RICS Level 2 Survey in Hemyock

Hemyock sits within the beautiful Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the village boasts a significant number of period properties built between 1800 and 1911. These older homes, while full of character and charm, often conceal hidden defects that only an experienced eye can detect. Our inspectors regularly find issues with damp penetration, aging roof structures, and outdated electrical systems in properties of this age. When we inspect a traditional Devon longhouse, we know to look for the specific defects that affect these historic buildings, including issues with original lime mortar pointing, cob wall deterioration, and aging thatch or slate roofing.

The local geology in the Culm Valley can present specific challenges for homeowners. Properties built on clay-rich soils may be susceptible to ground movement, and the proximity to the River Culm means some locations carry a potential flood risk that should be assessed before purchase. Our Level 2 surveys include a thorough evaluation of these environmental factors specific to the Hemyock area. We check flood risk indicators, examine drainage patterns around the property, and note any signs of past water ingress that might not be visible to the untrained eye.

Many properties in Hemyock feature traditional construction methods including local stone, render, and brick that differ from modern building techniques. Our chartered surveyors understand these traditional building methods and can identify defects that might be missed by less experienced assessors. From identifying rising damp in solid-walled cottages to spotting structural movement in period farmhouses, we provide the detailed information you need. We have seen firsthand how properties in the Culm Valley can be affected by the unique combination of age, local materials, and environmental conditions that characterise this part of Mid Devon.

The village's location means many properties have been subject to various alterations and extensions over the years, and our surveyors are skilled at identifying where work has been carried out without proper building regulation approvals. We check for matching construction styles, examine junction details between old and new work, and assess whether any additions meet current structural standards. This attention to detail is particularly valuable in Hemyock, where properties may have been extended in different eras using varying construction techniques.

• Damp and moisture penetration
• Roof condition and tile/slate defects
• Structural movement and subsidence
• Electrical and plumbing condition
• Timber decay and woodworm
• Window and door operation

The dominant housing stock in the EX15 postcode area consists of period houses built between 1800 and 1911, with detached properties making up the majority of recent sales in Hemyock. This means most properties you will consider purchasing will be over 100 years old, carrying the character and charm of traditional Devon construction but also requiring careful inspection for age-related defects. The village has seen limited new-build development in recent years, meaning the housing stock remains predominantly traditional in character.

Semi-detached and terraced properties in Hemyock often share characteristics with the wider Mid Devon region, featuring solid brick walls, original sash windows, and traditional slate or tile roofing. These properties can suffer from issues including penetrating damp through weathered pointing, rotted window frames, and outdated electrical installations that do not meet current regulations. Our Level 2 surveys identify these issues and advise on appropriate remediation. We have found that many period properties in the area have original electrical installations that would not pass current Part P regulations.

The village's location in the Blackdown Hills AONB means that many properties fall within conservation areas or are subject to specific planning controls. This has implications for any renovation or repair work you might undertake after purchase. Our survey reports highlight any conservation area designations and advise on the need for specialist input when dealing with historic buildings. We understand that working on period properties in the AONB often requires listed building consent or careful consideration of traditional materials and methods.

The surrounding area includes a variety of property types beyond the main village, with farms and smallholdings offering larger plots and traditional agricultural buildings. These properties may present different inspection considerations, including the condition of agricultural barns, boundaries, and septic tank or drainage systems that serve properties outside the mains sewage network. Our surveyors are experienced in assessing these rural property features and can advise on issues specific to properties in the Culm Valley countryside.

• Period properties (pre-1919)
• Detached family homes
• Traditional cottages
• Modernised period homes
• New-build individual plots