RICS Level 2 Survey in Exminster

The RICS Level 2 Survey provides a detailed assessment of the property's condition, examining all major accessible areas including the roof, walls, floors, windows, doors, and plumbing and electrical systems. Our inspectors visibly examine the property without moving furniture or conducting invasive investigations, but they will lift access panels and use ladders where safe to do so. This approach allows us to identify issues that might not be apparent during a casual viewing. For properties in Exminster, where we see everything from Victorian terraces near the railway station to contemporary new builds at Cavanna @ Elm Park, this visual inspection method is highly effective at identifying the most common defects.

Our surveyors pay particular attention to construction types common in the Exminster area. Many older properties in the village feature traditional local stone, including Heavitree brecchia and freestone rubble, often with stucco or render finishes. These materials can be prone to specific defects, particularly when maintenance has been neglected. We check thoroughly for signs of damp, which is a frequent issue in older properties built before modern damp-proof courses were standard. We also assess the condition of roofs, which can show age-related deterioration on properties of any age, from period homes with original slate coverings to more recent constructions.

The survey includes a clear traffic light rating system, with red indicating serious issues requiring urgent attention, amber for defects that need negotiating on price or further investigation, and green for satisfactory conditions. We also provide specific recommendations for repairs and estimated costs, giving you powerful ammunition when negotiating with sellers. Our reports are written in plain English, avoiding technical jargon where possible, so you can clearly understand what you're buying and what might need spending money on in the future.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, chimneys, and damp proof course
• Floor structures and joists
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical installations
• Insulation and ventilation
• Garage and outbuildings
• External areas and boundaries

The 2021 Census data for Exminster reveals a predominantly residential community with 89% of households living in self-contained homes, split between 37% three-bedroom properties and 30% four-bedroom or larger homes. This means most properties in the area fall squarely within the scope of a Level 2 Survey, which is designed for conventional houses of standard construction. With only 11% of properties being flats or maisonettes, the vast majority of our work in Exminster involves houses of varying sizes and ages.

The village's property age distribution is particularly relevant for survey purposes. With structures dating back to the 14th century, including the Grade I listed Church of St Martin, and significant Victorian and Edwardian development around the railway station and former Devon County Asylum, a substantial proportion of Exminster's housing stock exceeds 50 years old. These older properties often have hidden defects that our surveyors are trained to spot, from decaying timber frames in properties with traditional construction to outdated electrical systems that may not meet current safety standards. Many period properties also lack adequate insulation, which affects both comfort and energy efficiency.

The newer developments, particularly the Cavanna @ Elm Park project delivering 245 homes with 25% affordable housing on the southern outskirts, represent modern construction methods including energy-efficient designs with solar panels and zoned heating. While these newer properties generally require less remedial work, they still benefit from a Level 2 Survey to identify any construction defects before the warranty period expires. New build properties can have issues that aren't immediately apparent to untrained eyes, and having a professional survey provides and documentation should any problems emerge.

Exminster's location between Alphington and the Exe Estuary means properties here benefit from excellent transport links while being protected from the worst of Exeter's urban congestion. This makes the village particularly popular with commuters and families, which drives consistent demand for property surveys. buying a Victorian terrace near the station or a modern detached home at Elm Park, our local knowledge ensures we understand the specific risks and opportunities each type of property presents.

• 37% of homes are 3-bedroom
• 30% are 4+ bedroom
• 89% are self-contained houses
• Significant pre-1919 housing stock
• Modern developments at Elm Park
• Mix of traditional and contemporary construction