Guides and advice

Home Surveys in North Devon

We carry out RICS Home Surveys across North Devon and Torridge, from the Exmoor coast to the Cornish border. Our surveyors travel from our base near Exeter, so you get the same chartered surveyors and the same standard of report wherever you are buying.

Where we survey

We cover Barnstaple, Bideford, Northam, Appledore, Westward Ho!, Ilfracombe, Braunton, Croyde, Woolacombe, South Molton, Great Torrington, Holsworthy, Lynton and Lynmouth, Combe Martin and Chulmleigh, and the rural parishes in between.

Homes we see in North Devon

Exposed coastal homes in Ilfracombe, Woolacombe, Croyde and Westward Ho!. Driving rain and salt-laden wind wear out roofs, render, windows and metalwork quickly, and damp penetration through walls is common.
Victorian and Edwardian town houses in Barnstaple, Bideford and Ilfracombe, many converted into flats. We check shared roofs and structure, and flag where the lease or management arrangements need your solicitor's attention.
Stone, cob and thatched farmhouses and cottages across the rural areas around South Molton, Torrington and Holsworthy, often with later extensions and barn conversions alongside. These need a Level 3 survey.
Modern estates on the edges of Barnstaple, Bideford and Braunton. A traditionally built home under 50 years old that has not been extended usually needs a Level 2 survey.

Local points we look out for

Homes near the Taw and Torridge estuaries and in Lynmouth can be in flood risk areas. Coastal cliffs and steep valley sites can bring land stability questions. Many rural homes have private drainage, such as septic tanks, and private water supplies, which your solicitor and insurer will ask about. We point out anything that needs further checks before you exchange.

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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