RICS Level 3 Building Survey in TA20 2 Chard

The TA20 2 area presents a diverse mix of property types and ages, each bringing their own potential issues that our inspectors know to look for. Chard's housing stock includes charming pre-Victorian properties constructed from local hamstone, Victorian and Edwardian brick-built homes, mid-century semi-detached houses, and more recent developments from the 1980s onwards. A Level 3 Building Survey is particularly valuable here because it examines every accessible element of the property in detail, providing you with a comprehensive report that covers structural integrity, condition, and necessary repairs that a basic survey simply cannot match.

Properties in this area face specific challenges that our inspectors know to look for. The local geology includes Charmouth Mudstone and clay-rich soils, which create a moderate to high shrink-swell risk. This means foundations can move with seasonal moisture changes, potentially causing subsidence or structural movement that mortgage lenders become very concerned about. Our surveyors specifically assess signs of this type of ground movement, checking for cracking patterns, door and window binding, and other indicators that might affect the property's mortgageability. We've seen properties on Claypits Road and near the River Axe where these issues are particularly relevant, and our reports highlight exactly what you need to know.

The historic centre of Chard contains several listed buildings and properties within conservation areas, particularly around the town centre near St Mary's Church and along the older sections of Fore Street. These homes often feature traditional construction methods like solid stone walls, lime mortar pointing, and original timber elements that require specialist knowledge to assess correctly. Our Level 3 Survey is ideally suited to these properties because it provides the detailed analysis needed to understand their unique construction and any repair or maintenance considerations. We also check for common issues in older properties such as rising damp (which is prevalent in solid wall constructions), timber rot in floor joists and roof structures, roof deterioration from aging slate and clay tiles, and outdated electrical and plumbing systems that may not meet current regulations.

For properties in the newer developments around Chard, such as those near the Tesco superstore or the developments off Tatworth Road, a Level 3 Survey still provides valuable . While these post-1980s properties generally have fewer hidden issues than older homes, our survey will identify any construction defects, potential problems with building regulations compliance that might have arisen during development, and help you understand the property's overall condition before you commit your hard-earned deposit. The investment in a comprehensive survey is small relative to the property value and can reveal issues that would otherwise only become apparent after you've moved in and faced unexpected repair bills running into thousands of pounds.

• Detailed structural assessment
• Comprehensive defect analysis
• Ground movement evaluation
• Age-appropriate construction advice
• Repair cost estimates
• Priority recommendations

The geological conditions in TA20 2 mean our inspectors pay particular attention to foundations and ground conditions when conducting every survey. The presence of mudstone and clay soils creates a shrink-swell potential that can cause foundations to move with changing moisture levels - this is particularly relevant during extended dry periods followed by heavy rainfall, a pattern we've seen affect properties across Somerset in recent years. Our surveyors look for tell-tale signs including diagonal cracking (often wider at the top), doors and windows that stick or don't close properly, and uneven floors that might indicate foundation movement beneath the property.

Flood risk is another consideration in parts of the TA20 2 area that our inspectors specifically assess. While Chard is not coastal, the River Axe flows through the wider postcode district and some properties in low-lying positions or near minor watercourses face river flooding risk, particularly those properties near the river itself and in areas like that lie close to the watercourse. Additionally, surface water flooding can affect certain areas after heavy rainfall, especially where drainage is poor or where properties are in natural drainage paths. Our Level 3 Survey includes assessment of flood risk indicators such as water staining, damp evidence at lower levels, and the condition of any existing flood mitigation measures, giving you a complete picture of flood risk.

Properties in Chard's conservation areas and listed buildings require special attention during our survey and our inspectors have extensive experience with these. These homes are subject to planning constraints that can significantly affect renovation options and costs - for example, you may need Listed Building Consent for alterations that would be permitted in a standard property. Our report includes guidance on any conservation or listed building considerations relevant to the property, helping you understand what work might be permitted and any constraints you might face as a future owner. We also note where properties may have been altered without proper consents, which could affect your mortgageability and create unexpected costs.

The TA20 2 area also has properties that were built on or near former industrial sites, particularly in the town centre where tanneries and other light industry operated in the past. Our surveyors check for any ground contamination concerns that might be present and note where specialist investigation might be warranted. We also look for evidence of mining activity in the wider area, though this is generally not a significant risk in this part of Somerset compared to other regions. Every survey we produce is tailored to the specific property and its location within the TA20 2 postcode.