RICS Level 2 Survey in Skilgate

Our RICS Level 2 survey provides a detailed visual inspection of all accessible areas of your property. We examine the walls, floors, ceilings, roof, doors, and windows, identifying any defects or areas requiring attention. Our inspectors check for signs of damp, rot, structural movement, and issues with insulation and ventilation that could affect your enjoyment of the property or lead to costly repairs down the line. We use our extensive experience to spot issues that might be missed by less experienced eyes, ensuring you get a complete picture of the property's condition.

In Skilgate, where many properties are likely to be pre-1919 construction using traditional building methods, our survey pays particular attention to the condition of load-bearing walls, original joinery, and historic features. We assess the integrity of any extensions or alterations that may have been carried out over the years, ensuring they meet appropriate building standards. Many properties here will have been built with local stone, brick, and render, materials that require specific expertise to assess correctly. Our surveyors understand how these traditional materials perform in the Somerset climate and what warning signs to look for.

The survey includes a thorough evaluation of key building services including electrical systems, plumbing, and heating installations. Our inspectors will flag any systems that appear to be outdated, non-compliant with current regulations, or requiring immediate attention. We also examine external elements such as gutters, fascias, and boundary walls, which can be particularly vulnerable in older properties. In a village like Skilgate where properties may have historic connections to agricultural buildings, we pay special attention to any converted spaces and their unique requirements.

Following the inspection, you'll receive a comprehensive report using the RICS traffic light rating system. Green indicates no issues requiring attention, amber highlights defects that need to be understood and monitored, and red flags issues that require urgent attention or specialist investigation. The report includes photographs, clear explanations of each issue, and practical recommendations for addressing any problems identified.

Skilgate's housing stock presents unique challenges that our surveyors are well-equipped to handle. As a village with properties spanning multiple centuries of construction, you'll find everything from medieval timber-framed cottages to more recent additions. Each era brought different building materials and techniques, and our inspectors understand how these affect property condition today. We regularly survey properties that retain original features dating back centuries, and we know what to look for when assessing their current condition.

Many properties in Skilgate will have been constructed using traditional methods including local stone, brick, and render. These materials can be particularly susceptible to weathering in the Somerset climate, and our surveyors know exactly what to look for when assessing their condition. The mix of solid walls, lime-based mortars, and historic pointing techniques requires specific knowledge that generic property inspections often miss. We've seen numerous cases where improper modern repairs have caused more harm than good, and our eye for authenticity helps identify where work may have compromised the building's integrity.

The rural location of Skilgate means properties may have historic connections to agricultural buildings or have been converted from farm outbuildings. These conversions can present unique issues related to damp penetration, insulation standards, and structural integrity that our surveyors examine in detail. We also consider the proximity to Exmoor and any implications this may have for the property's exposure to weather conditions. Properties on the village outskirts may face different challenges compared to those in the centre, and our local knowledge helps us tailor each inspection appropriately.

The Church of St John the Baptist in Skilgate is a Grade II* listed building, indicating the architectural significance of the village. This heritage context means many properties in the area may have historic preservation considerations that affect what work can be carried out and how certain issues should be addressed. Our surveyors understand these considerations and can advise on how defects might impact both the property's condition and its heritage status.

Our experience surveying properties across Somerset reveals several recurring issues that buyers in Skilgate should be aware of. Damp penetration ranks among the most common problems, particularly in properties with solid walls and traditional construction. Rising damp can affect ground floor walls, while penetrating damp often appears in roof spaces and north-facing walls where weathering has compromised the external fabric. In properties built with solid walls, the absence of a damp-proof course means moisture can rise through the masonry, and our surveyors know exactly how to identify and assess this.

Electrical systems in older properties frequently fail to meet current regulations. Rewiring may be partial or incomplete, with older consumer units and dated socket fittings throughout. Our surveyors inspect the condition and safety of electrical installations, recommending further investigation by a qualified electrician where necessary. In many period properties we survey, we find that only partial rewiring has been carried out, meaning older circuits remain in service alongside newer installations, creating potential safety concerns that need addressing.

Similarly, plumbing systems often feature old galvanised pipes that may be corroded or running at reduced efficiency. We've encountered numerous properties where the original plumbing remains largely unchanged since installation, often decades ago. These systems may still function but often operate at reduced pressure and with increased risk of leaks. Our survey highlights these issues so you can plan for necessary upgrades.

Roofing problems are prevalent in period properties, with slipped tiles, deteriorated flashing, and inadequate insulation common findings. The exposed position of many Skilgate properties means roofs take the full brunt of Somerset weather conditions, particularly those on elevated ground near Exmoor. Our inspectors examine roof spaces internally where accessible, checking for signs of past leaks, timber decay, and insufficient insulation that could lead to heat loss and condensation problems. The combination of age and exposure means roof issues are among the most frequently identified defects in our Skilgate surveys.

Timber decay and woodworm affect many older properties in the area. The traditional construction methods used in Skilgate properties often include significant timber elements, from structural beams to floor joins, all of which can be vulnerable to wood-boring insects and fungal decay. Our surveyors know how to identify active infestations versus historical damage and can advise on the urgency of any treatment needed. Foundation settlement is another consideration in older properties, particularly those built on ground that may have changed over time, and we assess walls and floors for signs of movement that might indicate underlying issues.