RICS Level 2 Survey in Churchstow

Our RICS Level 2 survey provides a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property. Our inspectors examine the walls, roof, floors, doors, and windows, assessing their current condition and identifying any defects that may affect the value or safety of the property. The survey includes a detailed assessment of the property's services, such as gas, electricity, and water, checking that they appear to be safely installed and functioning.

The survey format uses an easy-to-understanding rating system, with conditions rated from one to three. A condition rating one indicates that no repair is currently needed, while condition rating two highlights defects that require repair or replacement but are not considered serious or urgent. Condition rating three denotes serious defects that require urgent attention before the property can be occupied safely.

For Churchstow properties, our surveyors pay particular attention to the construction characteristics common in South Devon. Many homes in this area feature traditional stone or rendered external walls, with roofs typically covered with slate or clay tiles. Our inspectors understand how these materials perform in the local climate and can identify issues such as weathered pointing, slipped tiles, or signs of damp penetration that might not be immediately apparent to an untrained eye.

The South Hams region experiences relatively high rainfall compared to other parts of England, which means our surveyors always pay close attention to roofing conditions, gutter integrity, and signs of damp in properties. We have found that many older properties in the Churchstow area can suffer from inadequate ventilation, leading to condensation issues that, while not structurally serious, can cause damage to fixtures and fittings if left unaddressed.

• External walls and brickwork
• Roof structure and coverings
• Windows and doors
• Damp and moisture detection
• Electrical and gas services
• Insulation and ventilation

The Churchstow property market has seen significant change in recent years, with Rightmove data indicating prices were 46% down on the previous year and 48% down from the 2022 peak of £775,000. Despite this correction, property values remain substantial, with the average home in Churchstow still representing a £400,000 investment. In this context, a professional RICS Level 2 survey provides essential protection for buyers, identifying any issues that could affect the property's value or require expensive repairs.

Many properties in the Churchstow area date from the mid-20th century or earlier, meaning they may have undergone various alterations and additions over the decades. Our surveyors are experienced in identifying where modifications have been made to properties and assessing whether these appear to have been carried out to an appropriate standard. We check for any visible signs that electrical work, plumbing, or structural changes may require further investigation by specialists.

The South Hams district is known for its attractive countryside, but this rural location brings specific considerations for property buyers. Properties in Churchstow may be served by private water supplies or septic tanks rather than mains connections, depending on their exact location. Our survey includes visual assessment of these services, and where we identify non-mains water or drainage arrangements, we ensure this is clearly reported so you can arrange for appropriate specialist inspections.

We have found that properties in the Churchstow area frequently feature traditional construction methods that differ from modern building practices. Solid walls, rather than cavity walls, are common in older properties, which affects both insulation performance and the approach to damp assessment. Our surveyors understand these construction methods thoroughly and know how to identify issues that might not be apparent in a newer property built to contemporary standards.

Your Churchstow RICS Level 2 survey report arrives in a standardised format that makes it easy to understand the condition of your potential new home. The report begins with a property summary, including details about the property's construction, age, and tenure. This section provides essential context for interpreting the findings throughout the rest of the document. If the property is a listed building or falls within a conservation area, this will be clearly noted in the property summary.

The main body of the report systematically addresses each major element of the property, from the roof down to the foundations. Our surveyor includes a clear indication of the overall condition of each element, using the RICS condition rating system. Where defects are identified, the report explains what the issue is, what may have caused it, and what recommended action you should consider taking. Each section uses traffic-light style colour coding to make it easy to identify which areas require urgent attention.

For properties in Churchstow and the surrounding South Hams area, you can expect our surveyor to include observations about local factors that may affect the property. This includes any visible signs of past flooding or drainage issues, the condition of boundary walls or fences, and any alterations or extensions that may require further investigation. The report also highlights any matters that would typically be covered by a specialist inspection, such as a detailed structural survey or environmental search.

The optional market valuation included with your survey provides an independent assessment of the property's current value based on comparable sales in the Churchstow area. This can be particularly useful given the recent changes in the local property market, giving you confidence that the price you are paying reflects current market conditions. Additionally, the rebuild cost assessment helps you arrange appropriate buildings insurance cover for your new property.

• Clear condition ratings for every element
• Photographic evidence of defects
• Practical recommendations for repairs
• Guidance on priority of work needed
• Market valuation (optional)
• Rebuild cost for insurance purposes

Through our extensive experience surveying properties in the Churchstow area, we have identified several issues that frequently arise during inspections. Many properties in South Hams feature traditional construction methods that, while solid and durable, can present challenges for modern living. Solid wall construction, common in older properties, often results in poorer thermal performance compared to modern cavity wall builds, something our surveyors always assess and report on.

Roofing issues are among the most common defects we find in Churchstow properties. The local climate, with its higher than average rainfall, places significant demands on roofing materials and drainage systems. We regularly identify slipped or broken tiles, deteriorated pointing along ridge lines, and moss growth that can trap moisture against roof timbers. Our surveyors carefully examine all accessible roof areas, including any flat roof sections that may be prone to ponding and premature deterioration.

Damp penetration represents another frequent finding in properties throughout the South Hams region. The combination of age, traditional construction, and local weather conditions means that damp issues can develop in properties that might otherwise appear to be in good condition. We use our expertise to identify both the presence of damp and its likely cause, whether that relates to rising damp, penetrating damp from defective gutters or roof coverings, or condensation resulting from inadequate ventilation.

Electrical and plumbing installations in older properties often require careful assessment. We visually check the condition of consumer units, wiring, and plumbing fixtures where accessible, noting any visible concerns that might warrant further investigation by qualified electricians or plumbers. Many older properties in Churchstow will have electrical installations that pre-date current regulations, and our report will clearly flag any areas where professional electrical testing is recommended before completion of your purchase.