RICS Level 2 Survey Somersham

Our RICS Level 2 survey gives a detailed picture of the property's visible condition. We inspect all accessible areas, including the roof, walls, floors, windows, doors, and the condition of damp-proofing, insulation, and drainage systems. Because we work across Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire, our team brings solid experience of the homes found in this region, from period cottages to modern new builds. That local knowledge helps us judge how buildings here tend to react to seasonal weather changes and ground conditions.

During the inspection, we note and categorise any defects we find, then set out why they matter and what repair or remedial work may be needed. Our traffic-light ratings make it easy to see which issues are serious and need urgent attention, which are minor and may be negotiate on price, and which are cosmetic only. With that in hand, you can renegotiate the purchase price, ask for repairs before completion, or move forward knowing what you're taking on. Where it makes sense, we also include estimated costs so you can budget for the work.

Somersham has a mixed housing market, and we know the typical issues that come with each type of property. Detached homes in the village often have generous gardens and separate garages. Much of the rest of the stock is made up of semi-detached and terraced houses, where shared boundaries and possible movement in older structures need careful thought. We adjust the inspection to suit the property type and its construction, particularly as homes here were built in different periods, each with its own building methods and defect patterns.

In this part of Cambridgeshire, clay soils can affect buildings, especially older properties with shallow foundations. We look closely for subsidence, cracking in walls, and the way doors and windows open and close, as these can all point to structural movement. Our knowledge of local construction methods means we know the warning signs in both older homes and more recent builds. In parts of Huntingdonshire, the geology can lead to ground movement during dry spells, so we pay close attention to foundations and any cracking, whatever the age of the property.

• Roof structure and covering
• Wall condition and structural movement
• Damp and timber decay assessment
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical visible installations
• Garage and outbuildings
• Boundary walls and fences
• Driveway and parking areas

We write our RICS Level 2 survey reports to be practical and easy to follow, even if you've never had a property survey before. Technical jargon is kept to a minimum, and where specialist terms are needed, we explain them in plain English. Each section covers a different part of the property, from the roof down to the foundations, and we use photographs to show any issues found. The report follows the standard RICS format, so it is consistent and complete.

The report uses the RICS traffic-light system so you can quickly gauge the seriousness of any issues. Red marks serious defects needing urgent attention, amber flags items that may call for negotiation or future monitoring, and green shows elements in satisfactory condition. This visual approach helps you prioritises what needs dealing with now and what can wait. We also assign priority ratings to each defect, which helps when planning any work.

Across Somersham and the surrounding Cambridgeshire villages, there are a few recurring issues we watch for. In this part of Huntingdonshire, clay soils can affect properties, especially those with shallow foundations. We check for subsidence, cracking, and the operation of doors and windows, all of which can point to structural movement. Because we know the local construction styles, we can spot the warning signs in both older homes and newer builds.

We also look closely at issues often found in the local housing stock, such as the condition of older roof structures in period properties, the state of original windows and doors, and signs of damp in homes that may have solid floors rather than modern concrete slabs. Our experience around Somersham means we can pick up concerns that a surveyor with less knowledge of local property types might not read in the same way.

• Clear severity ratings for all defects
• Detailed photographs of issues found
• Estimated repair costs where applicable
• Professional recommendations for further investigation
• Guidance on maintenance and ongoing care