RICS Level 3 Survey Bridgwater TA6 7

Our RICS Level 3 survey provides an exhaustive examination of all visible and accessible elements of the property. Unlike less detailed inspections, this survey is specifically recommended for properties in TA6 7 that are older than 1900, have been significantly altered, show visible signs of structural stress, or are constructed using non-standard methods. The surveyor will inspect the walls, roof structure, foundations, floors, and internal joinery, providing detailed findings on each aspect. We have found that properties in this area frequently fall into categories that warrant the additional detail a Level 3 provides, particularly given the age of much of the housing stock in Bridgwater town centre.

In Bridgwater properties, we frequently encounter issues related to the local geology. The TA6 7 area sits on clay-rich soils that experience shrink-swell behaviour with seasonal moisture changes. This geological characteristic can cause foundation movement, leading to cracked walls and uneven floors particularly in older properties. Our surveyors are trained to identify the signs of such movement and assess whether it represents ongoing activity requiring further investigation. We have seen numerous properties in areas like TA6 7BH and TA6 7JS where the characteristic diagonal crack patterns around windows and doors indicate that clay soil movement has affected the foundations over time.

The survey also examines the condition of the roof, including any sagging or deterioration of rafters, the state of pointing in chimneys, and the integrity of flashings around roof penetrations. For properties in TA6 7 with thatched roofs, which remain present in the surrounding Somerset countryside, we provide specialist assessment of the thatch condition and any signs of deterioration or pest infestation that could indicate structural concerns. We have inspected several thatched properties in the surrounding villages where the roof structure has been compromised by woodworm or wet rot that was not immediately visible from ground level.

The report we produce includes clear condition ratings for each element of the property, from the roof down to the foundations, along with prioritised recommendations for any repairs or further investigations that may be required. This detailed approach means you receive a comprehensive understanding of the property's condition, enabling you to make an informed decision about proceeding with the purchase and any subsequent negotiations on price.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof structure and covering
• Damp and timber condition
• Windows and doors
• Extensions and alterations
• Building regulations compliance

Our experience surveying properties throughout the TA6 7 postcode sector reveals several recurring issues that buyers should be aware of. Many Victorian and Edwardian properties in Bridgwater town centre feature solid brick walls without cavity insulation, making them more susceptible to damp penetration particularly in exposed positions. The render finishes common on older Somerset properties can also mask underlying structural issues if they have cracked or become detached. We have seen numerous properties where render has blown away from the underlying brickwork, trapping moisture against the wall and causing deterioration that was not visible until we conducted a close inspection.

Roof conditions represent another significant area of concern in local properties. Older properties may have original roof structures that have been subject to incremental loading from additional tiles or loft conversions that were not properly engineered. We frequently find inadequate or missing ventilation in roof spaces, leading to condensation problems and timber decay. For properties with original slate roofs, we assess the condition of the slates and check for any slipped or missing sections that could lead to water ingress. In TA6 7BH particularly, we have found several properties where the original slate roof has exceeded its expected lifespan and requires significant investment.

Extensions and alterations carried out without proper building regulations consent are unfortunately common in the Bridgwater area. Our surveyors check the TA6 property information form for declarations about permissions and then visually verify where possible whether work appears to have been properly authorised. Undisclosed or inadequately documented building work can cause significant problems when you come to sell or remortgage the property. We have encountered situations where extensions were built decades ago with no documentation, creating complications for current owners who must then retrospectively apply for regularisation approval from the local authority.

The popularity of certain sub-postcodes like TA6 7HA, which has seen 16 property sales in the last year, means we have extensive data on the types of issues affecting homes in those specific areas. Properties in TA6 7HA, averaging £468,600, tend to be larger family homes that often have been subject to multiple alterations over the years, adding to the complexity of the survey and the importance of thorough documentation.

• Subsidence cracks from clay soil movement
• Roof structure deterioration
• Damp and condensation issues
• Inadequate insulation
• Unauthorised extensions
• Timber frame defects in older properties