RICS Level 2 Survey in Churchstow

Our RICS Level 2 survey gives a detailed visual inspection of all accessible parts of the property. Our inspectors look at the walls, roof, floors, doors and windows, then assess their current condition and pick out any defects that could affect value or safety. We also check the services, including gas, electricity and water, to see whether they appear safely installed and working.

The report uses a straightforward rating system, with conditions scored from one to three. A rating of one means no repair is needed right now, while condition rating two points to defects that need repair or replacement, but are not serious or urgent. Condition rating three is for serious defects that need urgent attention before the property can be occupied safely.

For Churchstow homes, our surveyors pay close attention to the construction details seen across South Devon. Many properties here have traditional stone or rendered external walls, with roofs usually finished in slate or clay tiles. Our inspectors know how these materials cope in the local climate, and can spot weathered pointing, slipped tiles or damp penetration that a less experienced eye might miss.

South Hams sees relatively high rainfall compared with other parts of England, so our surveyors always look closely at roof condition, gutter integrity and signs of damp in properties. We have found that many older Churchstow homes suffer from poor ventilation, which can lead to condensation problems that may not be structurally serious, but can still damage fixtures and fittings if left alone.

• External walls and brickwork
• Roof structure and coverings
• Windows and doors
• Damp and moisture detection
• Electrical and gas services
• Insulation and ventilation

The Churchstow property market has shifted sharply in recent years, with home.co.uk data showing prices were 46% down on the previous year and 48% down from the 2022 peak of £775,000. Even after that correction, values remain high, with the average home in Churchstow still representing a £400,000 investment. Against that backdrop, a professional RICS Level 2 survey offers buyers important protection, flagging issues that could hit value or lead to expensive repairs.

Many properties in Churchstow date from the mid-20th century or earlier, so they may have picked up alterations and additions over the decades. Our surveyors are used to spotting where changes have been made and judging whether they appear to have been carried out properly. We look for visible signs that electrical work, plumbing or structural alterations may need a specialist to investigate further.

The South Hams district is admired for its countryside, but the rural setting brings its own considerations for buyers. Depending on the exact location, Churchstow properties may rely on private water supplies or septic tanks rather than mains connections. Our survey includes a visual check of these services, and if we identify non-mains water or drainage arrangements, we report that clearly so you can arrange the right specialist inspections.

In Churchstow, we often see traditional building methods that differ from modern construction practice. Solid walls, rather than cavity walls, are common in older properties, which affects insulation performance and the way damp is assessed. Our surveyors know these construction types well and can identify issues that might not stand out in a newer home built to current standards.

Your Churchstow RICS Level 2 survey report is set out in a standard format that makes the condition of your potential new home easy to follow. It starts with a property summary, covering the construction, age and tenure of the property. That section gives important context for reading the findings later in the report. If the property is a listed building or lies within a conservation area, we note that clearly in the summary.

The main report then works through each major part of the property, from the roof to the foundations. Our surveyor gives a clear overall condition for each element using the RICS condition rating system. Where we find defects, the report sets out what the issue is, what may have caused it, and what action you should think about taking. Each section uses traffic-light style colour coding, making it easy to see which areas need urgent attention.

For properties in Churchstow and the wider South Hams area, our surveyor will also note local factors that may affect the building. That includes any visible evidence of past flooding or drainage problems, the condition of boundary walls or fences, and any alterations or extensions that may need further investigation. The report also draws attention to matters that would normally call for specialist inspection, such as a detailed structural survey or environmental search.

The optional market valuation included with your survey gives an independent view of the property's current value, based on comparable sales in the Churchstow area. That can be especially helpful given the recent shifts in the local market, giving you confidence that the price you are paying reflects current conditions. The rebuild cost assessment also helps you arrange suitable buildings insurance cover for your new property.

• Clear condition ratings for every element
• Photographic evidence of defects
• Practical recommendations for repairs
• Guidance on priority of work needed
• Market valuation (optional)
• Rebuild cost for insurance purposes

From our extensive work surveying properties in Churchstow, we have seen a number of issues come up time and again. Many South Hams homes use traditional building methods that, while solid and durable, can pose problems for modern living. Solid wall construction, common in older properties, often performs less well thermally than modern cavity wall builds, and our surveyors always assess and report on that.

Roof problems are among the most common defects we find in Churchstow properties. The local climate, with rainfall above average, places real demands on roofing materials and drainage systems. We regularly spot slipped or broken tiles, deteriorated pointing along ridge lines and moss growth that can hold moisture against roof timbers. Our surveyors inspect all accessible roof areas with care, including flat roof sections that may be prone to ponding and early deterioration.

Damp penetration is another frequent finding in properties across the South Hams region. The mix of age, traditional construction and local weather means damp can develop in homes that otherwise appear to be in good condition. We use our experience to identify both the presence of damp and its likely cause, whether that is rising damp, penetrating damp from faulty gutters or roof coverings, or condensation caused by poor ventilation.

Electrical and plumbing installations in older properties often need a closer look. We visually check consumer units, wiring and plumbing fixtures where accessible, noting any visible concerns that may justify further investigation by qualified electricians or plumbers. Many older Churchstow homes will have electrical installations that pre-date current regulations, and our report will clearly flag any areas where professional electrical testing is recommended before completion of your purchase.