Surveyors in Cornwall

I'm thinking of buying a cottage in Cornwall, should I get a full building survey?

If you are buying an unusual type of property such as a period house a Building Surveys (RICS Level 3) is the right type of RICS survey suited to you. Following a thorough inspection of the home's accessible parts, this survey provides in depth details and often crucial information about the home's construction and uses as well as any maintenance needs. If there are any permanent, external buildings, these will also be surveyed as part of the survey.

I'm concerned about the effects of clay soil on my house's foundations. Will the survey take this into account?

The content of soil around the foundations of a home in Cornwall can have unwanted consequences. Subsidence, for example, is a major concern as are severe changes in the water table level. Expansive and reactive types of clay soil can be troublesome. Expansive clay soil is particularly sensitive to shifts in water content. For example, cracks along the kitchen wall may be benign, or a clue to prompt a more thorough investigation. When performing your Home Buyers Survey (RICS Level 2), your Cornwall surveyor will consider the impact the soil composition has had and may have in the future. Isolated patches of wet and dry soil can just as easily warp foundations, so care must be taken to ensure the overall moisture level of the clay soil around the foundations stays consistent.

Are there any things we would need to be aware of if planning to buy a period property in a Cornish conservation area?

Property values tend to be greater in conservation areas because many period properties have retained their original character and these areas are largely unspoilt. However, many conservation areas have been neglected and are in a poor state. Cornwall property surveyors are expected to report whether the property looks to be within a conservation area. A Cornwall Homebuyer Report (RICS Level 2) will suggest that additional due diligence and enquiries are raised by your legal representation. Unapproved extensions that do not have Local Authority approval may also be noted.

Our estate agent mentioned there may be asbestos textured coatings in the property we're interested in. Will a survey show if asbestos is there?

Where asbestos is found, it must be removed by professionals who are licensed by the Health and Safety Executive. A Cornwall chartered surveyor carrying out a building survey will not be able to confirm whether asbestos is present but will note any possibility of the fibre's use and advise where further investigation is required.

How can I tell if the properties I want to purchase is at risk of flooding, and does a RICS surveyor consider flood damage?

Burst dams, poor drainage and tidal activity could all cause major floods. In turn, the value of a property can decrease if it is situated in an exposed area. It is strongly recommended that precautions are taken before flood damage occurs. Section J of the survey report contains details, where applicable, of flooding risks found within the boundaries of the residence or on adjacent sites. Flooding issues will only be raised in Section J of a Building Survey if the surveyor observes or has reason to suspect that the residence is at risk.

We are purchasing in Cornwall. What will we need to bear in mind when purchasing an older property? What impact will the building's box frame structure have on upkeep?

Some buyers in Cornwall have looked at purchasing a unique or characterful property. Use of traditional methods, however, can create difficulties for an owner and buildings built using traditional methods can be unexpectedly hard to maintain. It is often the case that specialist knowledge is needed and it may be necessary to try and find traditional building materials. If you plan to make alterations to a period home, discuss options with the surveyor for more detail.

We are planning to buy a residential property In Cornwall and the vendor has suggested that it has been built with Slate. What defects must we watch out for, and will the surveyor offer any advice?

If left in a poor state of repair, stone walls will suffer from structural issues caused by factors including cracks. Issues which impact the lifespan of stone-built elements are as diverse as the stone varieties themselves. Some defects will affect regular or irregularly cut stone equally, whereas others will not, and may require a local surveyor's expertise to identify. Guidelines for better stone wall upkeep include monitoring of natural wear and watching for signs of sudden or severe change.

If you are planning to renovate, consider that stone matching services are available, which may be necessary for listed buildings. Locally mined or quarried stone may also be available.