RICS Level 2 Survey Meshaw

The housing stock in Meshaw includes properties of significant historical interest. Meshaw Barton, a Grade II* listed building in the village, dates back to the early 16th century with remodelling work carried out in the early 17th century. Little Venhay, another local property, contains elements dating from the 16th century with 19th-century alterations. This means many homes in the area are well over 100 years old, and some predate the Victorian era entirely. Older properties come with their own set of characteristics and potential concerns that a trained eye should evaluate.

Properties in this area often feature traditional construction methods including rubble and cob core walls with roughcast and whitewashed finishes, along with asbestos slate roofing. While these materials give homes their distinctive character, they also require specialist knowledge to assess properly. Our surveyors understand how these older construction techniques perform over time and what signs of deterioration to look for. We check for damp penetration, structural movement, timber decay, and the condition of older roofing systems that may contain asbestos materials.

The wider South Molton area, of which Meshaw is part, has seen new developments emerge in recent years. The Cashmere Park development on Exeter Road offers modern detached homes in the £340,000 to £375,000 range. Whether you are purchasing a period property with character or a newer build, our Level 2 surveys provide the detailed assessment you need to make an informed decision about your investment.

The EX36 postcode area, which includes Meshaw and surrounding villages, enjoys very low flood risk according to government data, with less than 0.1% annual chance of river or sea flooding. However, we still thoroughly check drainage systems and any signs of past water ingress, as even low-risk areas can experience isolated issues. Our local knowledge means we understand the specific characteristics of properties in this part of North Devon and can provide context that generic surveys simply cannot match.

• Traditional cob and rubble wall construction
• Asbestos slate roofing concerns
• Damp and condensation issues
• Structural movement in older properties
• Timber decay in period features
• Outdated electrical systems

A RICS Level 2 Survey provides a detailed assessment of a property's condition suitable for conventional properties in reasonable condition. The survey includes an overall evaluation of the property's condition with specific ratings for each major element checked. We examine the walls, roof, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, chimneys, gutters, and drainage systems. Our report highlights defects that are both minor and significant, explaining their implications for the property.

In Meshaw's older properties, our surveyors pay particular attention to signs of damp, which is a common issue in period homes with solid walls rather than modern cavity wall construction. We check for penetrating damp, rising damp, and condensation issues. The condition of roofing is especially important given that many properties in the area feature older slate roofs, some of which may contain asbestos. We note the age and condition of roofing materials and flag any areas requiring specialist attention.

Our inspection also covers the property's structural integrity. We look for signs of subsidence, settlement, or structural movement that could indicate underlying problems. While Meshaw and the wider EX36 area benefits from very low flood risk according to government data, we still check for any evidence of past water ingress or drainage issues that might affect the property. The report includes a clear condition rating system that helps you understand the severity of any issues found.

We also assess the condition of key services including electrical installations, plumbing, and heating systems. While we do not test these systems, we visually inspect their condition and note any obvious defects or areas of concern. For older properties in particular, outdated electrical systems are a common finding that may require further investigation by qualified electricians before completion.