RICS Level 2 Survey in Hardington Mandeville

The housing stock in Hardington Mandeville presents particular considerations for buyers. Many properties in this area are significantly older than 50 years, with some thatched cottages having origins dating back to the 15th century. Buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries are also prevalent throughout the village, particularly along the High Street and surrounding lanes. These older properties often feature traditional construction methods that differ substantially from modern building standards, making professional survey assessment essential before purchase. The Church of Saint Mary, a Grade II* listed building rebuilt in 1123, stands as testament to the area's long architectural heritage.

The predominant building materials in Hardington Mandeville include local natural stone, Hamstone, red brick, and rendered finishes. Properties typically feature slate tiled roofs or traditional thatch, which requires specialist knowledge to assess properly. Understanding how these materials perform in the local climate, and identifying potential issues such as deterioration, weathering, or structural movement, requires an experienced eye. Our surveyors are familiar with the construction methods typical of Somerset period properties and can identify defects that might be missed by a less experienced inspector. We have inspected numerous Hamstone properties in the area and understand the particular challenges this porous stone faces when exposed to decades of Somerset weather.

Newer properties also exist in the village, particularly from the late 1920s onwards when St James Terrace was constructed, and from the 1960s building boom that saw development along Broadstone Lane and Bishops Lane. These post-war and modern properties bring their own considerations, including potential issues with construction quality, building regulation compliance, and the condition of more recent roofing and cladding systems. Whether you are considering a historic cottage or a relatively modern detached home, our detailed inspection covers all aspects of the property. We have surveyed properties across all eras of the village's development, from medieval thatched cottages to 1960s family homes.

• Traditional thatched roofs requiring specialist assessment
• Hamstone and local stone construction issues
• Older timber frame elements
• Drainage and damp penetration concerns
• Electrical wiring in period properties
• Roof condition and slate/thatch deterioration

Properties in Hardington Mandeville that predate modern building regulations often require careful assessment to identify potential issues that might not be apparent during a casual viewing. Traditional construction methods, while having proven durable over centuries, can present challenges that only an experienced surveyor will recognise. Our team understands how older properties perform in the local climate and can identify the early warning signs of common problems that affect period homes in Somerset. We have surveyed dozens of properties in this village and understand the specific defects that tend to appear in locally-built stone and thatched properties.

One of the key considerations when surveying older properties in this area is the potential for damp issues. Traditional stone and Hamstone walls, while breathable to some extent, can suffer from damp penetration if pointing deteriorates or if modern modifications have compromised the natural ventilation of the building. Our surveyors use professional moisture meters and their experience to assess damp levels throughout the property, identifying areas of concern that might require remediation. We have found that many Victorian and Edwardian properties in the village have original solid walls without cavity insulation, which can make them more susceptible to damp if the external rendering has failed or if vegetation is allowed to grow against the walls.

Electrical systems in older properties also warrant careful attention. Many homes in Hardington Mandeville will have been rewired at some point, but the original Victorian or Edwardian wiring may still be present in parts of the property. Our surveyors inspect the consumer unit, wiring condition where visible, and socket outlets to identify potential fire hazards or electrical safety concerns. We note any visible wiring that appears outdated or non-compliant with current regulations, recommending further investigation by a qualified electrician where necessary. In our experience, we often find that partial re-wiring has been carried out over the years, leaving older circuit boards in certain areas of the property that still pose a potential risk.

The geology of this part of Somerset can also influence property condition. The local sandstones and shales can be affected by moisture movement, and our surveyors know how to identify any signs of movement or subsidence that might be related to ground conditions. While flood risk is generally very low in Hardington Mandeville, we still check for any signs of previous water ingress or drainage issues that might affect the property. We have surveyed properties on Broadstone Lane and know that the newer developments there have been assessed as having very low flood risk, but we still check all properties thoroughly for any potential drainage concerns.

• Damp and moisture penetration in stone walls
• Condition of thatched and slate roofing
• Outdated electrical installations
• Timber decay in structural elements
• Foundation and subsidence assessment
• Windows and door condition

While Hardington Mandeville is predominantly a village of older properties, there are new build developments to consider. The Broadstone Lane area features exceptional modern detached homes within a small gated community of just three properties. These new homes come with superior specifications including NEFF appliances, air source heating with underfloor heating to the ground floor, solar panels, and modern porcelain tiled floors. They also include a 10-year ICW Building Warranty, giving buyers additional . The flood risk for these properties is rated as very low, making them an attractive option for buyers concerned about environmental factors.

Even new build properties benefit from a RICS Level 2 survey. While the build quality of new homes is typically high, our surveyors can identify any snagging issues, problems with fittings or finishes, or potential defects that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. We assess the condition of newly installed systems and verify that the property has been constructed to acceptable standards. The independent assessment offers valuable reassurance about your investment, and we can identify any issues that need to be addressed by the developer before the warranty period expires. In our experience, even new build properties can have defects that are not immediately obvious, such as issues with window seals, drainage falls, or minor finishes that will deteriorate over time.