RICS Level 2 Survey in Ashill

Ashill's housing stock presents a fascinating mix of property types that require careful inspection. The village has seen new development in recent years, with developments like St. Mary's Green by Summerfield Homes offering modern 3 and 4-bedroom houses priced between £335,000 and £550,000. These newer properties generally follow contemporary construction methods, but even new builds can have defects ranging from minor finishing issues to more significant problems with windows, doors, or drainage systems that our surveyors will identify. We have surveyed several properties on this development and are familiar with the typical construction details used by this builder.

However, Ashill also contains a notable proportion of older properties, including several Grade II listed buildings such as the 18th-century farmhouses that occasionally appear on the market. These historic properties often feature traditional construction using local stone and cob, which can present unique challenges including potential damp issues, timber decay, and the need for specialist maintenance. Our inspectors have experience assessing properties across all age ranges, from period cottages to recently constructed houses on Windmill Hill. We understand that older properties require a different approach to inspection, looking for signs of historic movement, previous alterations, and the condition of traditional building elements.

The local geology in Somerset means that some properties may be affected by shrink-swell behaviour in clay soils, particularly where trees are present near foundations. This can lead to subtle structural movement over time, manifesting as cracks in walls, sticking doors, or uneven floors. Our surveyors are trained to identify the signs of such movement and will flag any concerns in your report, helping you understand whether remedial work may be needed. We specifically look for evidence of foundation movement, cracks that follow specific patterns, and any signs that the property may have been subject to past subsidence issues.

In addition to structural concerns, we examine the condition of key building elements including the roof covering and structure, walls and pointing, windows and doors, floors and stairs, plumbing and electrical installations, and external areas such as gardens and boundaries. Our visual inspection covers all accessible areas, and we use our professional judgment to identify defects that are not immediately obvious to the untrained eye. We take photographs of significant findings and provide clear explanations in your report so you understand exactly what we have found.

• Damp and moisture penetration
• Roof condition and tile integrity
• Structural movement and cracks
• Timber decay and woodworm
• Electrical and plumbing condition
• Window and door operation
• Drainage and guttering
• Foundation and subsidence indicators

Ashill has seen residential growth with developments such as St. Mary's Green, which offers properties ranging from the 3-bedroom The Drayton at £355,000 to the 4-bedroom The Winford at £535,000. While new builds often come with warranties, these typically only cover major structural defects and may not protect you against smaller issues that arise during the first few years of occupation. Our Level 2 survey on new properties will identify any snagging issues, from poorly fitted windows to defective taps, ensuring you can resolve these problems before they become more serious. We have surveyed properties on this development and are familiar with the typical issues that arise.

Even when buying direct from a developer, an independent survey provides confirmation that the property has been constructed to an acceptable standard. The Somerset building control system oversees new developments, but on-site inspections cannot catch every defect. Our surveyors will check the quality of workmanship and materials, identifying any areas where shortcuts may have been taken during construction. We look at details such as the consistency of mortar joints, the proper installation of damp-proof courses, and the quality of window and door fittings.

Summerfield Homes is currently offering incentives on their Ashill developments, including a £2,000 holiday voucher for reservations made before February 28, 2026. If you are considering one of these new build properties, scheduling a survey before final completion allows you to identify any issues while the builder is still on site and potentially has a contractual obligation to rectify them. This is particularly valuable as any problems identified can be addressed before you move in, rather than dealing with warranty claims afterwards. We can attend the property at the pre-completion stage if needed, giving you before you commit to the purchase.

Properties in Ashill reflect the diverse building traditions of South Somerset, with significant variation between older and newer constructions. Traditional properties in the area often feature solid brick or stone walls, sometimes rendered with cement or lime-based renders. These solid wall constructions behave differently from modern cavity walls and can be more susceptible to damp penetration if the render is damaged or the property lacks adequate ventilation. Our surveyors understand these construction methods and know what to look for when assessing their condition.

Many older properties in Ashill and the surrounding villages were built using local stone, including Blue Lias stone from the limestone outcrops in the area, and in some cases, cob construction which is a traditional earth building technique. These materials are generally durable but require ongoing maintenance and can be damaged by prolonged exposure to water or structural movement. We inspect stonework for signs of erosion, repointing needs, and any movement that may indicate foundation issues. Cob walls, while relatively rare, can be found in some older farmhouses and cottages in the area and require specialist knowledge to assess properly.

The roof structures in Ashill vary depending on the age of the property. Traditional roofs typically feature timber rafters with either slate or clay tile coverings, while some older properties may have thatched roofs which require specialist inspection. Modern properties on developments like St. Mary's Green and Wyatts Way generally feature conventional pitched roofs with concrete or clay tiles. We inspect the roof structure from within the accessible loft space, checking for signs of leaks, timber decay, inadequate insulation, and the condition of the roof covering. For properties with flat roofs, we pay particular attention to the condition of the waterproofing and any signs of ponding water.

Understanding the specific construction methods used in a property is essential for identifying potential issues and predicting future maintenance requirements. Our surveyors bring this knowledge to every inspection in Ashill, ensuring that our reports are accurate, relevant, and helpful. Whether the property is a modern new build or a historic farmhouse, we know what to look for and how to assess its condition accurately.

Properties in the Ashill area face several common issues that our surveyors regularly identify. Given the rural nature of the village and its surrounding countryside, dampness is frequently observed in both old and newer properties. This can manifest as rising damp in solid wall constructions, penetrating damp due to damaged render or missing roof tiles, or condensation issues caused by inadequate ventilation. Our surveyors will check for signs of damp using visual inspection and moisture meters, noting any areas of concern in your report. We have found damp issues in properties of all ages in this area, from new builds to period farmhouses.

The condition of roofs is another critical area our team examines. Many properties in Ashill have pitched roofs constructed with traditional timber rafters, while some modern builds may feature flat roof sections. Missing or broken tiles, sagging rooflines, and signs of previous leaks can all indicate problems that require attention. In the roof space, we inspect the condition of timber members, insulation levels, and any visible signs of water staining or timber decay. We have found that even relatively new properties can have issues with roof coverings, particularly where poor workmanship has led to premature wear.

Electrical and plumbing systems represent significant safety concerns that our surveyors address during the inspection. While we do not conduct detailed testing of electrical installations or plumbing systems, we will visually inspect the consumer unit, wiring conditions where visible, and plumbing pipework to identify obvious dangers such as exposed wiring, outdated fuse boards, or corroded pipes. Any concerns will be flagged for further investigation by qualified electricians or plumbers before completion. We have identified several properties in the Ashill area with outdated electrical installations that required updating before purchase.

Structural movement and subsidence are areas of particular concern in properties built on clay soils, which are common in parts of Somerset. Our surveyors look for signs of movement including cracks in walls (particularly diagonal or stair-step patterns), doors and windows that stick or do not close properly, and uneven floors. Where we identify potential concerns, we recommend further investigation by a structural engineer. We have experience with the signs of shrink-swell movement in clay soils and know how to distinguish between minor settlement cracks and more serious structural issues.

Timber decay, including woodworm infestation and wet or dry rot, is another common issue we encounter in older properties in the Ashill area. We inspect visible timber elements including floor joists, roof rafters, door and window frames, and any other exposed timber for signs of decay or insect activity. Where timber decay is suspected, we will recommend a specialist timber survey to determine the full extent of any infestation and the remedial work required.