RICS Level 2 Survey in St Michaels

Our RICS Level 2 survey in St Michaels provides a detailed assessment of the property's overall condition, examining all accessible areas including the roof, walls, floors, doors, and windows. The survey identifies any visible defects, potential structural issues, and areas requiring immediate attention or future maintenance. Our inspectors assess the property inside and out, providing you with a clear red-amber-green rating system that highlights the severity of any issues discovered during the inspection.

Given the diverse construction methods found in St Michaels, from traditional brick and block buildings to properties featuring white weatherboarding and tile-hanging elevations, our surveyors apply their local knowledge to identify issues common to these property types. The survey includes examination of the roof structure, with many properties in the area featuring traditional clay tiles, slate, or plain concrete tiles. We also check for signs of damp, subsidence, or structural movement that could indicate underlying problems.

The RICS Level 2 report includes a clear summary of the property's condition, with specific recommendations for any repairs or further investigations needed. This report proves invaluable during property negotiations, potentially saving you thousands in repair costs or providing leverage to renegotiate the asking price based on the survey findings. For properties in the St Michaels Conservation Area, our surveyors pay particular attention to any issues affecting period features or construction elements that may be of special interest.

Our inspection covers the main structural elements including load-bearing walls, foundations, and floor structures, as well as secondary elements such as skirting boards, door frames, and window casements. We examine the condition of gutters, downpipes, and drainage systems, which are particularly important given the age of many properties in the area. The survey also includes a basic assessment of services such as electricity, gas, and heating, though we always recommend having these professionally tested by qualified tradespeople.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof condition and coverings
• Damp and moisture detection
• Electrical and heating systems
• Windows and doors
• Fencing and outbuildings
• Drainage and gutters

St Michaels features a rich variety of property types and construction methods that reflect its historical development and conservation area status. Many residential properties along Grange Road and Ashford Road feature distinctive white weatherboarding, while other buildings showcase traditional brickwork and tile-hanging elevations. St Michaels Terrace represents a prominent example of tile-hanging architecture in the area, demonstrating the unique character of local housing stock.

The area contains several period properties dating back to the late 17th century, with Isleden being one of the oldest recorded Listed Buildings in the locality. Properties from the 18th and 19th centuries are prevalent throughout the conservation area, alongside more modern developments. This mix of old and new construction presents varying challenges for surveyors, as older properties may have hidden defects related to traditional building methods, while newer properties might have different issues related to modern construction techniques.

Roof construction in St Michaels varies significantly, with traditional clay tiles found on older properties, slate common in commercial areas, and plain concrete tiles on more recent buildings. The Church of St Michaels, built in 1893 from irregular ashlar blocks, exemplifies the quality of traditional craftsmanship in the area. Our surveyors understand these construction methods and can identify issues commonly associated with period properties, including damp penetration, roof deterioration, and outdated electrical systems.

Many properties in St Michaels feature traditional construction techniques that require specific expertise to assess properly. The tile-hanging seen on numerous properties, while visually attractive, can mask underlying issues with the structural walls behind. Our surveyors know to look for signs of deterioration in these hidden areas, checking for proper fixings, damaged or missing tiles, and any signs of water penetration that could lead to structural problems over time.

• Pre-1900 period properties
• 20th century family homes
• Conservation area homes
• Modern developments
• Listed building considerations

St Michaels Conservation Area encompasses the commercial core around the Ashford Road and Grange Road junction, containing a mixture of residential and commercial properties alongside the historic Crown Inn public house. Properties within conservation areas often require additional consideration during surveys, as any modifications may require planning permission from the local authority. Our surveyors understand these restrictions and can advise on implications for future alterations or renovations.

Several Listed Buildings exist within St Michaels, including Isleden from the late 17th century, St Michaels Church built in 1893, and St Michaels Terrace from 1870. While a RICS Level 2 survey is suitable for conventional properties in reasonable condition, older or more complex properties such as listed buildings might warrant a more comprehensive RICS Level 3 Building Survey. Listed buildings are protected under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, and any work must maintain the building's special character.

If you are considering purchasing a listed property in St Michaels, we recommend discussing your options with our team. While the RICS Level 2 survey provides valuable information about the property's condition, a Level 3 Building Survey offers more detailed analysis of the construction, fabric, and condition of historic buildings. Our surveyors can advise on which survey type best suits your specific property and circumstances.

Properties in conservation areas often have unique construction features that require specialist knowledge to assess properly. The tile-hanging and weatherboarding seen throughout St Michaels are characteristic of the area's architectural heritage, but these features can also hide defects that only an experienced eye would spot. Our surveyors understand what to look for in these traditional buildings, ensuring you get a complete picture of the property's condition.

• Conservation area restrictions
• Listed building considerations
• Planning permission requirements
• Historic fabric preservation