RICS Level 2 Survey in Hartland

Our inspectors carry out a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of your Hartland property. We look at the roof structure, walls, windows, doors, plumbing, electrical systems, and damp. Both the interior and exterior are checked for structural movement, timber decay, and water ingress, all of which matter in this coastal part of North Devon. We also inspect accessible loft spaces carefully, noting the condition of rafters, purlins, and any insulation already in place.

With Hartland so close to the sea and with many older properties in the village, our surveyors pay close attention to damp and salt erosion in traditional stone and render-faced buildings. Roof coverings are examined for slipped or damaged slates, something we often see where slate roofing is in place, and we look at gutters and drainage, which can suffer during the area’s seasonal weather patterns. In this coastal setting, we also check fixings for corrosion and mortar pointing for deterioration, as salt-laden winds can speed both up.

The survey report uses clear traffic light ratings for every element inspected, from red for urgent defects that need immediate attention to green for a satisfactory condition. We also give practical maintenance guidance and estimated repair costs, so you can budget properly for any work needed after your Hartland property purchase. The report is written to be clear and useful, with a dedicated section that brings the main findings together.

Every key building element is inspected in a set order, so nothing is missed. From the foundation substructure right up to the roof, our approach gives a clear picture of the condition of your potential Hartland home.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, foundations and substructure
• Windows, doors and joinery
• Damp and timber assessment
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• Drainage and gutters
• Boundary walls and outbuildings

Your RICS Level 2 survey report gives a clear assessment of the property’s condition based on what our surveyor could see at the time of the visit. We do not move furniture or lift floorboards, but we do inspect accessible loft spaces, look behind furniture where possible, and use moisture meters to detect hidden damp issues that are especially relevant in properties with solid walls. Our surveyors are trained to get the best possible view of the condition within the limits of a visual inspection.

For Hartland properties, the report will flag any concerns about the roof structure, which matters even more where slate roofs are common and some original tiles may now be reaching the end of their lifespan. We also assess gutters and downpipes, which in a village setting can be affected by overhanging trees and ordinary wear from coastal weather. Any signs of previous repairs or non-traditional alterations are noted too, since they can affect both value and future maintenance needs.

The report comes with a Market Valuation and Insurance Rebuild Cost as standard. The current average property value in Hartland at £296,443 gives useful context for the survey findings, and the rebuild cost matters when arranging suitable building insurance cover for your new home. Our valuation is based on current market data specific to the Hartland area, so you get a realistic view of the property worth.

We know a survey report can feel a lot to take in, especially if it brings bad news. That is why we put a clear summary at the front, highlighting the main findings, then follow it with more detailed sections for each building element. This two-tier format means you can pick up the key issues quickly, while still having the full technical detail if you need it.

• Condition ratings for all key building elements
• Estimated repair costs and priority recommendations
• Market valuation based on Hartland area data
• Rebuild cost for insurance purposes
• Advice on any further specialist investigations needed

From our experience surveying properties across Hartland and the wider North Devon area, we regularly come across a handful of issue types that affect homes in this part of the country. Knowing about these possible problems before you buy can help you make a better-informed decision and budget properly for any repairs or maintenance that may follow.

Damp is one of the most frequently identified issues in Hartland properties, especially in older buildings with solid walls or homes built using traditional methods like cob or stone with render. The village’s coastal location means properties are exposed to wind-driven rain, which can work its way into porous external walls over time. Our surveyors use professional moisture meters to assess damp levels in walls and floors, so we can spot both existing problems and areas at risk of future damp.

Roof condition is another area where we often find concerns in Hartland properties. Many homes in the area have slate roofing, and although slate is durable, problems can develop as tiles reach the end of their natural lifespan. We regularly note slipped or damaged slates, deteriorated pointing around verges and ridges, and signs of earlier water ingress into loft spaces. With so much of Hartland’s housing stock being older, roof surveys are an essential part of the assessment.

Timber defects, including rot and woodworm, are also commonly picked up in Hartland properties, particularly in older buildings where original timber elements have been in place for many decades. We inspect all accessible timber, including floor joists, roof timbers, and window frames, looking for signs of active decay or past insect infestation that could affect structural integrity or lead to expensive remedial work.

• Rising and penetrating damp in solid-wall properties
• Slate roof deterioration and slipped tiles
• Timber rot and woodworm in structural elements
• Deteriorated stone pointing and render
• Outdated electrical wiring in older properties
• Drainage and gutter maintenance issues
• Window and door joinery deterioration