Guides and advice

Home Surveys in Cornwall

We carry out RICS Home Surveys across Cornwall, from Launceston and Bude to Penzance and the Lizard. Cornwall has building issues found almost nowhere else in the country, and our reports explain them clearly so you can buy with confidence.

Where we survey

We cover Truro, Falmouth, Penryn, Newquay, St Austell, Bodmin, Wadebridge, Padstow, Launceston, Bude, Liskeard, Saltash, Torpoint, Looe, Fowey, Lostwithiel, Camborne, Redruth, Helston, Hayle, St Ives, Penzance and the villages in between.

Homes we see in Cornwall

Granite and slate cottages with thick solid walls, often extended and altered over many years. These need a Level 3 survey.
Coastal homes in St Ives, Newquay, Bude, Falmouth and Looe, exposed to severe wind-driven rain and salt air.
Homes that may contain mundic block. Mundic is concrete made with mine waste, used mainly in the first half of the twentieth century, and it can deteriorate. Many mortgage lenders ask for a mundic test on Cornish properties of that age, and we tell you when one is needed.
Non-traditional post-war houses, including types such as the Cornish Unit, which can affect mortgages and insurance. These need a Level 3 survey.
Modern estates around Truro, Newquay, St Austell and Bodmin. A traditionally built home under 50 years old that has not been extended usually needs a Level 2 survey.

Local points we look out for

Much of Cornwall has a mining history, and a mining search is often needed. Radon levels are higher across much of the county. Coastal sites can raise land stability questions, and second homes and holiday lets may have planning or use restrictions your solicitor should check.

Which survey level is right?

We follow the RICS Home Survey Standard and recommend the level that fits the property, not the one that costs most.

Level 1 Condition Report: only for a new-build home that has not been altered.
Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey: for a traditionally built home under 50 years old that has not been extended. It rates the condition of each part of the property and gives advice on repairs and maintenance. A market valuation and rebuild cost can be added.
Level 3 Building Survey: for homes 50 years old or more, and for any home that has been extended or altered, is of non-traditional construction, or is listed, thatched or unusual. It describes construction and defects in full, with likely causes, options and outline repair costs.

Not sure? Use the helper on our RICS Home Surveys page, or call us on 01392 933392 and we will tell you honestly.

What you get

An inspection by a RICS regulated chartered surveyor from ClystCore, not a subcontracted panel surveyor.
A report written in plain English, with the important points first.
Drone and thermal imaging where they help, for roofs, chimneys and hidden damp.
A call from your surveyor once the report is ready, to talk it through and answer your questions.
Points for your solicitor to check, such as alterations, planning and building regulations.

Other areas we cover

Get a survey quote

Tell us the address, the type of property and when you need the report. Request a quote online, email info@clystcore.com or call us on 01392 933392.

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