RICS Level 2 Survey in Goodleigh

Our RICS Level 2 survey gives you a thorough check on the property's condition, picking up significant issues that could affect value or need urgent attention. We inspect all accessible parts of the home, from the roof down to the foundations, then produce a detailed report setting out defects, possible problems, and the actions we recommend. It is intended for properties in reasonable condition that have been built with conventional materials.

In Goodleigh, we regularly inspect homes built from local stone and other traditional materials, so we pay close attention to load-bearing walls, slate roofing, and any sign of movement or structural concern. The village lies on the boundary between Devonian slate and Carboniferous shales, which can affect foundation conditions, and our surveyors know the points to watch in this area. Homes on the slopes leading down to the River Yeo also call for careful checks on ground stability and drainage.

The report sets out clear condition ratings for each part of the property, including the roof, walls, windows, doors, and internal fixtures. We also include a market valuation and an insurance rebuilding cost estimate, so you have a fuller view of the property's true worth and the financial impact of any defects we find. We write our reports in plain English, with no unnecessary jargon, so you can see exactly what you are buying.

Where it is appropriate, we use moisture meters and thermal imaging equipment to help spot issues that may not show up in a standard visual inspection. That matters in Goodleigh's older properties, where solid wall construction and traditional building methods can conceal damp penetration or heat loss that is not immediately obvious.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, damp proof course, and insulation
• Floor timbers and construction
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical basics
• Damp and rot assessment
• Thermal efficiency observations
• Site boundaries and access

Goodleigh's housing stock tells the story of a traditional North Devon village. You will find everything from medieval farmhouses to relatively modern developments, and the population is around 398 residents, with a mix of long-term locals and people drawn here by the rural setting and easy reach of Barnstaple. Because the village has such a spread of property types and ages, surveys need to suit the building in front of us, and our team is used to dealing with everything from compact cottages to sizeable family homes.

Ground conditions are one of the local points worth checking carefully. Goodleigh sits on the boundary between Devonian slate and volcanic rocks to the north and Carboniferous shales to the south, and exposed bedrock can be seen along several village streets. Major structural problems are not typical, but our surveyors are trained to spot movement or foundation issues that could relate to those conditions, especially in homes built on the slopes leading down to the River Yeo.

Prices have shown a 31% adjustment from the 2023 peak, and with the market still finding its level, an accurate survey matters more than ever. Our reports include current market valuations based on local data, helping you decide whether the asking price reflects genuine value or leaves room for negotiation. We also look closely at drainage, particularly because the village sits on the northern slopes of the Coney Gut river valley.

Much of Goodleigh's historic village centre falls within the conservation area designated in 1975, and there are numerous Grade II and Grade II* listed buildings within it. Homes in the conservation area often call for a more detailed assessment because of their age and the requirements that come with preserving historic features. Our surveyors understand those constraints and can advise if a RICS Level 3 Building Survey would be the better option.

• Check boundary walls and fences for stability
• Inspect gutters and drainage for blockages
• Look for signs of damp in ground floor rooms
• Verify windows and doors open and close properly
• Check roof tiles for damage or missing sections
• Note any cracking to external walls

Surveying in Goodleigh means understanding how local buildings were actually put together. Traditional construction methods have been used here for centuries, and our surveyors know the defects that tend to appear in these building styles. Many homes in and around the village are built from local stone, often snecked rubble with ashlar dressings, quarried from the surrounding hillsides.

Traditional slate roofing is a common sight in Goodleigh, often finished with coped gable ends and crested ridge tiles, all reflecting the local geology and nearby slate deposits. We inspect these roofs carefully, looking for slipped or broken slates, failing ridge tiles, and any evidence of past water penetration. The Grade II* Church of St. Gregory shows some of the finest local stonework, with a west tower built in dressed stone, while many other village buildings are of more modest rubble construction.

Homes built before 1900 often have solid walls rather than cavity walls, and that can leave them more vulnerable to damp penetration, especially in exposed spots. We use specialist equipment to check moisture levels in walls and identify areas where remedial work may be needed. We also inspect lime mortar pointing, which is common in older properties, because cement-based repointing can trap moisture and damage the stonework underneath.

The area's agricultural past still shows in the number of barns and farm buildings converted into homes in recent years. These conversions can bring their own survey issues. Our inspectors are experienced in checking the structural integrity of former agricultural buildings, examining original timber frames, and identifying defects linked to the conversion work itself.