RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey in Chard Town

Our Level 2 survey provides a comprehensive inspection of all accessible areas of the property. Our chartered surveyors examine the roof structure, walls, foundations, floors, windows and doors, chimneys, and drainage systems. We specifically look for signs of structural movement, damp penetration, wood rot, and any defects that might affect the property's value or require expensive repairs. For properties in Chard Town, where many homes date back to the Victorian and Edwardian periods, our inspectors pay particular attention to the condition of older roof structures, original timber sash windows, and any signs of historic subsidence related to the local clay geology. The survey also includes visual inspection of accessible loft spaces, under-floor areas, and outbuildings where safe and accessible.

The geology of Chard presents unique challenges that our surveyors understand intimately. The town sits on a complex bedrock of Upper Greensand Formation, with areas around Furnham Road and the industrial estates built on mudstone deposits. Beneath the surface, layers of clay create potential for shrink-swell movement, particularly during periods of dry weather followed by heavy rainfall. Our inspectors are trained to identify the subtle signs of this type of structural movement, including diagonal crack patterns in walls, doors that stick or don't close properly, and uneven or bouncing floors. Where we identify potential movement, we will recommend further investigation by a structural engineer and include this in our report.

The survey also includes a thorough assessment of the property's services, including the electrical installation, heating system, and plumbing. We check that these systems appear to be functioning safely and identify any obvious defects or areas where further specialist investigation is recommended. Given Chard's significant surface water flood risk in areas like Crimchard and Glynswood, our inspectors also assess the property's vulnerability to flooding and provide practical advice on any flood resilience measures that may be appropriate. Many older properties in Chard may still contain original lead pipes or outdated electrical wiring that our surveyors will document and flag for updating.

Following the inspection, you receive a detailed RICS survey report typically within 3-5 working days. The report uses a clear traffic light system to indicate the condition of each major element, making it easy to understand which issues require immediate attention and which can be monitored over time. We also provide a market valuation and an insurance reinstatement figure, which can be useful for mortgage purposes and buildings insurance. This valuation reflects current market conditions in Chard, where property prices have risen by 6% annually and sales activity has more than doubled year-on-year.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof structure and covering
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Damp and timber condition
• Plumbing and electrical services
• Drainage and waste systems
• External finishes and boundaries

Based on our experience surveying properties across Chard, several recurring issues frequently appear in our reports. The age of much of Chard's housing stock means that Victorian and Edwardian properties often have original timber sash windows that require ongoing maintenance, historic roof coverings that may be reaching the end of their lifespan, and older plumbing systems that may contain lead pipes or outdated materials. Our surveyors inspect each of these elements thoroughly and provide specific recommendations for maintenance or repair. Properties in the town centre may also have historic features like exposed beam work or original fireplaces that require specialist assessment.

The local geology presents another significant consideration for Chard property purchasers. The presence of clay and mudstone beneath much of the town means that properties can be susceptible to subsidence and ground movement, particularly during periods of dry weather followed by heavy rain. Our inspectors look for tell-tale signs such as diagonal cracks around windows and doors, doors that no longer close properly, and uneven or bouncing floors. While many older properties will have settled over time, understanding the extent of any movement is crucial for making an informed purchase decision. We check both the exterior and interior walls for signs of movement and assess the property's foundations where visible.

Surface water flooding remains a key concern in Chard, with the hills around the town becoming saturated during periods of heavy rainfall and leading to significant stormwater runoff. Properties in the south and west of the town, particularly in the Crimchard and Glynswood areas, may be more vulnerable to flooding from surface water. Our survey report includes a specific assessment of flood risk and advises on any appropriate precautions or flood resilience measures that may be warranted. We check for water marks, damp proof course effectiveness, and any existing flood mitigation measures. The Environment Agency's surface water flood risk map shows predicted flooding for a 1 in 100-year rainfall event in certain areas.

Many properties in Chard were constructed using local materials including Blue Lias limestone, Forest of Dean pennant sandstone, and traditional brickwork. Understanding how these materials perform in the local climate and identifying any deterioration or damage is part of our standard inspection process. Newer properties constructed as part of developments at Tatworth Road or Snowdon Grange use contemporary building methods with modern materials, but even these can have defects that benefit from professional inspection. Our surveyors are familiar with both traditional and modern construction methods used throughout the Chard area.

Chard is experiencing significant new development with several major housing sites underway or approved. The Snowdon Grange development by Tilia Homes on Forton Road offers modern 4-bedroom homes from £450,000, while the eastern edge of Chard is seeing substantial growth through the Chard Eastern Development Area (CEDA), which is earmarked for at least 2,700 new homes. The Tatworth Road development by Countryside Partnerships includes 200 homes with 70 affordable units, and outline planning permission has been approved for up to 9 new homes at Jarman Way.

Even though new build properties come with NHBC or similar warranty coverage, we still recommend a RICS Level 2 survey for several important reasons. First, warranty coverage doesn't guarantee that a property is free from defects - it only provides protection if problems arise. Second, a professional survey at the time of purchase creates a documented baseline of the property's condition that can be valuable for any future warranty claims. Third, new build properties can have "snagging" issues - minor defects that builders should rectify but may be missed during quality checks. Our survey will identify these issues and provide you with documentation to request corrections from the developer.

The new developments in Chard use contemporary construction methods designed to reflect local character through materials including slate, brick, stone, and render. However, even modern construction can have issues with workmanship, materials, or design that only a professional surveyor would identify. Our inspectors understand the specific construction methods used in new builds and can assess whether the property meets expected standards. Given the significant investment required for new build properties, particularly at current market prices, the small cost of a survey provides valuable and protection for your purchase.