RICS Level 2 Survey Romansleigh

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible areas of your Romansleigh property. The survey includes a detailed assessment of the roof structure, walls, floors, doors, and windows, along with the condition of key services such as plumbing, electrical wiring, and heating systems. We examine both the interior and exterior of the building, looking for signs of defects, deterioration, or potential future problems that could affect the property's value or safety. Our surveyors methodically work through each element of the property, documenting their findings with clear photographs and descriptions that make it easy for you to understand the condition of every major component.

In a rural village like Romansleigh, where many properties feature traditional construction methods, our inspectors pay particular attention to common issues found in older buildings. This includes checking for signs of damp, both rising and penetrating damp, assessing the condition of timber elements for rot or woodworm, evaluating roof coverings for damaged or missing tiles, and examining the integrity of flashings and leadwork around chimneys and roof intersections. The exposed nature of the North Devon countryside means that properties here often face more severe weather conditions than urban areas, which can accelerate the deterioration of external building elements.

The survey also includes an assessment of any outbuildings, garages, or boundaries included in the sale, as well as an evaluation of the property's overall environment. For properties in the EX36 area, this means considering factors such as access roads, nearby agricultural land, and the impact of rural activities on the property. Our final report provides a clear condition rating system, rated 1 to 3, for each element, making it easy to understand which issues require immediate attention and which are suitable for ongoing monitoring. We also include a market valuation and rebuild cost assessment as standard, giving you valuable information for your mortgage provider and insurance arrangements.

• Roof structure and covering
• Wall construction and condition
• Damp and timber assessment
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• Heating and drainage
• Outbuildings and boundaries
• Energy efficiency (visual)

Properties in the Romansleigh area reflect the diverse building heritage of North Devon, with construction styles ranging from traditional cottages built using local materials to more modern developments from the latter part of the twentieth century. The predominant housing stock in this area consists of detached properties, which make up approximately 40% of homes, with semi-detached and terraced properties also forming significant portions of the local market. Understanding these construction methods is essential for identifying potential defects, as each building type presents its own unique challenges.

Traditional properties in the Romansleigh area often feature solid walls constructed from local stone or cob, a distinctive earth-based building material that has been used in Devon for centuries. These walls typically lack modern damp-proof courses, making them more susceptible to rising damp, particularly in properties with ground levels that have been altered over time. External render, often applied to improve weather resistance, can trap moisture if it becomes cracked or damaged, leading to penetrating damp issues that may not be immediately visible.

Many older properties in and around Romansleigh feature slate or clay tile roofs, which provide excellent weather resistance but require regular maintenance to remain effective. The roof structure itself is typically formed using traditional timber rafters and purlins, and these elements can be vulnerable to deterioration if water ingress has occurred. Thatched roofs, while less common, can be found in the surrounding North Devon countryside and require specialist assessment due to their unique construction and fire safety considerations.

More recent properties in the area follow conventional modern construction methods, with cavity wall construction using brick or blockwork and concrete tile roofs. While these properties generally present fewer structural concerns, they still require careful inspection to identify any construction defects or issues arising from poor workmanship during the building process.

Properties in the Romansleigh area, particularly those of traditional construction, commonly present several issues that our Level 2 Survey is designed to identify. Damp is one of the most frequent concerns in older buildings, where a lack of modern damp-proof courses or compromised existing barriers can allow moisture to rise through walls or penetrate from outside. Our inspectors are trained to identify both obvious signs of damp and more subtle indicators that might suggest ongoing moisture problems, such as staining, peeling wallpaper, or musty odours.

Timber defects represent another significant area of focus during our Romansleigh surveys. Roof timbers, floor joists, and window frames in older properties can be affected by woodworm, wet rot, or dry rot, particularly in areas where ventilation is poor or where there has been past water ingress. The rural location of Romansleigh means that properties may also be more susceptible to pest activity, including rodent infestations and damage from wood-boring insects, which our surveyors will look for during the inspection.

Roof conditions are particularly important in this area, where exposure to weather can lead to deterioration of tiles, slates, and the leadwork that protects chimneys and roof intersections. Missing or slipped tiles, degraded ridge tiles, and damaged flashing are all common findings that our surveyors document in detail. The exposed position of many properties in the North Devon countryside means that wind-driven rain can penetrate roof coverings more aggressively than in sheltered locations, making regular maintenance particularly important.

The electrical and plumbing systems in older Romansleigh properties may also require careful assessment. Outdated consumer units, old rubber-insulated wiring, and lead or galvanised steel pipes are all potential concerns that our survey will identify. While we do not test these systems, we visually assess their condition and note any apparent defects or age-related concerns that warrant further investigation by qualified electricians or plumbers. We have seen numerous properties in the EX36 area with electrical installations that would not meet current regulations, and our reports clearly highlight these issues so you can budget for necessary upgrades.