RICS Level 2 Survey in Loddiswell

Our RICS Level 2 survey is a careful visual check of the parts of the property we can safely reach. We look at the walls, roof, floors, doors, windows, chimneys and extensions, watching for damp, rot, movement in the structure and other defects. Around Loddiswell, where plenty of homes still show their period character and were built with local stone and render, our surveyors take extra care with the quirks that older construction can bring. You get an assessment of the property's general condition, along with any points that need prompt action or further investigation.

Services are included too. We inspect the visible parts of the electrical system, heating and drainage, although we do not carry out full testing. In the South Hams area, period homes can still have older drainage runs and dated wiring, so this part of the survey often picks up concerns that might otherwise only appear after purchase. The report sets out sensible repair and maintenance recommendations where we find them.

Loddiswell's housing stock is not something to assess from a checklist alone. Terraced homes account for 53.8% of recent sales, and many properties date from the Victorian or Edwardian periods, so solid wall construction is much more common than modern cavity walls. That changes how damp appears and how it should be judged. Our team has inspected hundreds of similar homes across Devon, and we know the signs that matter.

Outside, we check the elements that can be easy to overlook, including boundary walls, fences and outbuildings such as garages or sheds. Large gardens are not unusual around Loddiswell, so we also look at retaining walls and other garden structures where they are present. By the end, you have a rounded view of the property's condition, not just the main rooms.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, damp proof course, and render
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Chimneys and flues
• Floors, stairs, and balconies
• Bathrooms and kitchens
• Electrical and gas services
• Boundaries and outbuildings

Once the inspection is complete, we send you a clear survey report setting out what we found. The condition ratings use a traffic light system: green for no significant issues, amber for matters that need attention but are not urgent, and red for serious defects that could affect value or safety. Each section explains the finding in plain terms and gives practical next steps where work is likely to be needed.

In Loddiswell, our reports often pick up the same themes seen in older Devon homes: damp penetration through solid walls, worn slate or tile roofs, failing pointing and render, and electrical installations that look out of date. Where a problem needs a closer look, we will say so, for example by a structural engineer or damp specialist. The aim is simple, to give you enough detail to decide what the property is really asking of you.

We usually deliver the report within 3-5 working days of the inspection. After that, our surveyor follows up by phone to talk through the main findings with you directly. It is a useful chance to ask what a defect means in practice, how urgent it is, and what it may mean for your purchase. That personal contact is a big part of how we work.

• Clear condition ratings for each element
• Detailed descriptions of any defects found
• Prioritised recommendations for repairs
• Guidance on next steps and specialist referrals
• Market valuation (optional)
• Insurance rebuild cost (optional)

Many properties in the South Hams area, Loddiswell included, were built in ways that differ from modern houses. Solid walls are common, rather than cavity walls, and they can be more vulnerable to damp penetration where external render or internal plaster has failed. Our surveyors are trained to identify signs of rising damp and penetrating damp, both of which are regular issues in older Devon properties with solid wall construction.

Roofs deserve close attention in this part of Devon. Slate and clay tile coverings can last well, but cracked or slipped tiles, failing mortar pointing and defective flashing around chimneys and valleys are all common findings. With Loddiswell's rural position and exposure to coastal weather, small roof faults can become water ingress if left. Our survey checks the roof covering and structure, and we point out areas where repair work may be needed.

Some parts of Devon have clay soils, bringing a shrink-swell risk that can affect foundations over time. Loddiswell itself does not have a known mining history, but our surveyors still look carefully for settlement or structural movement that might suggest ground-related problems. Cracking patterns, sticking doors and windows, and uneven movement all get checked.

Older electrical systems are a frequent concern in period properties. Some homes in the area still have wiring that would not meet current regulations, which can raise safety and insurance questions. Our survey notes the visible age and condition of the electrical installation and, where appropriate, recommends a more detailed inspection by a qualified electrician.

• Rising and penetrating damp
• Roof tile damage and slipped slates
• Render and pointing deterioration
• Outdated electrical wiring
• Plumbing systems
• Chimney condition and flashing
• Window and door joinery rot
• Subsidence or structural movement