition
• Roof, chimneys, and gutters
• Damp and moisture detection
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical condition
• Boundaries and exterior finishes

Our experience across South Cambridgeshire means we often see the same problems turning up in Great and Little Chishill homes. Damp penetration is common in older solid wall properties, because there is no cavity wall barrier to stop moisture travelling through the brickwork. We use moisture meters and visual inspection to identify both existing damp and the kind of conditions that could lead to trouble later on. It matters even more where a house has stood empty for a while, as reduced ventilation lets damp settle in quietly.

Roofs need a close look too. Many village properties have slate and clay tiles, and some older homes still have thatched roofs that call for specialist inspection. We check for slipped or broken tiles, worn roof felt, and the state of ridge tiles and pointing. Chimney stacks face particular exposure to the weather in elevated positions, so we note any mortar decay, damaged flashing or signs of water getting in around chimney breasts.

Drainage in rural places like Great and Little Chishill can be tricky. Quite a few homes depend on private septic tanks or cess pits instead of mains drainage, and our surveyors will record where these systems are and how they appear to be holding up. We also look at surface water drainage, especially for properties with large gardens or those close to the village’s water courses. The clay soils found across much of Cambridgeshire mean we also keep an eye out for subsidence or movement that could affect drain runs and foundations.

Older homes often need electrical and plumbing upgrades to bring them closer to current standards. We pick out outdated consumer units, poor earthing and old plumbing materials that may cause concern. We do not carry out detailed testing, but our visual inspection flags obvious safety issues and points towards further checks by qualified electricians and plumbers. That is particularly useful where a property has not been updated for several years, which is common in a village with a large amount of older housing stock.

The report is written to be clear and practical. Each section of the property gets a condition rating, and the summary draws out the most important matters identified during the inspection. Technical terms are explained in plain English, so the condition of the property is easy to understand before completion. Because the report follows the RICS standard format, it can be compared easily with other survey reports if needed.

Alongside defects, we include a market valuation and a reinstatement cost for insurance purposes. That valuation reflects current market conditions in Great and Little Chishill and across South Cambridgeshire. If the figure is well below the asking price, it can be used to reopen negotiations. With 20% annual growth and wide differences between streets, an up-to-date independent valuation is extremely useful.

We also flag urgent defects that need immediate attention and give estimates for remedial works. We do not provide repair quotes, but our descriptions are detailed enough to help you seek accurate contractor prices. If something needs specialist investigation, such as structural movement or suspected Japanese knotweed, we set out clear next steps for further inspection. Where there is any doubt about condition, we take the cautious route and recommend more investigation.

For the market valuation section, we look at recent sales data for the street and the wider village. On The Pudgell, where average prices sit around £850,000, or on Heydon Road where values have been particularly volatile, our valuation gives an evidence-based view of the property’s current worth. That matters even more while prices are moving quickly.