Guides and advice

Home Surveys in Exeter and East Devon

ClystCore is based at Winslade Park in Clyst St Mary, a few minutes from Exeter, so Exeter and East Devon are on our doorstep. We carry out RICS Home Surveys at Levels 1, 2 and 3 for buyers across the city and the surrounding towns and villages, usually within days of instruction.

Where we survey

We cover the whole of Exeter, including Heavitree, St Thomas, Pennsylvania, St Leonards, Pinhoe, Alphington, Topsham and the new homes at Cranbrook. Across East Devon we regularly survey in Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth, Ottery St Mary, Honiton, Axminster, Seaton, Beer and Colyton. We also cover Mid Devon towns including Crediton, Tiverton and Cullompton, and the villages in between.

Homes we see in Exeter and East Devon

The housing here is varied, and the right survey depends on what you are buying:

Victorian and Edwardian terraces in Heavitree, St Thomas, Mount Pleasant and Newtown. Common issues include tired roof coverings, damp to solid walls, altered chimney breasts and older extensions at the rear.
Cob and thatched cottages in villages around Ottery St Mary, Honiton and the Exe valley. Cob needs to breathe, and cement renders, modern paints and raised ground levels often cause damp and decay. These homes need a Level 3 survey.
Coastal homes in Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton and Sidmouth, where wind-driven rain and salt air are hard on roofs, windows and render.
Post-war and modern estates across Exeter's suburbs, and new-build homes at Cranbrook and on the city edge. A home under 50 years old that has not been extended usually needs a Level 2 survey. Level 1 is only for an unaltered new build.

Local points we look out for

Parts of Exeter sit on clay and river terrace soils, where trees close to a house can contribute to movement. Homes near the Exe, the Clyst and the Otter can be in flood risk areas, which affects insurance. In Exeter's conservation areas and on listed buildings, alterations need consent, so we flag anything your solicitor should check.

Which survey level is right?

We follow the RICS Home Survey Standard and recommend the level that fits the property, not the one that costs most.

Level 1 Condition Report: only for a new-build home that has not been altered.
Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey: for a traditionally built home under 50 years old that has not been extended. It rates the condition of each part of the property and gives advice on repairs and maintenance. A market valuation and rebuild cost can be added.
Level 3 Building Survey: for homes 50 years old or more, and for any home that has been extended or altered, is of non-traditional construction, or is listed, thatched or unusual. It describes construction and defects in full, with likely causes, options and outline repair costs.

Not sure? Use the helper on our RICS Home Surveys page, or call us on 01392 933392 and we will tell you honestly.

What you get

An inspection by a RICS regulated chartered surveyor from ClystCore, not a subcontracted panel surveyor.
A report written in plain English, with the important points first.
Drone and thermal imaging where they help, for roofs, chimneys and hidden damp.
A call from your surveyor once the report is ready, to talk it through and answer your questions.
Points for your solicitor to check, such as alterations, planning and building regulations.

Other areas we cover

Get a survey quote

Tell us the address, the type of property and when you need the report. Request a quote online, email info@clystcore.com or call us on 01392 933392.

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