RICS Level 2 Survey in Hartland

Our inspectors conduct a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of your Hartland property. This includes the roof structure, walls, windows, doors, plumbing, electrical systems, and damp assessments. We examine both the interior and exterior, checking for signs of structural movement, timber decay, and water ingress that are particularly relevant to properties in this coastal area of North Devon. We carefully inspect all accessible loft spaces, checking the condition of rafters, purlins, and any existing insulation.

Given Hartland's proximity to the sea and its mix of older properties, our surveyors pay particular attention to signs of damp and salt erosion that can affect traditional stone and render-faced buildings. We inspect roof coverings, looking for slipped or damaged slates common in properties with slate roofing, and assess the condition of gutters and drainage that can be compromised by the area's seasonal weather patterns. The coastal environment means we specifically look for corrosion on fixings and deterioration of mortar pointing that can be accelerated by salt-laden winds.

The survey report includes clear traffic light ratings for each element inspected, from red for urgent defects requiring immediate attention to green for satisfactory condition. We provide practical guidance on maintenance matters and estimated costs for repairs, helping you budget appropriately for any work needed after your Hartland property purchase. Our reports are designed to be clear and actionable, with a dedicated section summarising the most important findings.

We inspect all key building elements systematically, ensuring nothing is overlooked. Our comprehensive approach covers everything from the foundation substructure to the uppermost roof elements, giving you complete confidence in the condition of your potential Hartland home.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, foundations and substructure
• Windows, doors and joinery
• Damp and timber assessment
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• Drainage and gutters
• Boundary walls and outbuildings

Your RICS Level 2 survey report provides a clear assessment of the property condition based on what our surveyor could visually inspect at the time of the visit. We do not move furniture or remove floorboards, but we do inspect accessible loft spaces, look behind furniture where possible, and use moisture meters to detect hidden damp issues that are particularly relevant in properties with solid walls. Our surveyors are trained to get the best possible view of the property condition within the limitations of a visual inspection.

For Hartland properties, the report will highlight any concerns about the roof structure, particularly important given the prevalence of slate roofs in the area that may have original tiles now reaching the end of their lifespan. We assess the condition of gutters and downpipes, which in a village setting can be affected by overhanging trees and general wear from the coastal weather. Any signs of previous repairs or non-traditional alterations will also be noted, as these can affect both the value and the future maintenance requirements of the property.

The report includes a Market Valuation and Insurance Rebuild Cost as standard. The current average property value in Hartland at £296,443 helps provide context for the survey findings, and the rebuild cost is essential for ensuring you have appropriate building insurance cover for your new home. Our valuation uses current market data specific to the Hartland area, giving you an accurate picture of the property worth.

We understand that receiving a survey report can be overwhelming, especially if significant issues are identified. That's why we include a clear summary at the front of the report highlighting the most important findings, followed by more detailed sections for each building element. This two-tier approach ensures you can quickly understand the key issues while also having access to the full technical details if needed.

• Condition ratings for all key building elements
• Estimated repair costs and priority recommendations
• Market valuation based on Hartland area data
• Rebuild cost for insurance purposes
• Advice on any further specialist investigations needed

Based on our experience surveying properties throughout Hartland and the surrounding North Devon area, we regularly identify several common issue types that affect properties in this region. Understanding these potential problems before you buy can help you make a more informed decision and budget appropriately for any necessary repairs or maintenance work that may be required after purchase.

Damp is one of the most frequently identified issues in Hartland properties, particularly in older buildings with solid walls or those built using traditional methods like cob or stone with render. The coastal location of Hartland means properties are exposed to wind-driven rain, which can penetrate porous external walls over time. Our surveyors use professional moisture meters to assess damp levels in walls and floors, identifying both existing problems and areas at risk of future damp issues.

Roof condition is another area where we frequently identify concerns in Hartland properties. Many homes in the area feature slate roofing, which while durable, can develop issues as tiles reach the end of their natural lifespan. We regularly find slipped or damaged slates, deteriorated pointing around verges and ridges, and signs of previous water ingress into loft spaces. Given the age of much of the housing stock in Hartland, roof surveys are an essential part of our property assessment.

Timber defects including rot and woodworm are also commonly identified in Hartland properties, particularly in older buildings where original timber elements may have been in place for many decades. We inspect all accessible timber including floor joists, roof timbers, and window frames, looking for signs of active decay or previous insect infestation that could compromise the structural integrity or require expensive remediation work.

• Rising and penetrating damp in solid-wall properties
• Slate roof deterioration and slipped tiles
• Timber rot and woodworm in structural elements
• Deteriorated stone pointing and render
• Outdated electrical wiring in older properties
• Drainage and gutter maintenance issues
• Window and door joinery deterioration