RICS Level 3 Building Survey in Tedburn St. Mary

The housing stock in Tedburn St. Mary presents unique challenges that make a RICS Level 3 survey particularly valuable. The village contains numerous listed buildings and period properties constructed using traditional Devon methods. Many homes feature whitewashed plastered cob on stone rubble footings, with thatched or tiled roofs. These materials require specialist knowledge to assess properly, as they behave differently from modern brick and concrete construction. Our inspectors have experience evaluating these traditional buildings and understand how factors like breathability, moisture movement, and age-related deterioration affect their condition.

The village has seen limited new development, with the dominant property type remaining period houses from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Properties on Tedburn St. Mary street itself show 125 houses, 35 flats, and 101 other properties out of 261 total. However, there are proposals for approximately 40 new homes at Six Mile Hill, which is being considered for allocation in the emerging Teignbridge Local Plan. Given the age of this housing stock, structural issues such as settlement, timber decay, and deterioration of traditional materials are common concerns that our detailed survey can identify before you commit to purchase.

Recent market data shows house prices in the EX6 6 postcode area fell by 10.1% over the last year, with properties now sitting 7% below the 2023 peak of £554,970. Rightmove data indicates prices on Tedburn St. Mary street specifically are down an average of 3.5% since the last sale in March 2025. In this changing market, understanding the true condition of a property becomes even more critical. A Level 3 survey helps you negotiate with confidence, either pricing in necessary repairs or requesting the seller address issues before completion.

The village maintains its historic character with two public houses, a local shop, garage, village hall, and recreation facilities. Properties here often form part of the wider conservation considerations that affect the Teignbridge area. When purchasing in Tedburn St. Mary, our survey ensures you understand both the property condition and any heritage obligations that may come with owning a listed or period property.

Based on our experience surveying properties throughout the Teignbridge area, several recurring issues affect period homes in Tedburn St. Mary. Dampness is particularly common in cob-built properties, where moisture can become trapped within the walls if modern cement-based renders have been applied incorrectly. Rising damp and penetrating damp can cause significant damage to timber floors and skirting boards, while condensation issues often affect older properties with limited ventilation. Our inspectors examine walls for signs of moisture staining, measure moisture levels, and assess the effectiveness of any existing damp proof courses or ventilation.

Timber defects represent another major concern in this area. Properties with wooden floorboards, original roof timbers, or exposed beams may show signs of woodworm infestation or rot, particularly in areas with persistent damp. Our inspectors carefully examine all accessible timber for signs of deterioration, including soft spots, boreholes, and fungal growth. The thatched roofs found on many traditional cottages require specialist inspection, as deterioration can be hidden beneath the surface. We assess the condition of roof structure, look for signs of past water ingress, and advise on any specialist thatch inspections that may be warranted.

Structural movement manifests as cracking in walls, uneven floors, or doors and windows that stick or fail to close properly. While some movement is normal in older properties as the building settles, significant or progressive movement can indicate subsidence, foundation issues, or structural failure. Our Level 3 survey identifies the nature and cause of any movement, distinguishing between benign settlement and serious structural problems requiring immediate attention. We also check for issues related to the local geology and any factors that might affect foundation performance in the Tedburn St. Mary area.

Chimney stacks and their associated flashing and pointing are a common source of problems in period properties. Many historic homes in the village have prominent chimneys constructed from brick or stone, and these can suffer from deterioration, unsafe flues, or poor flashing details that allow water ingress. Our survey includes a thorough assessment of all chimney stacks visible from ground level or accessible roof spaces, flagging any concerns about stability or weatherproofing.

The Level 3 survey report serves as a valuable planning document for future maintenance and improvement works. Rather than simply highlighting problems, our report provides a roadmap for ongoing property care. This is particularly valuable for period properties in Tedburn St. Mary, where understanding traditional building physics can prevent well-intentioned improvements from causing damage. The report includes an estimate of costs for various repair options, allowing you to budget accordingly and plan works in priority order.

Many owners of historic properties make the mistake of applying modern materials to traditional buildings, inadvertently trapping moisture and causing deterioration. Our survey identifies any such issues already present and advises on appropriate repair approaches that maintain the building's breathability and structural integrity. This guidance can save thousands of pounds in future repair costs and preserve the character of your property. For example, we may advise against cement-based renders on cob walls and recommend traditional lime-based alternatives that allow the walls to breathe.

For those planning renovations or extensions, the survey report highlights any structural considerations that may affect your plans. Whether you are considering converting a loft space, removing a partition wall, or adding an extension, understanding the existing structure helps architects and builders design appropriate works that do not compromise the building's stability. In Tedburn St. Mary, where many properties are listed or in conservation areas, we can also advise on the planning considerations that may affect your renovation plans. Our report provides a solid foundation for discussing your proposals with architects, builders, and the local planning authority.