RICS Level 2 Survey in Norton St Philip

A RICS Level 2 Home Survey, formerly known as a HomeBuyer Report, provides a thorough inspection of the property's visible and accessible areas. Our surveyors examine the main elements of the building including the roof structure, walls, floors, windows, doors, and any visible extensions or alterations. The survey includes a visual assessment of the property's condition, identification of any urgent defects that require immediate attention, and an evaluation of the overall maintenance requirements. This visual inspection covers all accessible areas but does not include invasive testing or lifting of floor coverings.

For properties in Norton St Philip, our inspectors pay particular attention to the specific characteristics of local construction. Many homes in the village are constructed from Doulting Stone, a coarse-grained pale grey limestone that has been quarried locally for centuries. This material, while durable, can be susceptible to weathering and moisture penetration if not properly maintained. Our surveyors know exactly what to look for when assessing stone-walled properties, including signs of damp penetration, mortar deterioration, and structural movement that may indicate foundation issues. We also examine the condition of natural slate or clay double Roman tiles commonly found on roofs in the area.

The survey also includes an assessment of any services such as plumbing, electrical wiring, and heating systems, though these are visually inspected only rather than tested. Our surveyor will note any obvious defects, outdated systems that may not comply with current regulations, and any obvious safety concerns. The resulting report includes clear ratings for each element - condition ratings of 1, 2, or 3 - so you can easily understand which issues require the most urgent attention. The report also includes a market value assessment and rebuild cost for insurance purposes, giving you a complete picture of your potential investment.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, windows, and doors
• Floors and stairs
• Damp and timber assessment
• Services inspection (visual)
• Boundary and grounds

Understanding the local construction methods is essential when surveying properties in Norton St Philip, and our inspectors bring detailed knowledge of the area's building traditions. The predominant building material is Doulting Stone, a coarse-grained limestone with good weathering properties that has been used in the village for centuries. Many buildings are 17th-century stone structures, particularly along the High Street, The Plain, the south end of North Street, and Church Street. Some properties are built from Forest Marble, a shelly grey stone that outcrops throughout the village and gives rise to specific structural considerations.

Newer developments in the village, including the Fortescue Fields development and recent projects at Bell Hill, have sought to reflect the traditional character by using local stone or stone-coloured render alongside natural slate or clay double Roman tiles. Our surveyors are familiar with both traditional and modern construction methods in the area, allowing us to provide accurate assessments regardless of the property age. We understand how historic buildings were constructed without modern damp-proof courses and can identify related issues.

The geological setting of Norton St Philip also presents specific considerations for property owners. The village sits on oolitic limestone hills within the Forest Marble formation, and clay-rich soils in the area can be susceptible to shrink-swell movement. This ground movement can cause subsidence or heave, particularly where large trees are present near shallow foundations. Our surveyors visually assess for signs of structural movement, including cracking in walls and uneven floors, and will recommend further investigation if significant concerns are identified.

Norton St Philip's housing stock presents several common issues that our surveyors frequently identify during inspections. The village's predominantly older properties, many dating back to the 17th century, often suffer from damp problems resulting from inadequate waterproofing, poor ventilation, or the absence of modern damp-proof courses. The use of solid walls in these historic buildings means that moisture can travel through the fabric more easily than in modern cavity-walled properties, leading to damp patches on internal walls, peeling wallpaper, and in severe cases, rot or mildew. Our surveyors use thermal imaging and moisture meters to help identify areas of damp penetration.

Roof condition is another frequent concern in the area. Many properties feature natural slate or clay double Roman tiles, which can deteriorate over time. Our surveyors inspect for damaged or missing tiles, deteriorated flashings around chimneys, and signs of past or current leaks. It is worth noting that some historic properties may have had their original clay tiles replaced with heavier concrete tiles, which can cause roof spread where the weight of the tiles pushes the walls outward over time. We also check for slipped tiles, ridged tile deterioration, and issues with flat roof sections that are common on extensions.

Electrical systems in older properties often require particular attention. Many homes in Norton St Philip still have original wiring that does not meet modern safety standards, posing fire risks and insufficient capacity for contemporary appliances. Our surveyors will note any obvious electrical defects, outdated consumer units, and visible wiring that appears deteriorated or non-compliant with current regulations. We also look for evidence of previous DIY work that may not meet building regulations.

Given the village's history as part of the Somerset Coalfield, with mining activity peaking between 1900 and 1920, some properties may be affected by ground stability issues related to past mining. While our Level 2 survey includes a visual assessment for signs of structural movement, we may recommend a more detailed structural engineer's assessment if significant concerns are identified. The proximity to Norton Brook also means that drainage and surface water issues can affect some properties, particularly those in lower-lying areas of the village.

• Rising and penetrating damp
• Roof deterioration and leaks
• Outdated electrical systems
• Structural movement in older buildings
• Timber defects including woodworm
• Drainage and surface water issues

Norton St Philip has seen recent development activity, with new projects including Bell Hill, a development of nine two, three, and four-bedroom homes by Stonewood Homes that received planning permission in May 2025, and the ongoing Fortescue Fields development. While new builds may seem to require less scrutiny, a RICS Level 2 survey is still valuable for identifying any construction defects, snagging issues, or problems that may not be apparent during a visual viewing. Even on new build properties, our surveyors can identify issues such as incomplete work, poor workmanship, or systems that have not been properly installed.

The relatively small scale of most new developments in Norton St Philip means that quality can vary, and a professional survey provides valuable protection for your investment. New build properties may still have defects that are not immediately obvious, such as issues with window installations, roof details, or internal finishes. Our surveyors are experienced in identifying defects across all property types, including newly constructed homes, ensuring you receive the protection you deserve when purchasing a new build property in the village.