Why New-Build Homes in Norfolk Still Need a Professional Survey

From new housing estates outside Norwich to coastal developments in Hunstanton

and Cromer, Norfolk’s property market is thriving. Many buyers assume a brand-new

home guarantees a flawless build, but even fresh off the developer’s hands, small

construction or finishing issues are common.

A RICS Level 2 Home Survey from Peer King Surveyors gives you an independent,

expert review of your new home’s visible condition. It highlights potential issues

early, offering reassurance that what looks brand-new truly performs as expected.

What a Level 2 Survey Covers

A Level 2 Home Survey provides a structured, visual inspection of accessible areas.

It’s designed for conventional, modern properties, including new builds. Your

surveyor will examine:

 Roofs, walls, floors, windows and doors

 Visible drainage and rainwater goods

 Heating, plumbing and electrics (on a visual-only basis)

 General workmanship and materials

You’ll receive a clear report within 5–7 working days, detailing any visible defects,

safety concerns, or areas that might need follow-up under your developer’s warranty.

Why It Still Matters for a Brand-New Home

New builds can experience settlement, minor movement, or drying-out cracks during

their first year. Insulation gaps, poor ventilation, or incomplete finishes are also fairly

common. While most issues are cosmetic, a professional survey helps ensure you’re

fully aware of the property’s true condition from day one.

A RICS survey doesn’t duplicate the builder’s checks, it provides an independent,

expert view focused solely on your interests as the buyer or homeowner.

Local Knowledge Makes a Difference

Norfolk’s varied terrain means new homes face different local pressures, from clay

soils that expand and shrink with moisture to salt-laden coastal air that can

accelerate wear. A local RICS surveying team understands these nuances and

knows what’s typical for the area versus what needs closer attention.

FAQs

Do I really need a survey on a new-build home?

Yes, and it’s often worth it for peace of mind alone. Even though a property is newly

built, that doesn’t guarantee perfection. Developers are under pressure to complete

projects quickly, and small issues like cracked plaster, uneven finishes, or missing

insulation can easily slip through. A Level 2 Home Survey gives you an independent

review of the property’s visible condition, helping you catch anything worth flagging

while your builder’s warranty still covers it.

What kinds of issues are typically found in new-builds?

In most cases, the problems are minor but still important to know about. Things like

early settlement cracks, poor ventilation, inadequate sealing around windows or

doors, or small areas of damp can appear within the first year. These are often

simple fixes, but spotting them early prevents bigger issues later. A RICS survey

helps you understand what’s normal for a new home and what might need your

builder’s attention.

Will the survey check for planning compliance or test things like electrics and plumbing?

No, that’s outside the scope of a RICS Home Survey. The inspection is visual only,

meaning we assess what can be seen safely and easily. We don’t test services or

check planning and conservation compliance, those are handled by your solicitor or

specialist contractors. What we do provide is an informed, professional overview of

the property’s condition so you know where to focus next.

How long does the process take?

A typical Level 2 survey takes two to four hours on site, depending on the size and

layout of the home. You’ll then receive your written report within five to seven

working days. The report includes clear explanations of what’s been observed and

what it means in practical terms, so you don’t have to decode technical language.

What happens if the survey finds issues?

Your report will outline what’s been found and how significant it is, from minor

maintenance notes to items that may need further investigation. Often, you can use

the report to request remedial work from your developer while the property is still

under warranty. If anything looks unusual, your surveyor can advise whether you

should bring in a specialist contractor for a closer look.

Protect Your Investment

Buying a new-build home in Norfolk? Arrange your RICS Level 2 Home Survey with

Peer King Surveyors and move in with confidence, knowing your property has been

independently assessed by trusted local professionals.