RICS Level 3 Building Survey in EX39

The RICS Level 3 Building Survey, sometimes called a full structural survey, provides the most detailed examination of a property available under the RICS framework. Unlike simpler assessments, this survey is particularly suited to older properties, those in visible poor condition, buildings of non-traditional construction, and homes that have undergone significant alterations or extensions. Our team will inspect all accessible parts of the property, including the roof structure, walls, floors, doors, windows, and permanent fixtures, providing you with a complete picture of the property's condition.

Our inspectors examine the property from foundation to roof, identifying defects, their cause, and their potential severity. The resulting report provides clear, jargon-free guidance on the property's overall condition, emergency repairs needed, and recommendations for ongoing maintenance. For properties in the EX39 area, this is particularly valuable given the mix of traditional Devon construction, newer developments, and coastal exposure that characterises the local housing stock. We have encountered numerous properties with issues specific to this coastline, including salt-induced corrosion of external metalwork and weathering of traditional renders that require experienced eyes to properly assess.

The report includes a detailed condition rating system that immediately highlights those issues requiring urgent attention versus those that are minor or cosmetic. You will receive practical advice on what needs to be done now versus what might be deferred, along with estimated costs where appropriate. This level of detail enables you to make an informed decision about the property and, if necessary, negotiate a fair price reflecting any remedial work required. Our surveyors understand the local market dynamics and can advise you on whether identified issues are likely to affect your ability to secure insurance or remortgage in the future.

We provide comprehensive coverage across all key areas of the property, ensuring no significant defect goes unnoticed. The survey encompasses structural elements, external joinery, damp assessment, timber condition, and verification of any extensions or alterations that may have been carried out without proper building regulation approval.

• Comprehensive structural inspection
• Detailed defect analysis
• Clear condition ratings
• Cost guidance for repairs
• Negotiation support
• Future maintenance advice

The EX39 area has seen significant new housing development in recent years, with several major developments bringing modern properties to the market. At Buckleigh Meadows in Westward Ho!, Chichester Developments have created a three-phase development offering 2, 3, 4, and 5-bedroom homes with prices starting from around £167,500 for a 2-bedroom semi-detached property. The development features traditional construction with brick, render, and weatherboarding to external elevations, complemented by slate roofs. This development has proved popular with families and has added considerably to the housing stock in the Westward Ho! area since its launch.

Bloor Homes' Winsford Park development on Abbotsham Road offers properties ranging from £246,500 to £515,000 for 2, 3, and 4-bedroom homes. Located near the dramatic Abbotsham Cliffs, this development offers views that attract buyers seeking the coastal lifestyle, but also presents specific considerations for surveyors. Properties in this location require particular attention to the effects of coastal exposure on external joinery and structural elements. While these new builds offer the benefit of modern construction and warranties, a RICS Level 3 survey remains valuable to verify that the property has been constructed to a satisfactory standard and to document the property's condition at the point of purchase.

The Grange development in Bideford represents another significant addition to the local housing stock, with larger 5-bedroom detached properties available including The Cavendish and The Birch models. With the current market showing properties at various price points and the average price sitting at £307,649, investing in a comprehensive survey provides protection for what is likely to be one of the largest financial commitments you will make. Even properties covered by NHBC warranties benefit from an independent survey, as warranty claims can be lengthy and problematic, and having a detailed condition report from the point of purchase establishes your position should issues emerge.

Your RICS Level 3 Building Survey report is designed to be clear and actionable, regardless of your prior experience with property surveys. The report begins with a summary of the property's overall condition and then provides detailed findings for each area inspected. Issues are categorised using condition ratings that immediately communicate their severity, from urgent defects requiring immediate attention to minor matters that can be addressed over time. Each defect is described in detail, with an explanation of its cause, its current impact, and its potential to worsen if left unaddressed.

For EX39 property buyers, the report proves particularly valuable when negotiating price adjustments or requesting repairs before completion. If significant defects are identified, you have objective, professional documentation to support your position in negotiations with the seller. Whether the survey reveals issues with the roof structure, identifies signs of damp in traditional walls, or highlights necessary repairs to windows and external joinery, you enter the purchase with complete knowledge of what you are acquiring. Our experience in this local market means we understand which issues are likely to be deal-breakers and which can be resolved relatively easily.

The report also includes practical guidance on ongoing maintenance that will help you protect your investment after the purchase. For properties in this coastal area, this might include recommendations for regular maintenance of external renders and weatherboarding, inspection of roof coverings given exposure to coastal weather, and advice on managing humidity in older properties. This forward-looking guidance helps you budget for future maintenance and avoid costly surprises down the line. We also highlight any building regulation or planning compliance issues that might affect your ability to carry out future alterations to the property.

Your survey report serves as an invaluable reference document throughout your ownership of the property. The detailed condition assessment provides a baseline against which you can measure future changes, and the maintenance recommendations help you prioritise spending to protect your investment. Should you decide to sell the property in the future, the report demonstrates that you have maintained the property properly and can provide reassurance to prospective buyers about its condition.