RICS Level 2 Survey in North Cheriton

Properties in North Cheriton present unique considerations for buyers. The village contains numerous historic buildings, including several Grade II listed properties such as Hardings on Lower North Cheriton Road, which dates from around 1865 and features traditional stone rubble construction with freestone dressing. Many homes in the area predate modern building regulations and feature construction methods that differ significantly from contemporary standards. Our surveyors understand these traditional building techniques and can identify issues that less experienced assessors might miss.

The local geology and soil conditions in this part of Somerset can affect property foundations. Our surveyors check for signs of movement, cracking, or subsidence that may indicate foundation issues, particularly in older properties with shallow footings. The presence of trees near properties, common in this rural setting, can exacerbate soil movement and lead to structural concerns. We have identified foundation movement in several properties near the village centre where tree roots have affected soil stability.

Given that property values in North Cheriton average over £700,000 according to recent market data, a professional RICS Level 2 Survey represents a modest investment that could save you significant sums in unexpected repair costs. Properties like Holt Farm on Higher North Cheriton Road have sold for over £930,000, making thorough inspection before purchase essential for protecting your investment. The recent sale of Grove Farm House for £2,400,000 demonstrates the premium values in this desirable village.

North Cheriton lies within the Blackmore Vale, where the underlying geology includes clay deposits that can cause shrink-swell movement in response to moisture changes. This is particularly relevant for properties with shallow foundations, which are common in older buildings throughout the area. Our inspectors pay close attention to any signs of movement near load-bearing walls, around window and door openings, and at wall-ceiling junctions where deflection may indicate structural concerns.

• Stone rubble construction
• Traditional roofing materials
• Older drainage systems
• Potential foundation movement
• Ham stone dressings
• Solid wall construction

Our experience surveying homes throughout the Templecombe and North Cheriton area reveals several recurring concerns. Dampness ranks among the most frequent issues, particularly in period properties with solid walls where modern damp-proof courses may be absent or compromised. The local stone construction, while characterful, can be susceptible to moisture penetration if pointing deteriorates. We regularly identify penetrating damp in parapet walls and rising damp in ground-floor rooms of older cottages throughout the village.

Electrical systems in older properties often require careful assessment. Many homes in North Cheriton still contain aging consumer units, obsolete wiring types, or junction boxes that do not meet current safety standards. Our surveyors identify these hazards and flag them appropriately in your report, ensuring you understand the electrical condition before completing your purchase. We have encountered knob-and-tube wiring in several properties built before the 1950s, which represents a significant safety concern.

Roof deterioration affects numerous properties in this area, especially those with original roofing materials now approaching or beyond their expected lifespan. We inspect for missing or damaged tiles, signs of leaks, inadequate ventilation, and structural concerns such as roof spread. The replacement of original clay tiles with heavier concrete alternatives is a particular concern we frequently identify. Properties on Lower North Cheriton Road have shown signs of structural stress where concrete tiles have been installed on roofs originally designed for lighter materials.

Drainage defects are commonly found in older North Cheriton properties, where hidden gutters behind parapet walls can deteriorate unnoticed for years. Our surveyors check all accessible drainage systems, looking for signs of blockage, leakage, or inadequate fall. The traditional brick and stone drainage systems found in period properties often require upgrading to meet modern standards. We also check ground levels around properties, as poor drainage can lead to damp penetration and foundation issues over time.

• Damp and condensation issues
• Roof condition and deterioration
• Outdated electrical systems
• Foundation and subsidence movement
• Drainage and guttering defects
• Pest infestation in older timbers
• Chimney defects
• Parapet wall deterioration

The village is seeing limited new development, with the Cherry Acre site on Lower Cheriton Lane recently receiving permission in principle for 2-4 dwellings. Planning applications have also been submitted for conversions and extensions, including a barn conversion noted in September 2025. If you are considering a new build property in North Cheriton, our Level 2 Survey still provides valuable protection against hidden defects.

Even new construction can contain defects in workmanship, snagging items, or problems with installations that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. Our surveyors apply the same rigorous standards to new builds as we do to period properties, identifying issues that builders may have overlooked. With new developments appearing throughout the BA8 area, a survey provides regardless of property age.

Your RICS Level 2 Report arrives in a clear, easy-to-understand format that separates findings into three priority levels. Red ratings indicate serious issues requiring urgent attention, such as significant structural defects or safety hazards. Amber ratings flag matters that should be addressed in the near future, while green ratings confirm areas in satisfactory condition. This clear system helps you prioritize any work needed and budget accordingly. The traffic light system provides instant clarity on the severity of each identified issue.

The report includes a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost, useful for mortgage purposes and ensuring you have appropriate cover. We provide this based on our knowledge of the North Cheriton property market, drawing on recent sales data including properties like Grove Lodge selling for £835,000 and Melbury House achieving £610,000. This valuation helps you understand whether the asking price reflects the property's true condition. The insurance rebuild cost is particularly important for older properties where reconstruction costs may exceed market value.

Should our survey reveal significant issues, you are in a strong position to renegotiate the purchase price or request that the seller address specific defects before completion. In some cases, buyers have used survey findings to secure reductions of thousands of pounds, more than justifying the survey investment. We have helped numerous buyers in the BA8 area negotiate successfully based on survey findings, with reductions often exceeding the survey cost many times over.

Your report also includes practical recommendations for ongoing maintenance, helping you protect your investment long after the purchase is complete. For properties in North Cheriton, these recommendations often include advice on maintaining stone pointing, checking roof conditions regularly, and managing trees near the property to prevent future subsidence issues. This proactive guidance helps you budget for future maintenance and avoid costly repairs down the line.