RICS Level 2 Survey in Stetchworth

Our RICS Level 2 Survey looks over the accessible parts of the property in detail, judging overall condition and picking out defects that could affect value or safety. Our surveyors check the roof, walls, floors, doors, windows, and key installations such as plumbing and electrical systems. They also keep an eye out for damp, timber decay, and structural movement that may point to deeper issues.

The Level 2 Survey is different from a basic valuation because it uses a clear traffic light rating system for each element, red for urgent matters that need immediate attention, amber for defects that should be dealt with soon, and green for satisfactory condition. That makes the report easier to read without the jargon getting in the way. Every red-rated item also comes with straightforward guidance on what needs doing and why it matters.

Stetchworth is a case in point, with homes ranging from modern properties at The Paddocks to older houses dating back to the pre-1919 period, so this survey earns its keep. Around 60.8% of properties were built before 1980, which means issues linked to age, such as damp, timber defects, or outdated electrics, are far from unusual. You also get a market valuation and an insurance rebuild cost assessment, both important for mortgage and insurance purposes.

Across Cambridgeshire, our surveyors are used to seeing the full spread of local construction, from traditional brick and render finishes to modern cavity wall systems. They know the methods used in these properties and, just as importantly, which defects tend to show up in buildings of a particular age and type.

• Roof and chimney inspection
• Wall and foundation assessment
• Damp and timber condition check
• Electrical and plumbing overview
• Energy performance rating
• Market valuation and rebuild cost

The Paddocks, off Newmarket Road (CB8 9TS), is one of Stetchworth’s active developments. Built by Bennett Homes, it offers 3, 4, and 5 bedroom homes, with prices starting from £479,995. New build properties often have fewer defects than older houses, but a RICS Level 2 Survey still makes sense for buyers at The Paddocks.

We look closely at the build quality, check compliance with building regulations, and pick up finishing issues that may sit outside the developer’s warranty. Even on a new home, we sometimes find problems with window seals, roof tile installation, or drainage falls that buyers do not spot straight away. Having the survey carried out before completion can also give you leverage to ask the developer to put things right.

Modern construction brings its own points to check, and new build homes often benefit from our understanding of cavity wall insulation, contemporary roofing systems, and current building regulations. We can confirm whether the property meets expected standards and point out any areas where remedial work may be needed.

The age profile of Stetchworth properties means our surveyors often come across a familiar set of problems. Around 17.7% of homes were built before 1919, so many still have solid walls rather than cavity walls, and those can be more vulnerable to damp penetration. The original damp proof courses in these older properties may have failed, or may never have been installed at all, leading to rising damp that needs specialist treatment.

Homes built between 1945 and 1980 make up 30.8% of the housing stock, and they tend to bring their own issues. We often see original timber windows needing replacement, outdated electrical wiring that no longer meets current regulations, and plumbing systems nearing the end of their useful life. Our surveyors check these items carefully and flag safety concerns, especially where electrical installations may not comply with Part P building regulations.

Special care is needed for properties in or near the Stetchworth Conservation Area, including listed buildings such as Stetchworth Park and the Church of St Mary the Virgin. Repairs and alterations here have to follow conservation guidelines, and our surveyors understand that framework. We can also point out any unauthorised changes that might limit future alterations.

Some properties in Stetchworth sit on shrinkable clay soils, so subsidence is a real concern in the area. Our surveyors look for structural movement, including cracks in walls, uneven floors, and doors or windows that no longer close properly. Buildings with large trees close to them are at particular risk, since roots can draw moisture from the clay, causing it to shrink and leading to foundation movement.