RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey Cricket St. Thomas

A RICS Level 2 Survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property, including the roof space, basement, and extensions where it is safe to do so. Our surveyors examine the walls, floors, ceilings, doors, and windows, as well as the condition of the bathroom, kitchen, and other wet areas. The survey uses a traffic light rating system to clearly indicate the condition of each element: red for urgent repairs needed, amber for defects requiring attention, and green for satisfactory condition. This clear formatting helps you prioritises any renovation work and negotiate with the seller if significant issues are identified. Each rating comes with a detailed explanation so you know exactly what work may be needed and when.

The survey also includes a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost estimate, which proves invaluable when arranging your mortgage and buildings insurance. For properties in Cricket St. Thomas, where recent sales have ranged from £270,000 for smaller cottages to over £800,000 for substantial detached homes, having an accurate valuation ensures you are not overpaying for the property. The rebuild cost estimate is particularly important for older properties where construction costs may be higher due to traditional materials and methods. The survey will also highlight any legal issues that need to be addressed, such as missing planning permissions or building regulation approvals for previous alterations, which is particularly important for older properties that may have been modified over many years.

Cricket St. Thomas and the wider Chard area contain numerous older properties, including several listed buildings that require careful inspection. Our surveyors understand the construction methods typical of Somerset properties, including traditional stone walls, timber-framed structures, and older roofing materials. We know that properties pre-dating 1945 often require additional attention for issues such as outdated electrical systems, absent or ineffective damp-proof courses, and the condition of historic roofing. A RICS Level 2 Survey provides you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your purchase. For properties within the Cricket St. Thomas Estate itself, which includes listed buildings, our surveyors pay particular attention to preserving historic character while assessing modern alterations.

The inspection covers all major building elements systematically. Our surveyors check for visible signs of damp throughout the property, examining walls at low level where rising damp most commonly occurs and looking for evidence of penetrating damp around windows and roof junctions. Roof condition is assessed including tile or slate covering, flashing details, and the condition of any flat roof areas. We inspect for structural movement or subsidence, looking carefully at walls for cracks that might indicate foundation issues, particularly relevant given the clay soils found in parts of Somerset. Windows and doors are checked for operation and condition, while plumbing and electrical installations are visually inspected where accessible. The condition of walls, floors, and ceilings is documented throughout, with particular attention to any signs of deterioration or previous repairs.

• Visible signs of damp
• Roof condition and defects
• Structural movement or subsidence
• Windows and door condition
• Plumbing and electrical visible aspects
• Walls, floors, and ceilings
• Chimneys and flues
• Outbuildings and boundaries

The rural character of Cricket St. Thomas means many properties in the area are older, often constructed using traditional building methods that differ significantly from modern construction. Properties in this TA20 postcode area frequently feature older roofing materials, traditional timber-framed elements, and solid walls without modern cavity insulation. These characteristics can lead to specific issues that only an experienced surveyor would identify. For example, older roofs may have degraded leadwork, slipped tiles, or insufficient ventilation, while solid walls may be prone to penetrating damp, particularly if the property lacks a proper damp-proof course. Our surveyors know exactly what to look for in these traditional properties.

The Somerset geology in the Chard area means that some properties may be built on clay soils, which can present shrink-swell issues depending on moisture levels. While specific geological data for Cricket St. Thomas requires detailed local mapping, properties in the region should be checked for signs of subsidence or movement, particularly if there are large trees nearby or if the property has shallow foundations. Our surveyors know to look for these tell-tale signs during their inspection, checking for cracks in walls, uneven floors, and other indicators of structural movement that might not be immediately apparent to an untrained eye. The presence of large trees close to older properties is a particular concern that we always investigate thoroughly.

Many properties in the Cricket St. Thomas area will have outdated electrical systems that do not meet current regulations. Properties built before the 1980s often have older fuse boxes, insufficient socket outlets, and wiring that does not comply with modern standards. Our surveyors visually inspect the electrical consumer unit and wiring where accessible, noting any obvious safety concerns or areas that will require attention from a qualified electrician. This is particularly important for older cottages and period properties where the electrical installation may not have been updated for decades. We always recommend that a qualified electrician inspect any property with older electrical installations before completion.

The rural nature of Cricket St. Thomas also means that some properties rely on private water supplies or septic tank systems rather than mains connections. Our surveyors will note the presence of these systems and their visible condition, though we always recommend that buyers have private water supplies tested and septic tanks inspected by specialists. These systems can represent significant ongoing costs and may require specific maintenance that buyers should be aware of before purchasing. The limited mobile network coverage in some parts of the TA20 area is also worth noting, as this can affect property value and the ability to work from home.

• Older properties with traditional construction
• Potential for structural movement on clay soils
• Outdated electrical installations
• Historic roofing requiring specialist knowledge
• Limited mobile network coverage affecting communications
• Rural drainage and septic tank systems