RICS Level 2 Survey in Hunsonby

Our RICS Level 2 survey gives you a thorough visual inspection of every accessible part of a Hunsonby property. We look over the walls, roof, floors, doors and windows, assess their present condition, and point out defects that need attention. We also check for damp, structural movement, roof issues and the overall soundness of the building fabric. Every survey uses a detailed condition rating system, so it is clear which matters are urgent and which are relatively minor.

Inside and out, we cover the property as fully as access allows, including the garage and any outbuildings. We note the condition of services such as electricity, gas and water, although we do not test them. In the report, we set out practical advice on any urgent defects we have seen, so you have a straightforward picture of what you are buying.

In Hunsonby and across the surrounding Eden district, we pay close attention to the kinds of defects that often turn up in older Cumbrian homes. A good number of properties here were built using traditional methods and may include features that call for specialist judgement. Our Level 2 survey gives you the detail you need to budget for remedial works, or weigh those costs up before you commit to the purchase.

We also look at boundaries, fencing and access points, something that matters all the more with rural properties where large gardens or agricultural land may be part of the sale. Around Hunsonby, it is common to see outbuildings, barns and traditional stone walls, and we note any visible defects in those too. The aim is simple, to give you a full view of the property's condition before you complete.

• Wall condition and structural integrity
• Roof covering and chimney condition
• Damp and moisture detection
• Floor and ceiling condition
• Window and door operation
• Electrical and gas visual checks

Our RICS Level 2 survey report uses a traffic light system that makes the condition of each inspected element easy to read. A red rating points to urgent attention and may indicate defects with implications for structural integrity or safety. Amber shows issues that need work but are not immediately critical, and green means we found no significant defects.

Age-related issues come up regularly in Hunsonby properties, and our surveyors know what to look for. Traditional Cumbrian buildings often have solid wall construction, which can be more vulnerable to damp penetration than modern cavity wall homes. We check for rising damp, penetrating damp and condensation, then set out specific recommendations for remediation where required.

If requested, the report can also include a market valuation and an insurance rebuild figure, both of which can be useful for mortgage purposes and wider financial planning. Where we are asked to provide this, we assess the property against comparable sales in the Hunsonby area to arrive at an accurate current market value. This is separate from the mortgage valuation and is intended to give you added confidence in the price you are paying.

We also set out any legal points that become apparent during our inspection, including matters to raise with your solicitor. That can include missing building regulations approvals for extensions, shared boundary concerns, or other legal issues that often matter in rural properties, especially where rights of way or farming arrangements could affect the property.

• Condition ratings for each element
• Professional photographs of defects
• Estimated repair costs
• Market valuation (if requested)
• Insurance rebuild cost
• Energy efficiency observations

Building methods in Hunsonby reflect what has been used across the Eden district for generations. Many older homes here were built with solid stone walls, standard practice before cavity wall construction became the norm. Solid walls can be very appealing and offer good thermal mass, but in Cumbria's damp climate they do need careful assessment for moisture penetration.

Traditional Hunsonby properties commonly have slate roofs, long the main roofing material in this part of Cumbria. We check these carefully, looking for slipped or broken tiles, the condition of mortar pointing at verges and ridges, and the state of leadwork around chimneys and valleys. On older homes, slate roofing often needs regular maintenance, and our survey highlights any areas that may need attention.

In many nearby properties, we also come across traditional lime-based mortars and renders rather than modern cement-based products. That distinction matters, because cement-based repairs on traditional buildings can cause damage by trapping moisture. We understand the difference and give advice that fits the specific construction type of the property we are inspecting.

Where a property includes outbuildings or agricultural buildings, we inspect those as well. In a rural area such as Hunsonby, barns, stables and traditional farm buildings are often part of the package. Even where they do not fall within the main survey scope, we still note their general condition and any obvious defects that could affect value or day-to-day use.