RICS Level 2 Survey in Templeton, Mid Devon

Our RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible areas of your Templeton property. The survey follows RICS guidelines and includes a detailed assessment of the property's condition, identifying any defects or areas of concern that might affect its value or require future maintenance. Our surveyor will examine the walls, roof, floors, doors, windows, and all permanent fixtures, providing you with a clear picture of the property's current state. We check both the interior and exterior of the building, including any outbuildings, garages, and the general condition of the boundaries.

For Templeton properties, our surveyors pay particular attention to common issues found in older Devon homes. Many properties in this area feature traditional construction methods using rendered cob, local stone, and slate roofing materials. These older construction types can present specific challenges, including potential damp issues, roof condition concerns, and the need for ongoing maintenance. Our survey will highlight any such issues and provide clear recommendations for further investigation or repair. In particular, we examine the condition of slate roofs, which are common on older properties in the area, checking for slipped tiles, mortar deterioration, and signs of previous repairs.

The survey report includes a traffic light rating system, giving you an immediate visual guide to the condition of different areas of the property. Red ratings indicate serious issues requiring urgent attention, amber ratings show matters that should be attended to, and green ratings denote areas in satisfactory condition. We also provide practical advice on any necessary follow-up surveys, such as more detailed structural assessments for any significant concerns identified during the inspection. This system makes it easy for you to prioritise which issues need immediate attention and which can be addressed over time.

Devon's geology includes areas of sandstone, shale, and clay, which can create ground movement issues in some locations. While Templeton itself does not have known mining history, our surveyors remain alert to signs of subsidence, heave, or other ground stability concerns that might affect properties in the area. We will note any cracks, movement, or other indicators that might suggest foundation problems, particularly in properties built on clay soils which can be susceptible to shrink-swell movement during periods of drought or heavy rainfall.

• Full visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Detailed condition assessment with traffic light ratings
• Identification of defects and maintenance issues
• Advice on necessary specialist investigations
• Market value and insurance reinstatement comments
• Energy efficiency observations

Your RICS Level 2 survey report is designed to be clear and easy to understand, even if you have no previous experience with property surveys. The report begins with a summary of the property's overall condition, followed by detailed sections covering each major area of the property. Each section includes a clear rating and description of any issues found, along with our recommendations for addressing them. The executive summary at the front of the report gives you an at-a-glance overview before you dive into the detailed findings.

For buyers considering properties in Templeton's conservation area or listed buildings, our survey will identify any specific concerns related to heritage status. Listed buildings in Templeton, such as Dartcombe Mill, Bridge Cottage, Town Cottage, and Higher South Coombe Farmhouse, have specific considerations regarding their historical construction and listed status requirements. We will note any alterations that may have been carried out without listed building consent and advise whether a more detailed RICS Level 3 Building Survey might be appropriate for particularly complex or historically significant properties.

The report includes an assessment of the property's value and, where appropriate, comments on insurance reinstatement costs. This information can be valuable for your mortgage provider and buildings insurance requirements. We also include observations on energy efficiency, which can help you understand potential future running costs for the property. For older properties with solid walls or traditional construction, we will highlight any insulation considerations that might affect your comfort and energy bills.

If your Templeton property is located in a flood risk area, particularly properties near the River Tone or in low-lying parts of the village, we will include specific commentary on flood risk and recommend appropriate investigations. This includes any evidence of previous flooding, the condition of drainage systems, and the suitability of the property's position for managing surface water run-off. Your mortgage lender may require a flood risk assessment, and our report provides valuable information to support this requirement.

• Clear condition ratings for each property section
• Specific recommendations for repairs and maintenance
• Guidance on priority issues requiring attention
• Information on specialist surveys if needed
• Value and insurance considerations
• Energy performance observations