RICS Level 2 Home Survey in Dunkeswell

Properties in Dunkeswell and the surrounding East Devon area present unique challenges that benefit from professional inspection. The village sits on the hills above the River Otter, with many properties built on slopes that can affect drainage and the potential for damp issues. Our surveyors frequently encounter properties with solid-wall construction, which is common throughout Devon and requires specific knowledge to assess properly. Without understanding how solid-wall properties behave in our local climate, buyers might miss early signs of moisture penetration that could develop into serious problems.

The local geology also plays a role in property condition. The area around Dunkeswell features clay soils that can expand and contract with moisture levels, potentially affecting foundations and drainage systems. Properties in lower-lying areas near the River Otter may have flood risk considerations that our surveyors will note. We've inspected properties throughout the village, from the historic cottages around the church to newer builds on the industrial estate, and we understand how local conditions affect different construction types.

Many properties in Dunkeswell have been subject to alterations and extensions over the years, particularly period cottages that have been modernised. Our inspection includes assessing whether any changes have been carried out properly and whether they might have introduced issues such as inadequate ventilation in converted spaces or structural alterations that require further investigation. We provide you with the information needed to make an informed decision and, if necessary, to renegotiate the purchase price based on our findings.

Our RICS Level 2 Home Survey provides a thorough inspection of the property's visible and accessible elements. Our inspectors examine the walls, roof, floors, windows, doors, and services, looking for signs of defects, decay, or damage that might not be apparent to the untrained eye. The survey includes a visual assessment of the property's condition against its age and type, with clear ratings from Condition Rating 1 (no repair needed) to Condition Rating 3 (urgent repairs or serious defects).

In Dunkeswell, where many properties are either traditional Devon cottages with solid walls or more recent constructions from various building periods, our surveyors pay particular attention to the specific construction types found in the area. We check for signs of damp in older properties, inspect the condition of thatched or slate roofs common to the region, and assess any extensions or alterations that may have been carried out over the years.

The resulting report includes a clear summary of the property's overall condition, individual ratings for each major element, and our professional advice on any necessary repairs or further investigations. We highlight issues that might affect the property's value, require expensive repairs, or pose safety concerns. Our goal is to give you the information you need to make an informed decision about your purchase.

• External walls, roof structure, and coverings
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Dampness and timber condition
• Plumbing and electrical services
• Garage and outbuildings
• Boundary walls and fences

Understanding the construction methods used in Dunkeswell properties is essential for accurate assessment. The village contains a mix of property types spanning several decades of building. Traditional cottages in the centre often feature solid stone or rendered cob walls, which behave differently from modern cavity-wall constructions. Solid-wall properties can appear sound on the surface but may have hidden moisture issues, particularly if original lime mortar has been replaced with cement render, which can trap moisture and cause damp problems.

Properties built during the post-war period through to the 1970s often feature solid concrete floors or beam-and-block floors that can be prone to dampness if the membrane has been compromised. Roof constructions range from traditional cut roofs with natural slate or clay tiles to more modern trussed rafter designs. Our surveyors know how to identify the specific issues associated with each construction type and can advise on whether any defects are likely to be cosmetic or indicate more serious structural concerns.

The more recent residential developments in Dunkeswell, including properties near the aerodrome and industrial areas, were often built quickly during phases of expansion. While these properties are generally of modern construction, our experience shows that even relatively new homes can have issues with window seals, roof detailing, and the standard of workmanship. A Level 2 survey provides regardless of the property's age and gives you leverage when discussing any issues with the seller.

Your RICS Level 2 Home Survey report is designed to be clear and easy to understand, even if you have no previous experience with property surveys. The report uses a traffic light system with Condition Ratings to quickly highlight the condition of each element. Rating 1 (green) means no repair is currently needed, Rating 2 (amber) means defects that need attention but aren't serious or urgent, and Rating 3 (red) means serious defects that require urgent attention or further investigation.

For properties in Dunkeswell, our surveyors commonly find issues related to the age and construction type of local properties. These might include deteriorating roof coverings on older properties, signs of past or current dampness in solid-wall constructions, wear to windows and doors, or issues with extensions and alterations that may not have been carried out to current standards. The report will clearly identify these issues and advise on the appropriate action. We've found that many period properties in the area have had some form of damp treatment in the past, and we carefully assess whether these have been effective or whether the problem has returned.

One of the key benefits of the Level 2 survey is the Market Valuation and Insurance Rebuild Cost provided with each report. This gives you confidence that you're paying a fair price for the property and ensures you have adequate buildings insurance cover. If our surveyor identifies any significant issues, this information can also be used to renegotiate the purchase price or request that the seller address certain repairs before completion. With the current market showing a 5% year-on-year decline in Dunkeswell, having an accurate assessment of the property's condition is particularly valuable for buyers.