RICS Level 2 Survey in TA2 Taunton

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a comprehensive inspection of the property's accessible areas, identifying defects that could affect its value or require repair. The survey follows RICS guidelines and gives you a clear red, amber, or green rating for each major element of the property. Our inspectors examine the walls, roof, floors, doors, windows, and joinery, as well as the condition of damp-proof courses, insulation, and drainage systems. This visual inspection covers all aspects of the building's structure and condition, providing you with a clear picture of any issues that need attention.

In the TA2 area, our surveyors frequently encounter issues related to the age of local housing stock. Many properties in Taunton date from the Victorian and Edwardian periods, meaning they often feature traditional construction methods that differ significantly from modern buildings. Our inspectors understand these older construction techniques and know what to look for when assessing properties built with solid walls, traditional lime mortars, and older roofing materials. We have inspected hundreds of properties across the TA2 postcode and know exactly what defects are most likely to be present in properties of different ages and construction types.

The TA2 housing mix includes approximately 29% detached properties, 40% semi-detached homes, 24% terraced properties, and 7% flats or other property types. This mix means that our surveyors must be familiar with a wide range of construction methods, from traditional solid-wall Victorian terraces to more modern cavity-wall properties built since the 1970s. Each property type presents its own unique set of potential defects, and our surveyors are trained to identify issues specific to each construction method.

The survey report includes practical advice on maintenance and repairs, helping you understand the long-term costs of ownership. If significant issues are found, our report gives you the ammunition to negotiate a reduction in the purchase price or request that the seller carries out repairs before completion. This investment in a professional survey often pays for itself many times over, especially when major defects are identified that would have resulted in unexpected repair bills after completion.

• Structural integrity assessment
• Damp and timber decay inspection
• Roof condition analysis
• Electrical and plumbing overview
• Thermal efficiency evaluation
• Legal considerations highlighting

Based on our experience surveying properties across the TA2 area, several recurring issues emerge that buyers should be aware of. Damp problems are particularly common in older solid-wall properties, where moisture can penetrate through brickwork or render that has deteriorated over time. Rising damp is frequently identified in Victorian and Edwardian terraces, particularly where original damp-proof courses have failed or were never installed. We have seen numerous cases where modern renovation work has inadvertently caused damp problems by blocking the natural breathability of traditional walls.

Roof conditions also feature prominently in our TA2 survey reports. Many older properties feature slate or clay tile roofs that have reached or exceeded their expected lifespan. Our inspectors check for broken or missing tiles, defective flashing around chimneys and valleys, and signs of timber decay in roof structures. Blocked gutters and inadequate drainage can lead to water penetration that causes damage to walls and timbers. In some properties, we have found that roof timbers have been weakened by years of water penetration that has gone unnoticed by occupiers.

The clay geology underlying much of the TA2 area means that subsidence and structural movement are a concern, particularly for properties with trees nearby or those with existing drainage issues. The shrink-swell behaviour of clay soils can cause foundations to move, leading to structural cracking and movement in the building above. Our surveyors are trained to identify the signs of such movement, including crack patterns in walls, doors and windows that stick, and uneven floors. We recommend that any signs of significant movement be investigated by a structural engineer before proceeding with a purchase.

Electrical and plumbing systems in older TA2 properties often require updating to meet current regulations. We identify consumer units that do not comply with modern standards, lack of earthing, and outdated pipework that may be nearing the end of its serviceable life. We have found many properties with original fuse boxes that would not meet current electrical safety standards, and plumbing systems using old galvanised pipes that are prone to internal corrosion and reduced water pressure. These issues can represent significant costs that should be factored into your purchasing decision.

• Rising and penetrating damp
• Roof deterioration and leaks
• Subsidence related to clay soil
• Outdated electrical installations
• Timber rot and woodworm
• Structural cracking and movement