RICS Level 2 Survey in Hittisleigh

Hittisleigh is a picturesque village in Mid Devon characterised by its rich architectural heritage. The area boasts numerous historic properties including Grade II* listed cob farmhouses and beautiful thatched cottages, many of which date back centuries. When purchasing a property in this area, particularly one of these older buildings, a RICS Level 2 Survey provides essential insight into the property's actual condition beyond what is visible during a viewing. The village centre contains several heritage properties that contribute to the area's character, and our surveyors understand how to assess these traditional buildings properly.

The predominant construction materials in Hittisleigh include traditional cob walls, local stone, and timber-framed structures, often topped with thatch or slate roofing. These traditional building methods, while charming, come with their own set of potential issues that only an experienced surveyor would know to look for. Our inspectors have extensive knowledge of Devon-specific construction issues and understand how the local climate, which includes relatively high rainfall throughout the year, affects different building materials over time. We know that cob walls, while historically durable, require particular attention to damp-proofing and structural integrity.

Properties in rural Mid Devon often present unique challenges that are far less common in newer urban developments. The age of many properties in Hittisleigh means that issues such as rising damp, outdated electrical systems, aging roof structures, and timber decay are frequently encountered. A RICS Level 2 Survey will identify these problems and provide you with the information needed to make an informed decision about your purchase. Many properties in the area also have original features such as flagstone floors, exposed beams, and inglenook fireplaces that require specialist assessment.

Additionally, many properties in and around Hittisleigh fall within conservation areas or are listed buildings, which brings additional considerations for any future renovation or maintenance work. Our surveyors understand these constraints and will flag any issues that may require specialist attention or Listed Building Consent. We have extensive experience working with historic properties throughout Mid Devon and can advise on the implications of any defects found. Properties in Hittisleigh often have unique character features that add value but also require careful maintenance, and our reports highlight both the positive attributes and any concerns.

• Detailed visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Assessment of construction defects specific to older properties
• Identification of damp, rot, and timber issues
• Evaluation of roof condition and thatch quality
• Electrical and plumbing condition overview
• Advice on potential maintenance costs
• Assessment of listed building considerations
• Evaluation of outbuildings and boundaries

Based on our experience surveying properties throughout Mid Devon, we have identified several issues that frequently arise in Hittisleigh's housing stock. Understanding these common problems can help you know what to expect when receiving your survey report. The village's mix of historic farmhouses, thatched cottages, and converted barns each present their own unique challenges, and our surveyors are trained to identify the specific issues affecting each property type.

Damp is one of the most prevalent issues in older properties, particularly those built with cob or traditional cavity wall construction. In Hittisleigh's climate, with its relatively high rainfall, properties without modern damp-proof courses or with compromised existing systems can suffer from significant damp problems. This can affect walls, floors, and timber elements, leading to potential structural concerns and health issues if left untreated. We frequently find rising damp in properties where the original damp-proof course has failed or was never installed, particularly in older cob farmhouses.

Roof conditions are another major area of concern in this area. Many properties in Hittisleigh feature traditional slate or thatched roofs, both of which require specialist knowledge to assess properly. Thatched roofs, while beautiful, have specific maintenance requirements and can be prone to issues including vegetation growth, pest infestation, and deterioration of the reed or straw materials. Our surveyors know exactly what to look for when examining these traditional roofing systems, including checking the condition of the ridge, the quality of the thatch depth, and any signs of water penetration. Slate roofs on newer additions or renovated properties may have issues with slipped tiles or degraded leadwork that we also identify.

Electrical and plumbing systems in older properties often fail to meet current regulations and may pose safety risks. Properties built before the 1970s may still have original wiring that has not been updated, and older plumbing systems using lead or galvanised steel pipes can affect water quality and pressure. Our survey will identify these issues and advise on necessary upgrades. We also check for the presence of asbestos in older properties, particularly in lagging around pipes or in old floor tiles, which was commonly used in buildings constructed before the 1980s.

• Rising and penetrating damp
• Thatched roof deterioration
• Slate roof tile damage
• Outdated electrical wiring
• Old plumbing systems
• Timber rot and woodworm
• Foundation movement
• Window and door deterioration
• Asbestos containing materials
• Inadequate insulation
• Septic tank and drainage issues
• Boundary and access disputes