RICS Level 2 Home Survey Crewkerne

Our RICS Level 2 Survey is specifically designed for conventional properties in Crewkerne, including the many terraced and semi-detached houses that make up the bulk of the local housing stock. The inspection covers all accessible areas of the property, including the roof, walls, floors, windows, doors, and built-in fixtures. We examine the condition of the structure, identify any visible defects, and assess the overall maintenance requirements. This thorough approach ensures you get a complete picture of the property's condition before committing to your purchase.

Given Crewkerne's older housing stock, our surveyors pay particular attention to common issues found in traditional Somerset properties. These include damp penetration through solid walls, the condition of aging roof coverings, and the integrity of Hamstone or brickwork construction typical of the area. Many properties in Crewkerne feature Hamstone, the distinctive golden limestone that gives Somerset buildings their characteristic warm appearance, but this traditional material requires expert assessment to ensure its condition is sound. We also check for any signs of subsidence, timber decay, or outdated electrical and plumbing systems that frequently affect properties in this age range.

The survey includes a thorough assessment of any extensions or alterations that may have been carried out over the years. Many properties in Crewkerne have been extended or modified, and we ensure these additions meet relevant building regulations and haven't introduced structural problems. Our detailed report provides clear, jargon-free explanations of our findings, complete with photographs highlighting specific areas of concern. We use the RICS traffic light rating system, giving you immediate clarity on which issues require urgent attention and which simply warrant monitoring.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof covering and chimneys
• Windows and doors
• Damp and moisture detection
• Electrical systems overview
• Plumbing and drainage
• Thermal efficiency observations
• External areas and boundaries

Properties in Crewkerne span various eras, from Victorian terraces lining the town centre streets to post-war semi-detached houses in residential developments. This variety means our surveyors encounter a range of potential issues during their inspections. The older terraced properties, many dating back to the late 19th or early 20th century, frequently show signs of wear that require professional assessment. We've found that properties on streets like Chapel Street and North Street often present similar characteristics, with traditional construction methods that differ significantly from modern building practices.

Damp is one of the most common problems we identify in Crewkerne's traditional properties. Properties built with solid walls lack modern damp-proof courses, making them susceptible to rising damp, especially in areas with high groundwater levels common to Somerset. The clay-based soils prevalent throughout Somerset can also contribute to moisture retention around foundations. Our surveyors use their expertise to assess the severity of any damp issues and determine whether they represent cosmetic problems or serious structural concerns requiring immediate attention. We measure moisture levels and examine the extent of any staining or decay to provide accurate recommendations.

Roof conditions are another frequent finding in our Crewkerne surveys. Many older properties feature traditional slate or clay tile roofs that have been in place for decades. While well-maintained roofs can last for generations, we regularly find slipped tiles, deteriorating leadwork around chimneys, and timber decay in roof structures. These issues can lead to water penetration and significant repair costs if not addressed promptly. We inspect both the external roof covering and the internal roof space, where accessible, to get a complete picture of the roof's condition.

Electrical systems in older Crewkerne properties often require updating to meet current safety standards. Houses built before the 1990s may still have original fuse boards, dated wiring, and insufficient socket outlets for modern living. Our survey includes a visual inspection of the electrical installation, flagging any obvious safety concerns that would require attention from a qualified electrician. We check the consumer unit, wiring visible in accessible areas, and the condition of socket outlets and switches.

Understanding the construction methods used in Crewkerne properties is essential for providing an accurate survey. The town features a diverse mix of housing styles, from medieval timber-framed buildings in the town centre to 1970s detached houses in outer developments. Each era brought different building techniques and materials, and our surveyors understand how to assess each type properly. This local knowledge comes from years of inspecting properties throughout Somerset and allows us to identify issues that less experienced surveyors might miss.

Many traditional properties in Crewkerne are built with solid walls rather than the cavity wall construction used in modern buildings. Solid walls have no gap for insulation and are more susceptible to damp penetration. Our surveyors understand how to assess the condition of solid wall construction and can identify signs of moisture ingress that might indicate a need for damp proofing or improved ventilation. We also check the condition of any render applied to these solid walls, as render failure can allow water to penetrate the structure.

Hamstone, the golden-coloured limestone quarried locally in Somerset, features prominently in Crewkerne's older buildings. While this traditional material gives properties their distinctive character, it requires specific knowledge to assess properly. Hamstone is relatively soft and can weather over time, particularly on exposed elevations. Our surveyors know how to identify areas of stone decay, erosion, and mortar joint deterioration that might require attention. We also assess any repointing work that may have been carried out, as improper repointing can trap moisture within the wall structure.

As an established market town, Crewkerne likely contains listed buildings and properties within conservation areas that require particular attention during inspection. These properties often have specific restrictions on what modifications can be made and may require specialist surveys beyond the standard Level 2 assessment. Our surveyors can advise whether a more detailed RICS Level 3 Survey might be more appropriate for listed properties or those with complex construction histories.

Your Crewkerne Level 2 Survey report follows the RICS traffic light rating system, making it immediately clear which areas require attention. Properties in green condition ratings require no urgent action, while amber and red ratings indicate issues that range from requiring future monitoring to demanding immediate attention. This straightforward system helps you prioritise any remedial work needed after moving in. Each element of the property receives a specific rating, so you know exactly where issues lie.

Each section of the report covers a specific element of the property, from the foundations through to the roof. Our surveyors include clear photographs showing the exact location of any defects, along with detailed descriptions explaining what the problem is, what caused it, and what the implications might be. We also provide estimated repair costs where possible, helping you budget for any work required. The report is written in plain English, avoiding technical jargon where possible so that you don't need surveying experience to understand the findings.

The report includes a clear summary section highlighting the most important findings, so you can quickly understand the overall condition of the property. This is particularly valuable if you're unfamiliar with building construction and terminology. Our aim is to provide you with all the information you need to proceed with your purchase with complete confidence, or to identify serious issues that might lead you to reconsider. We can also arrange a phone call to discuss any aspect of the report that you'd like clarified.