RICS Level 2 Survey in Chaffcombe

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a comprehensive inspection of the accessible areas of a property. We examine the walls, roof, floors, doors, and windows, as well as the condition of bathroom and kitchen fittings. The survey includes an assessment of any visible signs of damp, timber defects, or structural movement. We also check the condition of the property's services, including electrical, gas, and plumbing installations, where it is safe and accessible to do so. Our inspectors will highlight any issues that require urgent attention and provide guidance on what to expect in terms of ongoing maintenance.

For properties in Chaffcombe, our surveyors pay particular attention to the age-related issues common in the village's older housing stock. Many homes here were built before modern building regulations were introduced, meaning that electrical wiring, plumbing, and insulation may not meet current standards. We check for outdated fuse boards, aluminium wiring in older properties, and the condition of original timber windows. Our report will clearly flag any concerns and recommend whether you should obtain specialist advice before proceeding with your purchase.

The survey also includes a comprehensive assessment of the property's energy efficiency, giving you an indication of how costly it might be to heat and maintain your new home. For properties in Chaffcombe, this is particularly relevant given that many older stone-built homes have solid walls rather than modern cavity wall insulation. Understanding the thermal performance of the property helps you plan for potential renovation work and energy efficiency improvements after you move in.

Our inspectors will also assess any outbuildings, garages, or annexes that form part of the property. Many homes in the Chaffcombe area include traditional stone barns or converted agricultural buildings that may have been converted for residential use. We examine the condition of these structures and flag any issues that could affect their structural integrity or suitability for their current use.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof covering and condition
• Damp and timber decay assessment
• Electrical and gas services
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Boundary walls and outbuildings
• Energy efficiency assessment
• Garage and outbuilding condition

The housing stock in Chaffcombe reflects its rural Somerset location, with a predominance of detached properties making up approximately 60-70% of the housing mix. These homes range from small period cottages to larger family houses, many of which were constructed using traditional building methods that are characteristic of the area. The use of local Hamstone, a golden-yellow limestone unique to this part of Somerset, gives many properties their distinctive appearance and character.

A significant proportion of properties in Chaffcombe date from before 1919, particularly in the historic core of the village around the church. These older homes were built with solid walls rather than the cavity wall construction that became standard later in the twentieth century. While solid walls have certain characterful qualities, they behave differently in terms of thermal performance and moisture management, which our surveyors thoroughly assess during every inspection.

The period between 1945 and 1980 saw some infill development in Chaffcombe, with smaller housing schemes adding to the village's character. More recent construction since the 1980s has been limited, consisting mainly of individual custom builds rather than large developments. This mix of property ages means that buyers in Chaffcombe face a diverse range of construction types and potential issues, making a thorough survey all the more important.

Our experience surveying properties across Chaffcombe and the surrounding South Somerset area means we know exactly what to look for. One of the most frequent issues we encounter is damp, particularly rising damp in older properties that were built without a proper damp-proof course. Properties constructed from local Hamstone or limestone are particularly prone to this, especially where render or external finishes have trapped moisture within the wall structure. Our surveyors use specialist moisture meters to assess the extent of any damp problems and determine whether they are likely to be resolved with simple repairs or require more extensive remediation.

Roof condition is another area where we frequently identify problems in Chaffcombe properties. Many homes here feature traditional slate or clay tile roofs that are now over 50 years old, and we regularly find slipped tiles, decaying ridge tiles, and worn flashing around chimneys and valleys. The timber rafters and purlins supporting these roofs can also show signs of rot or woodworm infestation, particularly where roof ventilation has been poor. Our survey will clearly identify any urgent roof repairs needed and provide cost estimates for bringing the roof back to a sound condition.

The electrical systems in Chaffcombe's older properties often require particular attention. Many homes built before the 1970s still have their original fuse boards, which may not comply with current regulations and could pose a fire risk. We inspect the consumer unit, wiring condition where visible, and the presence of adequate earthing and bonding. If we find that the electrical installation does not meet modern standards, we will recommend that you engage a qualified electrician for a more detailed inspection and budget for necessary upgrades.

Given the local geology, we also regularly identify issues related to ground movement in Chaffcombe properties. The Gault Clay underlying much of the area can cause foundations to shift over time, particularly in properties with shallow foundations or those affected by trees and vegetation. Our surveyors are trained to recognise the subtle signs of this type of movement, including diagonal cracking, uneven floors, and doors that no longer close properly. If we identify significant concerns, we will recommend a structural engineer's assessment before you proceed with your purchase.

• Rising damp and penetrating damp
• Roof tile slippage and decay
• Subsidence from clay soil movement
• Outdated electrical installations
• Timber rot and woodworm
• Poor rainwater goods condition