RICS Level 2 Survey in Waresley-cum-Tetworth

Our RICS Level 2 survey gives a detailed visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property, so you have the facts needed to make an informed purchase. It is carried out to the RICS professional standard and covers the overall condition, any defects we find, and the maintenance work likely to be needed. We look closely at the walls, roof, floors, doors and windows, together with the building services, including electrics, plumbing and heating systems. Each element is worked through methodically, with photographs and plain-English notes that are easy to follow.

Waresley-cum-Tetworth has many homes built in traditional local brick and slate, and that means our surveyors give extra attention to the features that shape older buildings here. Timber-framed windows, decorative brickwork and period fireplaces can be full of charm, but they can also mean ongoing upkeep. We inspect the exterior and the inside of the property, plus the roof space where it can be reached, sub-floor areas and any permanent outbuildings. The grounds are checked too, from boundaries and gardens to trees that could have a bearing on the structure.

We set out the findings with a clear traffic light system, red for serious issues needing urgent attention, amber for defects that should be repaired, and green where the condition is satisfactory. That simple format shows exactly what you are buying and can give you useful leverage if the survey turns up anything significant. You also get a market valuation and an insurance reinstatement figure, both important for mortgage purposes and for arranging adequate buildings insurance. For Waresley-cum-Tetworth, our valuation reflects local market conditions, the appeal of rural villages to buyers, and the particular nature of period homes in Huntingdonshire.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, chimneys, and damp proof course
• Floors, stairs, and ceilings
• Windows and doors
• Plumbing and water systems
• Electrical installations
• Garage and outbuildings
• Boundaries and grounds

Waresley-cum-Tetworth reflects the building traditions of rural Cambridgeshire, with many houses made from materials sourced from the surrounding area. Local brick walls with slate roofs and gault brick chimney stacks are common, from modest cottages through to substantial farmhouses. The Church of St James the Great, rebuilt in 1856, has a distinctive shingled spire that shows the roofing techniques used locally. Along Gamlingay Road and Vicarage Road, many estate cottages were built in the mid-19th century by Octavius Duncombe, and they still show the red brick elevations and slate roofs typical of the village.

The geology here is Lower Greensand and Boulder Clay, and that has shaped both how properties were built and the issues they can face. Boulder Clay can bring shrink-swell potential, so the ground may expand and contract as moisture levels change, which in turn can affect foundations over time. That matters most for older houses, especially where the footings are shallower than modern standards would allow. Our surveyors are used to spotting signs of movement and can advise if a structural engineer should take a closer look.

Several historic buildings underline the village’s heritage, including the Grade II* listed Tetworth Hall and Waresley Hall, both important landmarks in the area. Many properties on the main roads sit within, or close to, conservation areas, so buyers should check for limits on alterations and extensions. There is also a high share of pre-1919 homes, which means original details such as lime mortar pointing, timber sash windows and cast iron rainwater goods are common, and they usually need specialist maintenance rather than straightforward replacement.

From surveying properties across Huntingdonshire and Cambridgeshire, we see a few problems again and again in Waresley-cum-Tetworth. Damp is probably the most common, especially in older homes where modern damp proof courses were never installed or where the existing dpc has failed over time. Rising damp and penetrating damp can damage plaster and timber badly if they are left unchecked, and our surveyors are trained to spot the clues even when decorative finishes hide the real issue. Where it helps, we use moisture meters and thermal imaging to pick up damp that is not obvious at first glance.

Roof condition is another area we often watch closely. Many properties have slate roofs that are durable, but they can still suffer slipped tiles, failing flashing or weakened pointing as the years pass. Our inspectors check the roof coverings carefully for wear, missing or broken tiles, and signs of earlier repairs. Where a property has a thatched roof or one of the distinctive shingled spires found on some local buildings, we add further comments on condition and maintenance. Given the age of many roofs in the village, replacement or major repair may not be far off, which matters when you are planning your budget.

Boulder Clay in Waresley-cum-Tetworth can create ground movement that affects foundations. Subsidence or heave may show up as cracks in walls, doors that stick, or floors that are no longer level. Our surveyors know how to identify structural movement and can advise if a structural engineer should investigate further. We also check older properties for electrical installations that no longer meet current regulations, including the consumer unit, the age of the wiring and whether the system appears to meet modern standards. Earthing and bonding are reviewed as well, since both are key to electrical safety.

Timber defects also crop up often in houses of this age, with wet rot and dry rot affecting window frames, door frames and structural timbers in many period properties. We inspect accessible timber for decay, insect activity and fungal growth. Another area we look at is lime mortar pointing, which can deteriorate and let water in. In homes with cellars or basements, we check retaining walls and drainage systems too, as clay soils can make them especially vulnerable to water ingress.