RICS Level 2 Survey in Staverton, South Hams

The RICS Level 2 Survey provides a detailed inspection of the property's accessible areas, focusing on issues that are visible rather than those hidden behind walls or under floors. Our chartered surveyors examine the structural integrity of the building, including walls, floors, ceilings, and the roof structure. They assess the condition of key building elements such as the foundations, walls, chimneys, windows, doors, and electrical and plumbing systems where visible. The survey uses a traffic light rating system to clearly indicate the condition of each element, with red indicating serious issues requiring urgent attention, amber for issues that should be attended to soon, and green for satisfactory condition.

In Staverton and the surrounding South Hams area, our inspectors frequently encounter properties with specific characteristics that require careful assessment. Many homes in this region were constructed using traditional Devon building methods, with stone walls, thatched roofs on some period properties, and solid floor constructions. Understanding these local construction styles is crucial for identifying potential problems. The Level 2 Survey also includes a market valuation and an insurance rebuild cost assessment, giving you a complete picture of the property's true worth and the potential costs involved in any future repairs or renovations. We factor in local building costs and the specific challenges of repairing traditional Devon stonework when providing our rebuild valuations.

Our surveyors will also check for signs of damp, which is a common concern in Devon properties due to the county's proximity to the coast and the older age of much of the housing stock. We examine walls for rising damp and penetrating damp, check ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens, and look for condensation issues that can lead to mould problems. The survey will highlight any defects found and provide practical recommendations for addressing them, whether through immediate repairs or further specialist investigations by qualified contractors. In our experience surveying properties around Staverton, damp is one of the most frequently identified issues, particularly in properties built before modern damp-proof courses were standard.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof covering and structure
• Windows and doors
• Damp and timber condition
• Plumbing and electrical visible elements
• Boundary walls and outbuildings

The South Hams area, including Staverton, boasts a diverse range of property types, from historic stone cottages to contemporary homes. This variety means that potential buyers need professional guidance to understand the specific risks associated with each property type. Many homes in this area are of considerable age, with properties dating back to the 1800s being common. These older properties often feature traditional construction methods that differ significantly from modern building practices, and our surveyors are trained to identify the issues that commonly affect them. We have surveyed numerous period properties in Staverton that retain their original features, including sash windows, flagstone floors, and traditional lime mortar pointing.

One of the primary concerns in older Devon properties is the condition of the roof. Traditional slate and tile roofs, while visually appealing, can suffer from slipped or broken tiles, deteriorating pointing, and worn flashing around chimneys and valleys. Our inspectors carefully examine the roof from both inside and outside, accessing loft spaces where safe and feasible to do so. We look for signs of past or current water ingress, structural damage to rafters and purlins, and the condition of insulation and ventilation. In Staverton, where period properties are prevalent, roof condition is frequently a key finding in our surveys. We often see properties with original roof coverings that are now reaching the end of their lifespan, requiring potential buyers to budget for significant repairs.

Another significant issue affecting properties in the South Hams region is damp. The coastal climate of Devon means that properties are exposed to higher levels of moisture than inland areas, and older homes without modern damp-proof courses are particularly vulnerable. Rising damp can affect solid wall constructions, while penetrating damp often occurs around windows, doors, and roof junctions. Our surveyors use their expertise to identify the signs of damp and distinguish between historic issues and current problems that require remediation. We also assess the effectiveness of existing ventilation and recommend improvements where necessary to prevent future damp problems. Properties in Staverton that have been poorly maintained often show clear signs of damp penetration, particularly on north-facing walls where drying is slower.

• High moisture levels from coastal climate
• Age of housing stock requiring careful assessment
• Traditional construction methods specific to Devon
• Potential for timber decay in older properties
• Foundation issues in properties with shallow footings

Based on our experience surveying properties throughout the South Hams region, we have identified several recurring issues that buyers should be aware of when purchasing in Staverton. These findings are typical of the area's housing stock and help illustrate why a professional survey is so valuable. Understanding these common problems allows you to make an informed decision about your potential purchase and budget appropriately for any necessary repairs or improvements. We frequently find that properties in Staverton require more extensive repairs than initially expected, making our survey findings essential for accurate budgeting.

Electrical wiring in older properties is a frequent concern. Many homes in Staverton were built before modern electrical standards were introduced, and the wiring may not meet current safety requirements. Our surveyors can identify obvious signs of outdated electrical installations, such as round-backed sockets, fabric-covered cables, or consumer units that do not meet modern regulations. While we cannot perform a full electrical inspection, we will recommend that a qualified electrician conducts a more detailed assessment if concerns are identified. We often find that properties with original wiring require complete rewiring before they can be considered safe for modern living.

Timber defects are another common finding in this area. Properties of any age can be affected by woodworm, wet rot, or dry rot, particularly in areas where moisture is present. Our surveyors examine visible timber elements, including floor joists, roof timbers, window frames, and door frames, looking for signs of pest activity or fungal decay. Where timber issues are suspected, we recommend engaging a specialist timber treatment contractor to conduct a more thorough investigation and provide quotations for any necessary remedial work. In older Staverton properties, we frequently find evidence of historic woodworm activity that, while no longer active, has caused damage to structural timbers that needs attention.

• Outdated electrical installations
• Timber decay and pest infestation
• Drainage system defects
• Roofing issues and leaks
• Damp and condensation problems
• Window and door deterioration