RICS Level 2 Home Survey in Taunton

Our RICS Level 2 Home Survey gives you a close, practical check of the property's visible and accessible parts, so we can judge overall condition and point out defects that need attention. We inspect the walls, roof, floors, doors, windows, and the visible plumbing and electrical systems, then set everything out in a clear traffic-light format, from red for urgent defects requiring immediate attention to green for no issues detected. We only assess accessible areas visually, without moving furniture or opening up concealed parts of the structure.

Taunton's housing stock is mixed, and that is exactly where this survey comes into its own. Across the area, we see everything from older homes in conservation areas with traditional Ham stone or cob walls to newer builds put up with modern brick and concrete methods. Our surveyors know the local patterns and the defects that often come with Somerset homes. We also take account of the local geology and climate, from reactive clay soils that can lead to subsidence to high rainfall that speeds up roof deterioration.

Beyond the condition ratings, the report gives practical guidance on repairs and maintenance, estimated costs for remedial work, and notes on legal issues that could affect the property. We also look at environmental risks relevant to Taunton, including flood risk linked to the River Tone and possible ground movement in certain locations. Because our surveyors know the town's flood history, we can spot visible signs of earlier water damage or poor damp-proofing.

• Wall condition and structural integrity
• Roof covering and flashings
• Damp and timber decay assessment
• Electrical and plumbing condition
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Drainage and gutters
• Fire safety and insulation
• Energy efficiency observations

We regularly come across the same problems in Taunton surveys, and damp and mould sit high on that list. They are especially common in older homes with solid walls, or in properties where modern impervious materials have been used the wrong way. Somerset's higher rainfall tends to make matters worse when ventilation is poor or damp-proof courses have failed. We also often find penetrating damp linked to defective render or inadequate rainwater goods, particularly in homes built with traditional cob or stone walls that need to breathe.

Roofs are another recurring issue in our Taunton reports. We see slipped and cracked tiles on period homes, and failing flat roof coverings on extensions and garages. In places such as Staplegrove, Trull, and the conservation zones, many older houses still have their original roof coverings, which may be historically appropriate but close to the end of their serviceable life. We check ridge tiles, flashings, and mortar carefully, and we flag any point where water ingress could develop.

Another major area of concern is outdated electrics and plumbing. Homes built before the 1970s can still have original wiring that falls short of current regulations, and we still encounter lead or galvanised steel pipework in properties that have not been modernised. During the inspection, we look at consumer units, visible wiring condition, and pipework materials, then highlight any safety issues that need prompt attention from qualified electricians and plumbers. We also note the apparent age and condition of the electrical installation and whether it seems to comply with 18th Edition wiring regulations.

Ground movement can affect some parts of Taunton, particularly where clay soils are present and trees stand close to buildings, creating a risk of subsidence or foundation trouble. Specific mining risk data for Taunton is limited, but our surveyors are trained to watch for signs such as cracking, settlement, or other structural movement that could point to foundation issues. In areas like Firepool, or closer to the river, we may also find signs of past flooding or high water tables affecting sub-floor ventilation.

A proper assessment in Taunton starts with understanding how the place has been built. The town has a broad architectural range, from medieval timber-framed buildings to contemporary new-builds. In traditional properties, Ham stone is a familiar feature, that distinctive golden limestone from nearby Ham Hill used widely for walls and decorative details. Older rural homes around the town can also include cob construction made from earth and straw.

In Taunton town centre, and in streets such as The Crescent and Mount Street, Victorian and Edwardian homes often have solid brick walls laid in Flemish bond with lime mortar. Those walls need careful treatment, because modern cement-based renders or impermeable paints can trap moisture and create damp problems. Our surveyors understand these traditional methods and can recognise where unsuitable modern materials have been applied to historic fabric.

New development has changed the picture in Taunton, bringing construction methods such as cavity wall insulation, timber-frame construction, and modern brick and block techniques. Orchard Grove, Quantock Park, and Killams Park are good examples of current building practice, and they differ markedly from the town's older housing stock. We are used to surveying both traditional and modern homes, and we know the defects that tend to be specific to each type.

There is extra complexity in Taunton's conservation areas, including Middle Street, High Street, Castle Green, Bath Place, The Crescent, and Mount Street/Vivary Park, where 118 Grade II* listed buildings call for specialist consideration. Homes in these locations can come with restrictions on alterations and need particular care during both survey and renovation. Our team understands the added challenges involved in inspecting historic and listed buildings, and where it fits the property, we may recommend a Level 3 Building Survey.