RICS Level 3 Building Survey Milton Damerel

A RICS Level 3 Building Survey, formerly known as a Full Structural Survey, is the most detailed inspection available for residential property. Our inspectors go through the building from foundation to roof, looking at structural elements, walls, floors, ceilings, and the condition of the building’s envelope. We examine all visible and accessible parts, note defects, explain their cause, and set out sensible remedial action. Accessible hatchways are opened, floorboards are lifted where it is safe, and we use moisture meters and damp detection equipment as part of the standard inspection.

Milton Damerel makes this especially relevant, because the local stock includes plenty of older homes built in traditional ways. Rendered stone rubble, cob walls, and slate roofs all need a trained eye if they are to be assessed properly. Our surveyors know how these materials behave in the local climate, and they can spot problems that a less experienced inspector may pass over. We have seen everything from medieval timber frames to Victorian additions, often within the same property.

What you receive is a report with a clear condition rating system, photographs of defects, and straightforward guidance on repairs and maintenance. We write it plainly, so you can see what needs doing now and what may come later, without pages of technical jargon. Each section is colour-coded to highlight the most serious issues, and where it is suitable we include estimated repair costs. Standard properties usually produce reports of 40-60 pages, which gives you the detail needed to make an informed decision.

Milton Damerel properties vary a great deal, from historic farmhouses to contemporary conversions, so our Level 3 Survey is adjusted to the concerns of each type. We look at everything from thatch or slate roofing to the condition of modern uPVC windows, giving you a clear picture of the property’s condition whatever its age or method of construction.

• Complete structural inspection
• Detailed defect analysis
• Condition ratings for all elements
• Repair recommendations and cost guidance
• Assessment of grounds and boundaries
• Flood risk evaluation for riverside properties

Particular local risks do crop up, and our surveyors are trained to pick them out. Because the River Waldon brings flood risk to riverside locations, we pay close attention to damp proofing, drainage, and any signs of earlier flood damage. We check external ground levels against internal floor heights, look at sub-floor ventilation, and judge whether the existing damp proof courses are doing their job. In our experience, some riverside homes have suffered periodic flooding, so we know the signs to look for.

Rendered stone rubble and cob walls, both widely used locally, can suffer from damp penetration if upkeep has slipped. We inspect render finishes for cracking and delamination, check pointing, and look for signs that water ingress has compromised the wall structure. Many properties here also include traditional timber-framed construction with infill panels, which can be affected by rot or insect infestation once moisture gets in. Our surveyors know these building methods well, and we can tell the difference between acceptable wear and urgent repair.

With Milton Damerel properties ranging from around £345,000 for bungalows to over £700,000 for larger detached homes, a Level 3 Survey offers real protection for a purchase of this size. A recent sale saw a detached house change hands for £800,000, which shows just how much buyers are putting into this rural spot. The average property price of £449,607 underlines the premium nature of the location, so it makes sense to know exactly what you are buying before committing serious funds. We have inspected homes across the full range, from modest bungalows to substantial period properties, and we focus on the issues that matter to each one.

• Flood risk assessment for riverside properties
• Evaluation of traditional cob and stone construction
• Identification of damp and timber decay
• Assessment of slate roofing condition
• Checking for previous subsidence or movement
• Review of listed building status and requirements

Within Torridge District, Milton Damerel has a broad mix of homes, from historic farmhouses to modern conversions. Development has been modest, with planning permissions granted for a range of residential projects, including conversions of redundant buildings into homes. At Sunny View, outline planning permission was granted for a new detached bungalow, while redundant buildings on that site received full planning permission for conversion into a one-bedroom and a three-bedroom property. Ley Farm gained permission for a new dwelling, and South View had a reserved matters application approved for a new home.

The village itself has several small developments and individual house builds, which suits its rural setting. You will find traditional stone cottages in the older part of the village, alongside modern bungalows on the main road. The parish also includes tiny hamlets such as Whitebeare, Strawberry Bank, East Wonford, and West Wonford, each with its own mix of older and newer property. We know the area well, and we understand how age and construction vary from one part of the parish to another.

Local amenities include a farm shop and tea rooms, while Holsworthy is about 7 miles away and has a Waitrose supermarket, a weekly livestock market, and the Mole Valley Farmers agricultural store. Primary schools are in Bradworthy and Holsworthy, and secondary education is available in both Holsworthy and Bude. That support network helps the community and adds to the area’s appeal for families and retirees, so homes here remain in demand despite the rural setting.

Outdoors, the area gives you plenty to do, with walking, riding, and water sports all close at hand. Surfing beaches at Bude and Tamar Lakes for sailing are both easy to reach, which is part of the draw for buyers after a rural lifestyle with coastal access. Milton Damerel is attractive for those reasons, although anyone buying here should keep in mind the property issues that can come with a North Devon hamlet.