RICS Level 2 Survey in Tatworth and Forton

The Tatworth and Forton area presents unique surveying challenges that our inspectors understand thoroughly. Many properties here are period stone-built constructions, with some dating back to the 16th century, featuring roughcast over rubble or cob walls and traditional thatched roofs. These older construction methods, while charming, can harbor hidden defects that require experienced eyes to identify. Our surveyors are familiar with the specific issues affecting Somerset's historic housing stock, from damp penetration through aging stonework to structural movement in properties with shallower foundations.

The local geology adds another layer of consideration for property buyers. Tatworth and Forton sit on bedrock of Upper Greensand Formation with underlying clay deposits, creating potential shrink-swell risks that can affect foundations over time. Our inspectors assess these geological factors during every survey, looking for signs of subsidence, cracking, or movement that might indicate ground instability. The area's network of smaller streams and drainage ditches, part of the River Axe catchment including Coombses and South Chard areas, means that surface water management is an important consideration for any property purchase.

The area has seen significant new development in recent years, with the Chard Eastern Development Area bringing hundreds of new homes to the parish. Developments like Snowdon Grange from Tilia Homes and the Summerfield Developments on Tatworth Road offer modern properties, but even new builds benefit from professional inspection. Our surveyors check that recent construction meets expected standards and identify any snagging issues that builders should address before the warranty period expires. With Persimmon Homes having delivered over 200 new properties in the area, there's a substantial amount of relatively new housing stock that still benefits from our independent assessment.

Beyond the standard construction concerns, we also factor in the specific environmental risks that affect this area. Tatworth and Forton has experienced surface water and flash flooding in areas including Fore Street, Station Road, Factory Lane, and Lower Coombses, primarily from water running downhill across fields during heavy rainfall. The Parish Council has led schemes to reduce runoff onto School Lane from Jubilee Field, creating shallow swales and leaky woody dams, demonstrating the ongoing challenge that flooding presents in this area. Our surveyors check for signs of previous flood damage and water ingress, helping you understand the full risk before purchasing.

The mix of historic and modern housing in Tatworth and Forton means our surveyors regularly encounter a variety of property defects. In period properties, dampness is the most frequent issue we identify, whether it's penetrating damp through aging stone and mortar, rising damp in properties built before modern damp-proof courses, or condensation in poorly ventilated rooms. Many older homes in the area were constructed with solid walls that lack the cavity insulation found in modern properties, making them more susceptible to moisture penetration and harder to heat efficiently. Properties built before 1919 make up a significant portion of the local housing stock, and these older buildings often require particular attention to moisture management.

Roofing problems feature prominently in our surveys of Tatworth and Forton properties. Traditional thatched roofs, while beautiful, require specialized maintenance and can harbor hidden rot in the timber supporting structures. Older stone and slate roofs often have damaged or missing tiles, inadequate flashing around chimneys, and deteriorated pointing that allows water ingress. Our inspectors carefully assess roof pitch, covering materials, parapet walls, and flat roof sections, documenting any defects that could lead to future leaks or structural damage. Given the age of many properties in the area, with some dating back to the 16th century, roof condition is a critical area of focus.

Electrical and plumbing systems in older properties frequently require attention. Many homes in the area still contain original galvanized steel pipes that have corroded over time, or lead piping that poses health concerns. Electrical wiring installed decades ago may not meet current regulations and could pose fire risks, particularly where consumer units are outdated or where original bell-wire lighting circuits remain in place. Our Level 2 survey identifies these hazards and recommends appropriate follow-up inspections by qualified electricians and plumbers.

Structural issues, while less common, do appear in our surveys, particularly in properties built on the local geology. The combination of Upper Greensand bedrock with underlying clay deposits can create shrink-swell movement that affects foundations over time. Our surveyors look for signs of structural movement including cracking patterns, uneven floor levels, and doors and windows that don't close properly. While not all properties will have subsidence issues, properties with shallower foundations typical of older construction can be more susceptible to ground movement, particularly during periods of drought or heavy rainfall.

The Chard Eastern Development Area has brought substantial new housing to the Tatworth and Forton parish in recent years. The Snowdon Grange development by Tilia Homes offers four-bedroom homes from around £450,000 on Forton Road, while the Summerfield Developments on Tatworth Road provides a mix of one-bedroom flats and two, three, and four-bedroom houses, including affordable housing options. Persimmon Homes has also delivered over 200 new properties in the area, with 35% designated as affordable housing, making this one of the most significant new housing developments in South Somerset.

While these new builds come with warranty coverage, our Level 2 survey still adds value by identifying any construction defects that may not be immediately apparent to untrained eyes. Our inspectors check the quality of workmanship, verify that fixtures and fittings are properly installed, and assess whether the property has been built to acceptable standards. This is particularly valuable for new build properties where the developer may still be on-site and able to address snagging issues before your warranty period progresses further.

There's also the Poppe Works development on Axminster Road, which represents a brownfield site conversion providing two detached three-bedroom bungalows and two semi-detached two-bedroom properties. These smaller-scale developments offer different construction characteristics than the larger sites, and our surveyors are experienced in assessing the specific defects that can occur in recently completed properties. Whether your new home is a four-bedroom detached house on Snowdon Grange or a compact flat in the Summerfield development, we provide the same thorough independent assessment.