RICS Level 2 Survey Honiton

A Level 2 Home Survey includes a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property. Our surveyor will assess the condition of walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, the roof, and services. The report provides traffic light ratings for each element (red for urgent issues, amber for needs attention, green for satisfactory), along with a professional opinion on the property's overall condition and any significant defects found during the inspection. We also include advice on legal issues that the solicitor should check and information about the energy efficiency of the property. In Honiton, where we have surveyed hundreds of properties, our local knowledge means we know exactly what issues are most commonly found in each type of property in the area.

RICS Level 2 survey costs in Honiton typically range from £450 to £650 depending on property size, type, and value. The average cost is approximately £500, though this can vary based on several factors. Larger properties naturally take longer to inspect and therefore cost more. Properties in flood risk areas may require additional assessment, which can affect the price. Older period properties, particularly those in the conservation area or with Listed Building status, often require more detailed inspection and may incur higher fees. New build properties generally cost less to survey than older period homes due to their simpler construction and fewer potential hidden defects. The investment is worthwhile given the average property price in Honiton is over £290,000.

Yes, even new build properties benefit from a survey. While brand new homes from developments like The Oaks at Hayne Farm, Fortibus Fields at Apsham Grange, or Otter Lodge should have fewer hidden issues than older properties, construction defects can still occur. A Level 2 survey on a new build acts as quality assurance, identifying any snagging issues that the developer should rectify before completion. Many buyers use the survey report as leverage to ensure the builder addresses these issues. At developments like The Oaks at Hayne Farm, where Baker Estates are building 4 and 5 bedroom detached homes, we have identified issues that the developer has then agreed to put right before completion. Don't assume that new means perfect - a survey provides valuable protection for your significant investment.

Parts of Honiton fall within Flood Zones 2 and 3, particularly areas near the River Otter and The Gissage tributary. If you're purchasing in a flood risk area, our survey will assess the property's vulnerability to flooding and provide advice on any mitigation measures in place. We look for signs of previous flooding, check the effectiveness of any existing flood defences, and assess the drainage around the property. We recommend discussing flood risk insurance requirements with your mortgage lender as part of the purchase process, as properties in flood zones can face higher insurance premiums or difficulty obtaining cover. Our surveyors are familiar with the local flood patterns and will provide honest, practical advice about any concerns.

A Level 2 survey includes a visual assessment of the property's structural elements, identifying obvious signs of subsidence, movement, or structural concern. Our surveyor will look for cracks in walls, uneven floors, doors that don't close properly, and other indicators of structural issues. However, it's important to understand that a Level 2 survey is not as comprehensive as a Level 3 Building Survey, which involves opening up more areas and providing a more detailed structural analysis. If our surveyor identifies significant structural concerns during the inspection, they may recommend a more detailed structural engineer's assessment before you proceed with your purchase. This is particularly relevant for older properties in Honiton, where we sometimes encounter issues with foundations on the local clay soils that shrink and swell with seasonal moisture changes.

The on-site inspection for a typical Level 2 survey in Honiton takes between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the property size and complexity. For larger detached properties, those with extensive grounds, or properties with multiple outbuildings, the inspection may take longer. The average property in Honiton is a terraced or semi-detached house, which we can inspect thoroughly within about 90 minutes. You'll receive your written report within 3-5 working days of the inspection, giving you ample time to review the findings before exchange of contracts. We prioritised delivering comprehensive reports that give you the information you need to make an informed decision about your purchase.

All property types in Honiton can benefit from a survey, but certain properties particularly warrant the investment. Victorian and Georgian period properties in the town centre often have hidden defects related to their age, including issues with damp proofing, roof conditions, and outdated electrical and plumbing systems. Properties in flood risk zones near the River Otter benefit from our assessment of flood vulnerability. New builds at developments like The Oaks at Hayne Farm and Fortibus Fields can have construction defects that the developer's snagging process might miss. Even properties in the newer residential areas south of the railway line, built between the 1960s and 2005, may have issues related to their construction era that a survey can identify.

Your survey report will be delivered electronically in PDF format, typically within 3-5 working days of the inspection. The report is comprehensive and easy to understand, with clear headings and photographs of any issues found. If significant issues are identified, the report will include a professional opinion on the severity and likely cost of repairs. You can then use this information to negotiate with the seller, either asking them to carry out repairs before completion or adjusting the purchase price to reflect the cost of addressing the issues. In some cases, our surveyor may recommend further investigation by a specialist, such as a structural engineer or damp specialist, and we can help arrange this if needed.