RICS Level 3 Survey in PL24 (Par)

Our RICS Level 3 Building Survey takes in all accessible parts of the property. Our inspector checks the roof structure, including rafters, purlins and roof coverings, looks for movement or cracking in external walls, checks visible foundations, and reviews floors, ceilings and internal joinery. Unlike less detailed surveys, the report also explains how the building was constructed and what materials were used, so we can set out the long-term maintenance demands of the property. Photographs are taken throughout the inspection as visual evidence of anything we find.

In the PL24 area, where semi-detached and terraced homes from a range of periods make up much of the stock, our surveyors focus on the problems we commonly see across Cornwall. We look for damp penetration, check traditional stone and render finishes, and inspect any extensions or alterations added over the years. Because this part of Cornwall sits close to the sea, we also look for salt damp and corrosion to metal elements, both of which are more common near the coast.

The Level 3 survey also covers heating systems, electrical installations and plumbing. Any work that falls short of current regulations, or needs a specialist, is flagged by our inspectors. We give practical guidance on estimated costs for urgent repairs, so the figures can feed into negotiations with the seller or the budget after completion. If a particular issue needs a specialist contractor, we can say so.

Cornish hedge banks and boundary walls are part of the picture too, and in the Par area they often need ongoing care. Standard surveys can miss these features, yet deterioration can lead to significant repair bills. Our team knows the local pattern and includes it in the assessment.

• Complete structural assessment
• Roof and chimney inspection
• Damp and timber decay analysis
• Electrical and plumbing overview
• Thermal element evaluation
• Legal and regulatory compliance check
• Boundary wall and hedge bank assessment
• Coastal environment-specific checks

The report is written in a clear, easy-to-follow format that follows RICS guidelines. It opens with an executive summary covering the most significant findings, then moves through detailed sections on each part of the property. Every defect is given a condition rating from 1 (no repair required) to 3 (urgent repair or serious issues requiring immediate attention). We use traffic light colouring so the main issues stand out quickly.

Practical recommendations are included for every issue, from simple maintenance you can carry out yourself to major repairs that need specialist contractors. Where it is relevant, we will suggest getting quotes from qualified professionals before completing the purchase, particularly for structural concerns or matters affecting building regulation compliance. We also give estimated cost guidance for repairs where we can, helping with budgeting.

For PL24 properties, our surveyors give special attention to the local setting. There is no significant flood risk shown in the area, but the coastal location means we always check for salt damp and corrosion to metal elements. We also look at traditional Cornish hedge banks and boundary walls, common features here and often in need of regular upkeep. These local points come as standard in every Level 3 survey we carry out in the PL24 area.

Par homes often bring the same issues to light, and our surveyors regularly pick them up during Level 3 inspections. Traditional Cornwall properties frequently use solid wall construction rather than cavity walls, which can be more prone to damp penetration if they are not properly maintained. Our inspectors are trained to assess those solid walls and recommend suitable remedial work where it is needed. Render finishes are common on Cornish properties too, and cracked or deteriorated render can hide problems underneath.

Because many properties in PL24 are older, original plumbing and electrical installations are common, and they may not meet current regulations. They can still work, but older systems often need updating to meet modern standards. Our Level 3 survey includes a full review of these services, and any work that should be done by qualified electricians or plumbers is flagged. We can advise on how urgent any upgrades are, based on the condition and safety of the installation.

Older roofs in this area are often finished with traditional slate or clay tiles. Durable though they are, exposed coastal conditions can leave them damaged or worn over time. Our inspection covers the roof structure and covering in detail, picking up missing or damaged tiles, signs of leakage, and structural issues with the rafters and purlins. We also check chimney stacks, which are common on period properties and may need repointing or structural repair.