RICS Level 2 Home Survey in TA20 2 Chard

Our RICS Level 2 survey provides a comprehensive assessment of the property condition, focusing on issues that are likely to affect the value or require attention. We examine all accessible parts of the building, including the roof space where safe to enter, the walls, floors, windows, and doors. Our inspector will identify defects, explain their implications, and advise on priority repairs. The report includes clear condition ratings so you understand exactly what needs attention now versus what might need future consideration. We rate each element from one to three, with one being urgent matters requiring immediate attention and three being defects that warrant monitoring.

In the TA20 2 area, many properties are of traditional construction with solid walls rather than cavity insulation. This means our survey pays particular attention to damp penetration, which is a common issue in older Chard properties, particularly those with render that may be trapping moisture. We also check the condition of roofing materials, as many homes in the area feature older clay tile roofs that may be nearing the end of their lifespan. Properties along Holyrood Street and the older sections of Crimchard often feature traditional Somerset brickwork that can be prone to salt efflorescence if exposed to persistent damp.

The survey includes assessment of trees and vegetation near the property, which is relevant for TA20 2 where mature gardens and countryside locations mean roots can sometimes affect foundations. We also evaluate the condition of outbuildings, boundaries, and services such as plumbing and electrics where visible. Our report provides a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost estimate, which proves particularly useful for properties in areas like Chard where older homes may have unusual construction details. Properties with unique features like original fireplaces, exposed beams, or period staircases often require specialist rebuild valuations that account for the cost of matching materials.

We also assess the energy efficiency aspects of the property where visible, noting single-glazed windows, missing loft insulation, or solid wall construction that lacks cavity fill. While a full EPC is a separate assessment, our survey flags obvious thermal inefficiencies that you may want to address after purchase. Many Victorian and Edwardian properties in Chard still retain their original single-pane sash windows, which while characterful, can significantly impact heating costs.

• Visible defects in walls, roofs, and foundations
• Damp and timber condition assessment
• Windows, doors, and joinery condition
• Services overview (where accessible)
• Boundary and outbuilding inspection
• Market valuation and rebuild cost

Our experience surveying properties across TA20 2 and the wider Chard area reveals several recurring themes that buyers should be aware of. Many homes in this part of Somerset are of significant age, with a substantial number built before 1919. These older properties often feature traditional solid wall construction, which can be prone to damp issues if the original breathable construction has been compromised by modern cement-based renders or non-pervious coatings. Our surveyors are trained to identify these moisture problems and distinguish between historic damp that may be cosmetic and more serious penetrating damp that requires remediation. We frequently see properties where previous owners have applied non-breathable paints or renders that trap moisture within the walls, causing deterioration of internal plaster and potential timber rot.

The roofing on older Chard properties also warrants close attention. Many feature traditional clay tile or slate roofs that may be original or from the mid-twentieth century. While well-maintained examples can last for decades, we frequently find slipped tiles, deteriorated pointing, and worn ridge tiles that allow water ingress. Flat roof sections, particularly on extensions and conservatories, are another common source of leaks that we identify during our inspections. Properties with flat roofs in the Chard area often show signs of ponding or membrane deterioration after just ten to fifteen years, especially where installation quality has been compromised.

Structural movement is occasionally observed in TA20 2 properties, typically manifesting as cracks in walls or doors that stick. While minor movement is common in older buildings and often stabilised, our surveyors assess whether any movement appears active and whether it warrants further investigation by a structural engineer. The underlying geology in parts of Somerset can include clay soils that shrink and swell with moisture changes, so we pay particular attention to foundations and any trees close to buildings. Properties near mature trees or hedgerows require careful assessment of root systems that can affect shallow foundations, particularly during dry spells when clay soils shrink.

Electrical and plumbing systems in older Chard properties frequently require updating. We see many homes with original fuse boards, dated rubber-insulated wiring, and galvanised steel plumbing that has corroded over time. While we do not test services, our visual inspection identifies obvious safety concerns and outdated systems that will likely need attention within the property's future. Consumer units with older cartridge fuses, absent or damaged earth bonding, and cables showing signs of age or damage are common findings that warrant further investigation by a qualified electrician before you complete your purchase.

Many properties in the TA20 2 area also lack adequate insulation by modern standards. This includes both loft insulation and wall insulation in properties with solid walls that cannot have cavity wall insulation installed. While this is not a defect as such, it does affect the energy efficiency and running costs of the property, and we flag this in our reports so you can budget for improvements after completion. Properties with solid walls can typically benefit from internal or external wall insulation systems, though this represents a significant investment.

• Damp and condensation in solid wall properties
• Deteriorated clay tile or slate roofing
• Structural movement and crack patterns
• Outdated electrical wiring and consumer units
• Old plumbing with corroded pipes
• Missing or inadequate insulation