RICS Level 3 Building Survey in Clovelly

The RICS Level 3 Building Survey, once called a Structural Survey, is the most detailed property inspection available. Unlike a basic valuation, it looks closely at every accessible part of the building. Our inspectors check walls, floors, roof structure, foundations and the main building elements, so buyers get a full view of the property's condition. That matters especially in Clovelly, where older homes are common.

Clovelly has many period properties built with traditional methods, so a Level 3 survey really earns its keep here. The village includes older cottages and larger detached homes, many formed with local materials and time-honoured techniques that need specialist assessment. Our surveyors know how to spot issues linked to traditional Devon construction, from stone-walled cottages to houses with thatched or slate roofs.

Living by the coast brings its own set of problems, and Clovelly is no exception. Salt-laden air can speed up corrosion in metal fixings and wear down some building materials. Our surveyors examine external walls, render and joinery closely for salt damage that might pass unnoticed at first glance. We also look for signs of damp, past or present, as sea-facing properties can be more prone to it.

Our observations range from damp in traditional stone walls to the condition of thatched roofs on period cottages, so buyers know exactly what they are taking on. We also inspect outbuildings, boundaries and drainage systems that belong to the property. It is a practical, detail-led approach, and it gives buyers the information they need before committing.

• Complete structural assessment
• Detailed defect analysis
• Professional repair recommendations
• Market value commentary

In Clovelly, the age of many buildings creates specific risks that our surveyors are trained to spot. Structural movement, failing stonework, and older electrical and plumbing systems are all common in homes of this age. A Level 3 survey is built to identify those issues and explain how serious they are for a buyer.

Many Clovelly homes were built with solid walls, not the cavity walls found in newer housing. Our surveyors consider what that means for thermal efficiency and point out where improvements may be possible. We also look for previous alterations or extensions that may not have been done properly, because those can lead to structural problems later on.

Thatched roofs are attractive, but they need specialist assessment. Our surveyors know how to judge the condition of the thatch, check for water ingress, and estimate how much life the covering has left. We also inspect the roof structure beneath for rot or insect damage that could weaken it. Those findings go into the report with clear advice on any work that may be needed.

Salt degradation can affect external timbers, metal fixtures and render finishes in Clovelly. Our inspectors look carefully at those features and note any areas where maintenance is needed to slow further decay. Spotting these problems early can save a lot on future repairs, while also helping retain the character of the property for years to come.

The report from a RICS Level 3 Building Survey is written to be clear and useful from the first page. It starts with an executive summary highlighting the key findings and any urgent issues that need immediate attention. After that come detailed sections covering every part of the property, from the roof to the foundations. Each section includes photographs of any defects, so buyers can see exactly what the surveyor has found.

For buyers in Clovelly, the report also sets out how the property's age and construction type may affect maintenance over time. Our surveyors record signs of movement, damp, rot or structural defects that could affect value or lead to costly repairs. We know that period properties in this area need specific knowledge, and our reports reflect that.

Every defect is graded by severity, with a clear explanation of what it is, why it has happened and what repair work is advised. We use the same rating system throughout, which makes it easier to decide what needs urgent attention and what can wait. That kind of structure helps buyers plan the work that may follow completion.

We also give cost guidance for major repairs, which helps with budgeting after completion. That extra detail can be useful when negotiating the price or asking the seller to deal with repairs. Many buyers in the Clovelly area have used our reports to secure substantial concessions from sellers, more than covering the survey cost.