RICS Level 2 Survey in Exeter

Our RICS Level 2 Survey gives a visual inspection of all accessible parts of the property. We look at the main structural elements, walls, roofs, foundations, and floors, so you get a clear picture of the building’s current condition. The survey covers the outside too, including walls, windows, doors, and roofing materials, alongside the interior, where we check ceilings, walls, floors, and built-in fixtures. Our surveyors work through each element in turn, recording the construction method and the materials used.

Exeter has a large amount of Victorian and Edwardian housing, so our inspectors keep a close eye on the issues that often turn up in older homes. That means checking for damp, especially rising damp in solid wall constructions, looking at the condition of original slate and tile roofs, and spotting any structural movement that could point to foundation problems. We also review services such as plumbing, electrical wiring, and heating systems, and we note any obvious defects or areas that fall short of current safety standards. In places like St David's and Newtown, traditional construction methods are common, and they need an experienced eye.

One of the strongest features of the RICS Level 2 format is the traffic light rating system. Every part of the property is given a red, amber, or green rating, depending on its condition. Red means serious issues that need urgent attention, amber highlights defects that should be repaired but are not urgent, and green shows that the element is in satisfactory condition. The system makes it easier to weigh up your negotiations with the seller and set aside the right budget for any remedial work. Our reports set out what each rating means in plain terms, so the seriousness of any issue is clear.

The survey also comes with a market valuation and an insurance rebuilding cost estimate, which helps you judge whether the price is right and whether your cover is sufficient. Our assessors use local knowledge of the Exeter market to produce valuations that reflect current conditions. We also draw on recent sales data from the Exeter area, including comparable homes in Heavitree, Topsham, and St Leonard's, so the valuation is firmly grounded in reality.

• Structural elements
• Roof condition
• Damp assessment
• Electrical systems
• Plumbing and drainage
• Windows and doors
• Interior finishes
• Energy efficiency

Level 2 Surveys in Exeter often turn up a familiar set of problems because the city’s housing stock is so varied. Damp is especially common in older homes, many of which have solid wall construction without modern damp proof courses. Our inspectors see rising damp in ground floor rooms, penetrating damp caused by defective rainwater goods or damaged pointing, and condensation in properties with poor ventilation. These issues are particularly common in Victorian and Edwardian terraces, which make up around 30% of the city’s housing, especially in areas like St Leonard's and Heavitree where traditional red sandstone construction is common.

Roof defects are another regular finding in Exeter surveys. Many properties still have their original slate or clay tile roofs, and although they are durable, they do eventually need attention. Our surveyors check for missing or slipped tiles, deteriorated lead flashing around chimneys and valleys, and damaged or blocked gutters. On properties with flat roofs, which are common on extensions and garage conversions, we look for ponding, membrane deterioration, and poor falls that can let water in. Homes in the city centre, especially around the Cathedral Green and High Street areas, often have complex roof layouts that call for careful inspection.

We also identify timber defects, including wet rot, dry rot, and woodworm infestation, in a good number of Exeter properties, particularly where damp or poor ventilation are part of the picture. Our inspectors check window frames, door frames, floor joists, and roof timbers for signs of decay. Where a property has suspended timber floors, common in pre-1919 construction, we assess the joists and floorboards and look for deflection or rot that could indicate structural concerns. Exeter’s relatively high rainfall and older building methods mean timber deterioration is a recurring theme in our reports.

Many Exeter homes, especially those built before 1980, also show outdated electrical and plumbing systems. Original wiring that no longer meets current regulations, galvanised steel pipes that may be corroded, and old consumer units without proper RCD protection are all noted in our reports. The survey is visual, so we do not test these systems, but our experienced surveyors can still pick out obvious deficiencies that should be checked by qualified electricians and plumbers. Plenty of homes in established areas like St David's and Newtown still retain their original electrical systems, and that can raise safety concerns.

Exeter keeps growing, and several new developments are taking shape across the city. At Tithe Barn (EX2 8GL), Burrington Estates is building 3, 4, and 5 bedroom homes from £395,000. Cavanna Homes at Elm Park (EX2 5AE) offers 2, 3, and 4 bedroom properties from £320,000, while Barratt Homes at Hillside Gardens (EX4 8HN) has homes from £299,995. Bovis Homes at Victoria Heights (EX2 5GL) is another choice for buyers looking for modern homes from £399,995. These schemes represent major investment in Exeter’s housing stock and are appealing for families planning a move to the area.

New build homes often come with NHBC warranty cover, but a RICS Level 2 Survey can still be useful because it can pick up snagging issues or defects that are not obvious at first glance. Our inspectors are used to assessing modern construction methods and can identify concerns such as poor insulation, substandard workmanship, or design flaws that may not be covered by the builder’s warranty. Even on a new property, an independent assessment is a sensible step before you commit your funds. Typical issues in new builds include sealant failures around windows, poor ventilation, and minor structural defects that the warranty may not fully cover.

For buyers looking at properties in Exeter’s conservation areas, including City Centre, St Leonard's, St David's, and Newtown, a RICS Level 2 Survey may still be suitable, though our surveyors will highlight any concerns linked to listed building status or conservation rules. The city centre and the areas around Cathedral Green, High Street, and Southernhay have a high concentration of listed buildings, reflecting Exeter’s rich historical heritage. If a property has significant historical interest or unusual construction, we may recommend a RICS Level 3 Building Survey instead, as it gives a more detailed assessment of traditional materials and historic features.