RICS Level 2 Survey in Clyst St. Mary

The RICS Level 2 Survey, previously known as the HomeBuyer Survey, provides a comprehensive evaluation of a property's visible and accessible elements. Our inspectors systematically examine the walls, roof, floors, windows, doors, and interior fixtures to identify defects, whether minor or significant. The survey includes an assessment of the property's overall condition, highlighting areas requiring immediate attention and those that may need future maintenance planning. Each element is rated using our clear traffic light system, making it easy to prioritise any necessary work.

In Clyst St. Mary, where we see a blend of period cottages dating back centuries alongside more recent constructions, our surveyors pay particular attention to the unique characteristics of older properties. This includes checking for signs of damp which can be prevalent in traditional stone and brick buildings, assessing the condition of thatched or slate roofs common to heritage properties, and evaluating outdated electrical systems that may not meet current regulations. The presence of barn conversions in the area also requires specific attention to structural alterations and conversion work, as these properties often involve significant modifications to original agricultural buildings.

Our survey report uses a straightforward traffic light system to rate different areas of the property. Red indicates serious issues requiring urgent attention, amber signals items needing repair or further investigation, and green confirms satisfactory condition. This approach helps you quickly understand which aspects of the property need attention before completing your purchase. Each rating is accompanied by detailed descriptions and practical recommendations, ensuring you have all the information needed to make an informed decision about your potential new home.

• Roof structure and covering
• Wall construction and condition
• Damp and moisture assessment
• Window and door operation
• Plumbing and electrical basics
• Floor and ceiling condition
• Exterior joinery and finishes
• Garage and outbuildings

Clyst St. Mary boasts a diverse range of construction styles reflecting its evolution from a small farming village to a sought-after commuter location. The oldest properties in the area are traditional Devon cottages, typically constructed using local stone or cob walls with thatched or slate roofing. These period properties often feature thick walls that provide excellent insulation but can be susceptible to damp penetration if not properly maintained. Our surveyors understand these construction methods intimately and know exactly what to look for when assessing the condition of historic properties in the village.

The barn conversions found throughout Clyst St. Mary represent another significant portion of the local housing stock. These properties were originally agricultural buildings converted for residential use, often featuring impressive vaulted ceilings, exposed timber beams, and modern insulation installed during the conversion process. However, barn conversions can present unique challenges, including potential issues with structural alterations made during conversion, the integrity of modern roof extensions, and the performance of drainage systems installed in what was previously farmland. Our inspectors pay particular attention to these elements when surveying converted properties.

More recent residential development in Clyst St. Mary has brought modern construction methods to the area, including traditional brick-built houses and timber-framed properties. While these newer homes generally require less extensive assessment than their older counterparts, they still benefit from a professional survey to identify any construction defects, snagging issues, or problems with building materials. Even new build properties can conceal issues that are not immediately visible, making a Level 2 Survey valuable regardless of the property's age.

Your RICS Level 2 Survey report provides a professional assessment of the property's condition at the time of inspection. The document includes detailed findings about each major element of the building, from the foundations to the roof, along with colour-coded ratings that clearly indicate the severity of any issues discovered. The report also provides practical recommendations for addressing identified problems, from urgent repairs to future maintenance planning. This comprehensive approach ensures you have all the information needed to make an informed decision about your potential purchase.

For properties in Clyst St. Mary, our surveyors are particularly mindful of issues commonly affecting older Devon properties. This includes assessing any signs of movement or subsidence that might affect structural integrity, evaluating the condition of traditional drainage systems, and checking for evidence of woodworm or rot in timber elements. We also examine the condition of thatched and slate roofing, which is common on period properties in the area, and assess any exposed timber beams in barn conversions for signs of beetle activity or decay. The report will clearly explain any terms or technical findings you might not be familiar with, ensuring you fully understand the property's condition.

Should your survey reveal serious defects, you are under no obligation to proceed with the purchase. This protection is particularly valuable in situations where properties have hidden problems that only a professional inspection can uncover. Many buyers have saved thousands of pounds by using survey findings to renegotiate purchase prices or walk away from problematic properties before committing further funds. Our surveyors have previously identified issues ranging from significant structural defects to minor problems that simply required budgeting for future maintenance, all of which helped buyers make informed decisions.

Properties in Clyst St. Mary, particularly the older period homes and barn conversions, can present specific defects that our surveyors are trained to identify. Damp penetration is one of the most common issues found in traditional stone and brick buildings, especially where original breathable lime mortar has been replaced with modern cement pointing. This can cause moisture to become trapped within the walls, leading to damp patches, decay in timber elements, and potential health issues for occupants. Our surveyors use visual indicators and moisture meters to assess the extent of any damp problems.

Roofing defects represent another significant category of issues identified in local properties. Traditional thatched roofs, while attractive, require regular maintenance and can develop problems with ridge pointing, thatch depth, and the condition of underlying sarking boards. Slate roofs on period properties may have slipped or broken tiles, deteriorated lead flashing, or issues with the underlying felt or sarking. Our inspectors physically access roof areas where safe and feasible, and use binoculars to examine higher sections that cannot be directly accessed.

Electrical systems in older properties often require careful assessment, as many period homes in the area still have original fuse boards and wiring that does not meet current regulations. Our surveyors will note the apparent age and condition of electrical installations and recommend further investigation by a qualified electrician where necessary. Additionally, we check for potential fire hazards, adequate earth bonding, and the presence of modern circuit protection. Given that many properties in Clyst St. Mary are over 50 years old, electrical surveys are an important consideration for any buyer.