RICS Level 3 Building Survey in BA8

The BA8 area presents unique challenges for buyers that make a RICS Level 3 Survey particularly valuable. This postcode encompasses numerous villages with significant concentrations of listed buildings, particularly in North Cheriton, where the Conservation Area includes the Grade II* Church of St John the Baptist and properties like Edward's House and North Cheriton Manor. The area also features Henstridge with its Grade II* Church of St Nicholas and Monmouth House, plus Horsington with its historic church and Horsington House. Buying any of these historic properties without a detailed structural survey could leave you facing unexpected repair bills that far exceed the survey cost.

Many properties in BA8 are constructed using traditional local materials including Doulting stone and Ham stone, with plain clay tile roofs that require specialist knowledge to assess properly. Our surveyors understand these construction methods and can identify issues specific to older stone-built properties, including mortar deterioration, stone erosion, and the structural implications of historic alterations. The prevalence of properties dating from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries means that virtually every transaction in these villages involves older construction that warrants detailed investigation.

New build properties in the area, such as those at Knights Meadow in Templecombe (70 new homes from Tilia Homes including affordable units), and the proposed Yenston Landings development by Barratt David Wilson (outline planning permission for 130 dwellings on Furge Lane in Henstridge), also benefit from Level 3 surveys. While newer, these properties can still have defects, and a thorough inspection provides crucial documentation for any warranty claims. Chapel Lane in Yenston also has individually built detached homes from local developers, priced around £535,000, where a survey can verify the quality of construction.

Properties near water courses, such as those close to Bow Brook east of Lower Cheriton, may face additional considerations. The geology in this area includes Oxford Clay, which presents shrink-swell subsidence risk, particularly during prolonged dry periods when the ground contracts and can cause foundation movement. Older drainage systems common in pre-1970s properties can exacerbate these issues when clay pipes leak and alter soil moisture conditions.

• Historic stone-built properties
• Listed buildings requiring specialist assessment
• Properties with clay tile roofs
• New build homes needing warranty verification
• Properties near water courses
• Older drainage systems

Our experience surveying properties across Templecombe, Henstridge, and the surrounding villages reveals several recurring issues that buyers should be aware of. Roofing problems are extremely common given the prevalence of clay tile roofs across the area. Cracked, slipped, or missing tiles, moss growth, and defective flashings frequently lead to water ingress that can cause extensive damage to timber elements and internal finishes. Our surveyors thoroughly assess roof conditions and identify areas requiring immediate attention or future maintenance. The stone slate base courses beneath clay tiles can also deteriorate, particularly where tiles have been replaced with modern alternatives that don't match the original construction.

Structural movement manifests as cracks in walls, particularly diagonal cracks near doors and windows, sloping floors, and doors or windows that no longer close properly. In BA8, this movement is often linked to the shrink-swell behaviour of underlying clay soils, particularly in properties built on the Oxford Clay formations to the east of Lower Cheriton. Ageing drainage systems, common in homes built before the 1970s, can exacerbate these issues when clay pipes leak and alter soil moisture conditions. We've seen numerous properties where undetected drainage leaks have contributed to significant ground movement over time.

Dampness and water ingress affect many older properties in the area, particularly those with solid walls rather than modern cavity construction. Rising damp, penetrating damp from defective roof coverings, and condensation issues can all be present in BA8's traditional buildings. Our Level 3 Survey identifies the source of any dampness and recommends appropriate remediation, protecting your investment from the long-term damage that moisture can cause. Solid wall properties lack the cavity that modern homes have, making them particularly susceptible to penetrating damp if roof or render maintenance has been neglected.

Timber decay and woodworm are also frequently encountered in BA8's older properties. The combination of damp conditions and traditional timber-framed construction can lead to rot in floor joists, ceiling timbers, and roof rafters. Our surveyors probe suspected timber to assess its condition and identify any active infestation that requires treatment. Stonework erosion and mortar deterioration are also common, particularly in properties built with local stone that has been exposed to Somerset's weather for centuries.

• Roof tile damage and deterioration
• Structural movement and cracking
• Damp penetration and rising damp
• Timber decay and woodworm
• Defective drainage systems
• Stonework erosion and mortar deterioration