RICS Level 2 Survey in St. Winnow

St. Winnow is a picturesque parish with a rich architectural heritage, from the Grade I listed Church of St Winnow to a good number of other listed buildings. Many homes here are centuries old, put together in traditional Cornish materials such as granite, slate and cob. That character is part of the appeal, though it also brings issues only an experienced local surveyor can properly judge. With the River Fowey so close, flood risk is a real point to think about for some properties, especially those by the riverbank or in low-lying spots near the quay at the limit of navigation.

Cornwall's older housing stock often brings damp and mould with it, particularly where solid walls have been used instead of cavity insulation. High humidity and frequent rainfall can make matters worse, especially if breathable original construction has been altered with non-breathable materials. Our surveyors know the Cornish housing stock well, from slate roof condition to older plumbing systems that may date back decades. Where needed, we use moisture meters and thermal imaging to pick up hidden damp that the untrained eye might miss.

One issue that crops up time and again in this region is mundic block, a form of concrete block used in properties built between roughly 1900 and 1965 that can deteriorate over time. If it is present, mortgage lenders may be wary, so spotting it early matters. Our Level 2 survey will highlight any concerns and call for further investigation where needed, which can save a great deal of trouble later on. Where potential mundic block is found, we can arrange a specialist mundic test through our network of qualified assessors.

Local geology around St. Winnow and across Cornwall brings its own set of questions for buyers. Historic mining activity means some properties may stand on land with a mining past, which can lead to subsidence or ground movement. We look for the warning signs, diagonal cracks in walls, doors that stick or do not close properly, and floors that feel uneven or slope. If anything points that way, our surveyors will recommend a structural engineer for further investigation.

• Damp and mould assessment
• Roof and slate condition check
• Structural movement identification
• Mundic block screening
• Flood risk evaluation
• Electrical safety review

Properties in St. Winnow face several local issues that our surveyors are trained to pick up. Historic mining activity across Cornwall means some homes may stand on ground with a mining past, which can bring subsidence or ground movement. We check for the signs, diagonal cracks in walls, doors that stick or fail to close properly, and floors that slope or feel uneven. Where concerns are found, we recommend a structural engineer take a closer look.

Even inland parts of Cornwall, including St. Winnow, feel the effects of a coastal climate, with salty air and high humidity speeding up the wear on external materials and electrical systems. Homes near the River Fowey can also run into drainage problems, so our survey includes a look at flood and water damage risk. We check drainage, the slope of the surrounding land and any existing flood mitigation measures.

Older Cornish properties often raise electrical safety questions too. Many historic homes in the St. Winnow area still have original wiring systems that may not meet current regulations and could present a fire risk. Our survey looks at the electrical consumer unit, visible wiring condition, and switches and sockets. If anything obvious looks unsafe, we will say so and recommend a full electrical inspection by a qualified electrician before you complete your purchase.

A lack of ventilation is another common issue we come across where modern repair methods have cut down natural airflow in older buildings. The result can be damp, condensation and timber decay, especially in solid-walled properties that were originally meant to breathe. Our surveyors assess ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens and roof spaces, then set out any improvements needed to reduce moisture-related problems.

• Subsidence and structural movement
• Flood risk from River Fowey
• Damp and condensation problems
• Roof deterioration and slate damage
• Outdated electrical systems
• Drainage and plumbing issues