RICS Level 2 Survey Dartington

Dartington presents a diverse property landscape that benefits significantly from professional survey coverage. The area combines historic properties dating back to the 14th century, including the magnificent Grade I listed Dartington Hall built between 1388 and 1399, with suburban developments from the 1970s onwards and contemporary new builds like St Mary's by Baker Estates. This variety means that properties can present vastly different conditions, from traditional construction methods featuring local stone and cob to modern building techniques, each requiring knowledgeable assessment by our experienced team.

The recent price correction in Dartington, with average prices falling 2% from the 2023 peak of £540,783, makes it even more important to ensure you're not overpaying for a property with hidden defects. Our inspectors understand the local construction characteristics and can identify issues common to both period properties and newer developments in the area. We know what to look for in properties that have weathered decades of Devon weather, and we understand how the local geology can affect building foundations over time.

Many buyers in Dartington are attracted to the village's unique character, with its strong community feel and 43.5% of residents working from home according to the latest census data. However, older properties in the area may have hidden issues such as damp, outdated electrical systems, or structural movement that only a trained eye can spot. Our Level 2 surveys provide that essential second opinion before you commit your hard-earned savings to what may turn out to be a money pit requiring extensive remedial work.

The St Mary's development by Baker Estates offers new homes ranging from £324,995 for a two-bedroom property to over £1,100,000 for five-bedroom homes, while older terraced properties in the village average around £448,000. Regardless of which end of the market you're looking at, a RICS Level 2 survey adds value by highlighting issues that might affect your decision or negotiating position. Even new build properties can have defects that the developer's snagging process might miss, and having an independent survey report gives you documented evidence to request corrections.

• Identifies hidden defects in period and modern properties
• Provides clear red, amber, and green ratings for issues
• Includes market valuation and insurance rebuild costs
• Offers practical advice on repairs and maintenance

Our RICS Level 2 surveys follow the RICS technical standards to provide a consistent, thorough assessment of your potential new home. The inspection covers all readily accessible areas of the property, from the roof space to the foundations, examining the condition of the structure, external joinery, internal walls, floors, and ceilings. We use a systematic approach that ensures nothing is overlooked, regardless of whether the property is a Victorian terrace or a brand newbuild.

We inspect the condition of walls, looking for signs of damp, cracking, or structural movement that could indicate underlying problems. In Dartington, where many properties are approaching or exceeding 50 years old, our surveyors pay particular attention to the condition of roof coverings, flashings, and gutters, as these are common areas where defects emerge in older properties. The proximity to the River Dart also means we carefully assess drainage and any potential flood risk to the property, particularly for properties in lower-lying areas near the river.

The electrical and plumbing systems receive careful assessment, with our surveyors noting their visible condition and age. While we cannot test behind walls or lift floorboards, our visual inspection often reveals sufficient evidence to recommend further investigation by specialists if concerns are identified. The report also includes an assessment of any extensions or alterations, which are common in the Dartington area as properties evolve to meet modern living requirements. Many period properties have been extended over the years, and we check that these additions are properly integrated with the original structure.

For properties in the new St Mary's development, our surveyors will assess the construction quality and finish, checking that everything appears to be in proper working order. Even new builds can have defects, and having a professional survey provides you with documented evidence should you need to request corrections from the developer. We understand the specific issues that can affect new build properties, including settlement cracks, inadequate ventilation, and problems with building regulation compliance.

• Structural walls, floors, and ceilings
• Roof covering and flashings
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Damp and timber defect assessment
• Plumbing and electrical visible condition
• Boundary walls and outbuildings

Understanding the local construction methods helps our surveyors identify issues specific to properties in the Dartington area. The older properties in the village typically feature traditional construction techniques that were common in South Devon, including solid wall construction which can be more susceptible to damp penetration than modern cavity wall builds. Many of these properties will have been built with local materials, and our surveyors understand how these materials perform over time in the local climate.

The suburban developments that expanded Dartington from the 1970s onwards, particularly around Cott Road, brought more modern construction methods to the area. These properties, while generally built to contemporary standards, have their own common issues as they approach or exceed 50 years of age. Our surveyors know to check the specific problem areas that affect this type of construction, including the condition of flat roof extensions and the performance of combination boilers that were commonly installed during this period.

The new homes at St Mary's by Baker Estates represent the most modern construction techniques, featuring PV solar panels and EV charging points as standard. These properties benefit from the latest building regulations, but our surveyors still check that all installations have been properly completed and are functioning correctly. We also assess the quality of finishes and anysnagging issues that might not be apparent to an untrained buyer.