RICS Level 2 Survey in Ashprington

Our RICS Level 2 Survey begins with a detailed visual check of the property’s condition, covering all major accessible elements, including walls, ceilings, floors, doors, and windows. We assess the building’s overall structural integrity too, looking for movement, cracking, or subsidence that may point to a more serious problem. In Ashprington, where homes often use traditional solid wall construction with local stone and slate, our surveyors know the age-related defects that tend to show up.

Roof coverings are examined closely, from tiles or slates to flashing, gutters, and chimneys. Many Ashprington properties have traditional slate roofs, and over time these can suffer from slipped tiles, perished felt, or decaying timbers. We check each of these areas and pick out anything where water ingress could cause further damage. Where appropriate, our report also looks at damp testing, timber condition, and any extensions or alterations to the original property.

We also look at services, including plumbing, electrical wiring, and heating systems. Older homes in the South Hams area often have electrical installations that fall short of current safety standards, and our surveyors will record any concerns that need a specialist to look further. Each element is given a clear condition rating in the report, so it is easier to decide what needs doing first.

External areas are not overlooked. Our surveyors examine boundaries, drainage, and any outbuildings or garages, along with fences, gates, and retaining walls. We also review the drainage set-up, including gullies, gutters, and downpipes. For homes with large gardens or land, we note anything obvious that could affect value or mean extra maintenance later on.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof structure and covering
• Damp and timber condition
• Plumbing and water systems
• Electrical wiring and consumer unit
• Heating and hot water systems
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• External finishes and drainage

For buyers, the housing stock in Ashprington brings a few particular challenges that make professional surveys important. With approximately 40-50% of properties built before 1919, many homes still rely on traditional construction methods that differ sharply from modern standards. These older farmhouses, cottages, and period properties often have no modern damp-proof course, limited insulation, and hidden structural elements that need expert assessment. Our surveyors understand those older methods and know the defects that commonly affect them.

Timber problems crop up often in older Ashprington homes, including woodworm infestation and both wet and dry rot in structural timbers. Poor ventilation in older buildings can make matters worse, speeding up deterioration in roof timbers and floor structures. The natural slate roofs common here are durable, but they still need regular maintenance, so our surveyors look for slipped tiles, damaged leadwork, and signs of earlier repairs that may point to ongoing issues. We also inspect roof space timbers for evidence of past or current infestation.

Electrical wiring in properties built before modern regulations is another recurring concern. Many older homes in the South Hams still have original fuse boxes and wiring that would not meet current electrical safety standards. Our survey is visual and non-invasive, but we note the age and condition of visible electrical installations and recommend a qualified electrician investigates further where needed. That gives you a clearer view of the property before you complete the purchase.

The South Hams is highly desirable, and that means many homes are used as second homes or holiday lets, which can change how well they have been maintained. Some owners may have put off maintenance or carried out DIY alterations that do not meet current building regulations. Our surveyors are trained to pick up on those issues and flag them in the report, giving you the detail needed to renegotiate with the seller or set aside money for remedial work.