RICS Level 2 Survey in Bickleigh

For properties in reasonable condition, our RICS Level 2 Survey, formerly the HomeBuyer Report, is the right fit. We look at every accessible part of the home, roof space, walls, floors, windows, doors, plumbing and electrical systems included. In Bickleigh, where many homes are older or listed, our surveyors give extra attention to traditional details such as thatched roofs, stone walls, and historic joinery. We inspect from inside and from ground level outside, using trained judgement to pick up problems the untrained eye could miss.

Walls, roofs, gutters, and foundations all come under our external inspection. The report uses a straightforward traffic light rating, red for urgent work, amber for minor issues, and green where things are in good shape. Near the River Exe, we also note any sign of flooding or damp that matters more in a riverside village like this. External ground levels and drainage are checked carefully too, because in a valley setting, water ingress can be a real concern.

The Level 2 survey can also include a market valuation and an insurance reinstatement figure, so you have a clearer idea of what the property is worth and what it would cost to rebuild. Where we're asked to provide a valuation, we look at current market conditions in Bickleigh and compare the home with similar properties that have sold locally. That can be useful if defects turn up and you need room to negotiate. We also factor in Bickleigh’s Conservation Area status, listed building status, and its proximity to the River Exe.

We also carry out a visual check for damp and timber decay, which matters in Bickleigh because older building methods and the nearby River Exe can bring moisture issues into play. Our surveyors look for penetrating damp, rising damp, and wood rot, especially where water may gather or ventilation is poor. We do not carry out invasive damp testing, but the visual assessment is thorough and built on years of inspecting Devon properties.

• Roof and loft condition
• Wall structure and damp checks
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical basics
• Damp and timber decay assessment
• Market valuation (when requested)
• Flood risk visual assessment

Bickleigh has a village centre full of architectural character, which makes it stand out in Devon. Among the listed buildings are Bickleigh Bridge, dating from the early 17th century, and Bickleigh Castle, with its Grade I listed Gatehouse and Grade II* Chapel. Many of the homes here are period properties built using traditional methods, so they behave very differently from modern construction. That takes specialist knowledge, and our RICS surveyors bring it to every inspection. We've surveyed dozens of properties in Bickleigh, so we're familiar with the features that crop up again and again.

The River Exe valley setting does bring flood risk into the conversation, even though the current flood risk rating is very low. The River Exe from Tiverton to Exeter, including Bickleigh, is a designated flood warning area, and historical flood warnings have been issued here, including flooding at Bickleigh Bridge in January 2023. Our surveyors watch closely for damp, water staining, or signs of past flooding on homes near the river. We also check flood defences, ground levels, and drainage around the property, so you get a clearer picture of any moisture-related risk before you buy.

Thatched roofs are part of Bickleigh’s architectural identity, and many properties in the village still have traditional thatch. Our inspectors assess the condition of the thatch itself, looking for wear, moss growth, or structural problems that could lead to leaks. Stone walls are checked too, because they are common in older homes across the village and nearby. These materials need proper experience to judge well, and our team knows Devon properties inside out. On a thatched cottage, we look closely at everything from the ridging to any sign of water penetration.

Even newer homes in Bickleigh can benefit from a Level 2 survey, including properties in newer developments or those built recently. Problems can still show up in modern construction, and an independent inspection gives you a check before you commit to what may be one of the biggest purchases you'll ever make. We look at whether recent work appears to meet current building regulations and note any build-quality issues that may not stand out during a viewing. A casual walk-through will not pick up everything, but our survey can.

The Bickleigh Parish Neighbourhood Plan reflects the village's character and sets out provisions for new development within the parish. New-build schemes in Bickleigh are limited, but any newer homes in the area still benefit from the way we inspect. Modern properties can have faults too, from construction quality and material choices to design issues that only become obvious with time.