Get a free instant quote for a property survey in Devon
The surveyor who produces your report will be local to Devon with knowledge of the area. We work with RICS qualified surveyors around the country who offer high quality property surveys at a great price. Surveyor Local gives you piece of mind and offers RICS HomeBuyer Reports, Building Surveys and Property Valuations.
Fast turnaround
The reports are a fast turnaround while still being accurate, so you'll have everything you need in no time.
RICS qualified
You can trust our reports as they are all regulated by RICS, assuring standards and professional guidance.
Traffic-light ratings
Each report comes with a handy traffic-light system to illustrate all aspects of the property clearly.
Surveying in Devon made easy with Surveyor Local
Are you planning to buy a property in Devon? Then one of the first things you'll need is a property survey. Getting a property survey doesn't have to be complicated. At Surveyor Local we can help you make an informed decision about any property you plan to buy.
We offer Homebuyer Reports (RICS Level 2), Building Surveys (RICS Level 3), and Property Valuations. So get things moving in a matter of moments with an online quote, call us on , or request a callback.
Arranging a building survey in Devon
Found a property you want to buy and need to arrange a building survey in Devon? No matter which part of this historic county you intend to purchase in, you can arrange the building survey you need through Surveyor Local.
From the biggest towns such as Torquay, Paignton and Newton Abbot to picturesque and historic spots such as Appledore and Salcombe, Surveyor Local can arrange the essential Cheshire building survey you need.
We only work with chartered Devon surveyors registered with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to guarantee you the highest quality service at affordable prices.
Read on to find the answers to our most frequently asked questions about building surveys in Devon.
I intend to buy a flat in Devon. What sort of survey should I instruct?
Whatever type of property you intend to buy in Devon, the decision on which building survey is best will depend on a number of factors. For example, a full structural survey known as a Building Survey (RICS Level 3) will provide a more in-depth examination and explanation of the fabric of a building. This might be more appropriate when buying a flat or apartment because the surveyor can be asked to provide an opinion on shared areas of a property, such as the roof area, hallways and stairwells.
We're cash buyers on a cottage in Devon. Do we need to bother with any kind of structural survey, or will a Homebuyer Report (RICS Level 2) be enough?
It's always best to be forewarned about any potential issues with a property, and those buying without a mortgage need to protect their investment just as a lender would. A Building Survey (RICS Level 3) is the most comprehensive and technical survey offered by Blaenau Gwent RICS surveyors working with Surveyor Local. An examination of the property's accessible areas - both interior and exterior - will inform an in-depth report on its construction, any visible defects and their causes, and any recommendations on repair and maintenance options. A Homebuyer Report (RICS Level 2) would also identify any structural issues, such as subsidence, but this will not be as thorough an examination as the Building Survey.
In the HomeBuyer Report (RICS Level 2), what does an amber light rating mean for joinery and finishes?
Your Devon property surveyor will mark each aspect of the property included in Section E with either a green, orange or red rating, to indicate to what extent each defect requires attention. Amber, or condition rating 2 defects will need to be repaired or replaced at some point, but this may not be urgent. This section includes visual aspects of the roof, checked with the aid of binoculars where appropriate. The condition of decorations to all joinery elements will be investigated. Flashing or joint defects, for example, would be reported here.
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We have learnt that Devon properties built on clay soil can experience problems. Will a survey look into this?
The content of soil around the foundations of a Devon property will have an impact. In Devon's relatively mild climate, the variations in volume which clay soil experiences will be barely noticeable but extended dry or wet spells may well impact soil stability and affect the property itself. Visible results may be anything from cracked plaster to a sticking door in the kitchen. Taking precautions, such as monitoring the moisture content of the soil around the foundations, and taking steps to keep the level reasonably stable, can make long term maintenance easier, and keep repair costs down. If soil water levels must be kept stable, uniform spread of the moisture is also important. Your surveyor may be able to offer practical suggestions as to how this can be achieved
Will a Devon Homebuyer Report (RICS Level 2)go into detail on the electrics?
Whether carrying out a Home Buyer Report (RICS Level 2) examination or a Building Survey (RICS Level 3), a Devon RICS chartered surveyor will look at the condition of the electrics, including an overview of the fuse board, its age and condition; any visible wiring; electrical fittings such as showers and light fittings. If the electrics are in an unsatisfactory or dangerous state of repair, the surveyor will highlight this in the subsequent report. Where available, the surveyor will also examine any documentation from electrical wiring tests that have been carried out by an electrician.
We are buying a Devon property but are worried about a pest infestation. Do we need a property surveyor?
Pests, such as rats, may sometimes seem a small or even irrelevant matter when buying in Devon. Unfortunately, the threat they pose to a property is very real and can be expensive to resolve. It is vital that buyers consider this oft-overlooked aspect when making an offer. Woodworm, or larvae of the common furniture beetle, may be identified after finding neat small holes in wood, accompanied by piles of wood dust beneath. Treatment for an infestation may include chemical treatment. It's worth remembering that signs may not be evident for weeks or even months.
We are purchasing an old Devon cottage with stone walls. Are there specific matters to bear in mind?
The sturdy appearance of stone walls may hide serious concerns. Defects affecting stone-built Devon properties can vary, but cracks are relatively common. Regular stone describes cut stone, generally forming brick-like courses. These may require less maintenance than more irregularly built walls, but this is heavily dependent on the type of stone used.
What is subsidence and how can it be remedied?
Subsidence is defined as movement of the foundations of a home, but some degree of movement will always occur. In Devon, one issue that causes subsidence to occur is soil on ground which is on an incline as it is not as stable as soil on horizontal ground. In very wet or flooded conditions, the soil layer could become unsteady and start sliding downward. Inside the house, watch out for sticking doors or windows. Identifying the cause is a necessary first step. If load-bearing parts have been damaged, these may be repaired with steel rods, fixed with cement to restore the structural integrity of the building. A property may need to be monitored for several months before clear evidence of movement is found.
Arrange your Devon building survey with Surveyor Local
Get an online quote or call now on to talk to our friendly team today. You can also request a callback at a time that's most convenient to you. We're open late Monday to Friday and from 10am until 4pm every Saturday.