RICS Level 2 Survey in Polperro

Our RICS Level 2 Home Survey, formerly called the HomeBuyer Survey, looks closely at a property's visible and accessible parts. We check the roof, walls, chimney, doors, windows, dampness and timber defects, then set out clear advice on any faults we find and what repairs or maintenance may be needed. The report uses a straightforward traffic light system, red for urgent issues needing attention, amber for defects that will need future repair, and green for satisfactory condition, so it is easy to see what needs dealing with first.

Polperro has plenty of homes that go back centuries, built in traditional Cornish stone and slate, so we keep a close eye on the problems that often come with historic buildings. Our inspection covers walls for movement or damp, roof coverings and drainage systems, joinery and windows, plus any extensions or alterations. We also look at supporting props or timber beams, since these turn up often in older terraced properties across the village. If a property sits within the Polperro Conservation Area, we note anything that could limit future changes without planning permission.

Most of Polperro's housing stock fits the kind of conventional property the Level 2 survey is meant for, provided it is in reasonable condition. From a terraced cottage in the village centre to a detached house on the outskirts, the survey gives you the detail you need to negotiate with sellers or plan for repair costs. Age-related issues are common here, from outdated electrical systems and original windows that need maintenance to wear on traditional roofing materials. Our surveyors mark these clearly in your report and set out practical next steps.

Eight main areas are checked, and each one is given a condition rating. We look at the roof structure and covering, wall construction and condition, damp and timber inspection, windows and doors, chimney and flue assessment, drainage and gutters, floor and ceiling condition, and the services and utilities. Each part is rated in plain language, so you can tell at a glance what is satisfactory and what needs attention.

• Roof structure and covering
• Wall construction and condition
• Damp and timber inspection
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Chimney and flue assessment
• Drainage and gutters
• Floor and ceiling condition
• Services and utilities

At the mouth of the Pol River, Polperro presents some very particular issues for buyers, especially where houses sit right beside the stream that runs through the village to the harbour. We check drainage systems, ground levels and any evidence of earlier water damage or damp penetration with care. River and surface water flooding is a real risk here, particularly for homes on lower ground near the harbour. Our surveyors look for flood markers, water staining and drainage infrastructure that could struggle in heavy rainfall or at high tides.

Homes facing the harbour or exposed to the prevailing westerly winds take a battering from the coast. Salt-laden air is hard on metal fixings, flashing and rain goods, so roof junctions and parapet walls often deteriorate faster than you would expect. We study these areas closely for corrosion, loose tiles and mortar decay that could let water in. Polperro's traditional slate and stone construction needs maintenance that is different from what modern buildings call for.

Across Cornwall, older buildings were often finished with lime-based mortars and renders, and it matters to know how those original materials differ from modern cement-based products. We often pick up on poor repairs where cement has been used over historic lime mortar, trapping moisture and leading to damp problems or stone decay. In Polperro, that is a real concern, because many owners may not realise how specific the maintenance needs of a historic building can be.

Because Polperro has so many older homes, outdated electrical systems, original plumbing and ageing roof structures are all common sights. Properties over 50 years old often show structural movement, damp penetration and wear to original features, all of which the RICS Level 2 survey is set up to identify. If a property is listed, and any alteration needs Listed Building Consent, we set out the extra points you need to think about. For especially complex or historic homes, we can also advise whether a more detailed RICS Level 3 Building Survey would suit better.

• Flood risk from Pol River
• Coastal weather exposure
• Historic stone construction
• Outdated electrical systems
• Conservation Area constraints
• Structural movement in older properties